Career Tasks December 1, 2016

Today was the first day I worked with the store manager as my mentor at Hollister. It was very easy to interact with him, but I was only nervous because he taught me his responsibilities by having me help him with those tasks that he does on a daily basis. In a way, you can say that he gave me the authority to seek the world of store managing myself but only by his instructions. My major responsibility today was to observe the store associates and ask of them to do certain tasks that the store manager had in mind for them to do. I was to make sure that associates would stick with responsibilities of their own such as greeting, following up with, and thanking people. Along with those responsibilities of theirs, they had to split those attentions with what I had for them to do. Closet and table sets had to be switched from one room to another, and everyone had to collaborate with one another, especially brand representatives. As a store manager, I could see that their time is very limited with their associates because they work up to four hours, which is why it is needed to instruct them with the right resources and plan beforehand so that the goal is reached. I was to give these instructions as my mentor was busy making phone calls, leaving messages to the district manager and doing paperwork. I kept following up with the associates and they seemed to be doing a pretty good job because they did everything as I instructed them to. I was also to make sure that I made the store environment a welcoming place. I also had to help the associate. My checklist was almost fully completed by the time my mentor came to check in. He was glad to see that the room sets were in place. The only complication with this task was that I, myself am and associate of Hollister and my coworkers didn't seem to understand why I was telling them to do certain tasks. They even asked me if I was the new manger. They didn't hesitate to do what I had them do, but they were confused. Good thing my mentor talked to them telling them that for now I was to take some things in order because I am trying to understand different career options and that his career was one of them. I managed to get through the day which was a little stressful only because it was busy, but I'm glad I got a chance to know that I made the store better with my help and assistance. For the next task I will be present when the district manager stops by to do the weekly check for the store. I'm very excited because I've never met the district manager before and I want to make sure that I learn from her as well.

Time logged for this session: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours


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