Last week we shared internship experiences from University of Florida’s David F. Miller Center for Retailing Education and Research program. Part one (of our three-part series), highlighted students who interned for Toys “R” Us, Brown Shoe Company, Beall’s Department Stores, Firestone Complete Auto Care and Winn-Dixie.

Part two features students who had internships at JC Penney, Macy’s, Target, Walgreens and Dillard’s. The below excerpts are taken from the university’s newsletter The Retail NaviGator. Read on to hear about why interns say that retail is “way more than just checking out customers” and “since I was doing what I love, it simply didn’t feel like work!”

Student: Breanne Greer

Interned at: JC Penney (an NRFF Partner Company)

What I Did: From the first day of my internship, I was told I was not going to be a glorified associate, but a member of the management team. I was paired with a Sales Manager who served as my mentor throughout my experience. I learned everything there is to know about running a department store for one of America’s most well-known retailers. I spent each week in a different department where I became knowledgeable about the different merchandise and lifestyles JC Penney captures with their private brands. I was also able to assist in the set execution for the back to school season and even merchandised the entire men’s athletic department.

What I Learned: I learned that retail is way more than just checking out customers…. At the end of my internship, I was given an assignment to complete a SWOT analysis on customer service, merchandise and store environment for JC Penney and four of its competitors. This assignment allowed me to apply what I learned to determine what sets JC Penney apart from its competition. After I concluded my findings, I made a presentation on them to the store management team and gained important feedback.

In Closing: After my ten short weeks, I knew retail is more than a [cash] register and that it was an industry for me. I am glad I chose JC Penney to get my career started in the retail industry. They provided me with opportunities I would not be able to gain elsewhere and taught me leadership skills that I know I can take with me into my future endeavors. Read the full recap…

Student: Ankit Bavishi

Interned at: Macy’s

What I Did: My training included shadowing almost every position available with Macy’s at the store level. I was very impressed with this because I was able to see how members of the Macy’s team inspire each other and how important such energy can be when serving our customers. Macy’s gives its associates many opportunities to grow in any way they choose. This is a part of the whole concept of “MyMacys,” which is a program recently introduced. I learned how quickly one can climb the corporate ladder in a number of career paths available within the company.

What I Learned: As an intern, I was given the opportunity to explore any detailed aspect about Macy’s; I chose to delve a bit deeper into the company’s private label brands. These brands are important to Macy’s because of the benefits they have for the consumer, as well as the company. My most cherished experience was being able to present my research about the private labels to a room full of executives, including the chief private brands officer (and a former CEO), as well as the regional vice president of Macy’s. I am excited even writing about this!

In Closing: Macy’s offers careers to progressive-thinking students across the nation. Macy’s provides the best in training and really prepares students for growing within the company. Even as an intern at the store level, I was able to learn the operations of a Macy’s store, but I was also given the training to continue to grow with the company. Read the full recap…

Student: Keri Waldron

Interned at: Target

What I Did: After completing my second internship with Target as an advanced executive intern… This summer, my project focused specifically on the training and development of team members… I worked side by side, day after day with associates, because I truly cared about their development. This approach helped in the development of our team. I am so thankful for the time I had with all the members!

What I Learned: The toughest challenge I faced was creating a new culture that emphasizes how important it is for team members to develop enough to be able to do the work of their team leaders. I approached the team with the assumption that being genuine would gain me more creditability and respect than “selling” them on a culture. This was tricky because many of the team members have worked for Target for many years, and in order for me to prove I was not just “the intern trying to be their boss,” I had to work hard to learn my responsibilities and help whenever they needed support.

In Closing: I enjoyed each and every day of my internship. Target provided me a supportive environment where I learned and applied excellent retail practices. Read the full recap…

Student: Michelle Russell

Interned at: Walgreens

What I Did: My Walgreens internship prepared me to run a business. Ten weeks in the role of “Business Management Intern” proved that I had the essential skills needed to function proficiently on the job. The store manager, along with a team of dedicated assistant managers, helped to mold me into a manager in hyper speed timing. I was able to see the gist of the store in a nutshell, learning from my own experiences, and from the guidance of my management team.

What I Learned: I also experienced out-of-store training by visiting other stores to understand how every manager runs their establishment differently based upon what was necessary. This demonstrated the Walgreens policy of recruiting its leaders based on those who display entrepreneurial ability. During my internship, I was privileged to travel with my store manager to Gainesville at the opening of a new store. All store managers within my district came to help get the new store ready for the grand opening. Their knowledge, skills and experiences were apparent in how they directed activity, set the shelves and worked together to create “the perfect store.” The visit was invaluable for me, working hand-in-hand at a store manager-only affair.

In Closing: The greatest part of the internship was the “District Manager’s Ride Along.” It was interesting to see alliances created with other institutions through business relationships. Our DM concluded the session with a nugget of advice: “Never pass up opportunities, be patient and always be ready for a greater responsibility.” Read the full recap…

Student: Jessica Smith

Interned at: Dillard’s

What I Did: My internship with Dillard’s was exciting. I was rotated throughout the store and experienced so much in what seems like a short time! [I] worked in the executive office… home department… with an area sales manager in shoes… in accessories… and ready to wear.

What I Learned: My experience in ready to wear was wonderful! We creatively developed some of the floor displays and brainstormed ways to feature new clothing, follow company policies and make it all inviting for the customer. I helped develop two window displays where I made a case of Antonio Melani merchandise in shades of brown and orange and a Nygard case in shades of black and white. This was so rewarding. I really enjoyed the merchandising aspect. It was fun to be a part of the corporate mentality to ensure that the stores maintain the atmosphere of excellence for our customers.

In Closing: When I was deciding upon an internship, I considered Dillard’s because I have an interest in fashion. I thought retail would be an interesting way to incorporate this interest into work and I was right. Since I was doing what I love, it simply didn’t feel like work! Read the full recap…

Still to come! We’ve got more internship experiences to share. In part three, we’ll hear from students who interned at: Mattress Firm, Tires Plus, Build-A-Bear and Sears.