Major(s): BA in History

Current Job Title: Merchandise Coordinator for Men's Neckwear

Organization: Marshall Field's Headquarters

Brief description of your job: I am responsible for setting up items in our systems by attaching UPC codes, color, size, and other item attributes to each individual item.  I deal with vendors issues such as shipping, obtaining samples and gathering item attribute information.  I work closely with a Business Analyst and a buyer and aid in choosing styles and color patterns we feel will best represent our current trends.  In addition to these tasks I am also responsible for our departments advertising.  I make sure that I keep in close contact with the vendors to ensure that we are able to advertise our products in a timely manner.

How have you found these positions? I heard about this position from word of mouth.  I have a lot of friends that started off at either Marshall Field's or Target as a merchandise coordinator.

What skills from your degree do you use in your current work? The degree that I obtained from college doesn't outwardly pertain to my major but I use the skills that I gained from my experience at college everyday. I use my ability to work in groups as well as by myself.  I am able to put together spreadsheets with data that can be used by everyone.  I use my research skills in order to further investigate problems that have come about even from before I started in my current position.  There are manythings that my college career has taught me that have aided in my success in my current position.

What advice do you have for current students? Don't wait to your last semester of college to find a career.  Start looking your junior year so you can get your name out there and therefore you will have a better chance of getting the job that best fits you.  Also if need be you will be able to choose classes that will help you in your upcoming career.