My Second Family
The year was 2006 and I was in my senior year at Iowa State University (Go Cyclones!). I was six months away from graduating and like many of my peers, I was looking for a job. Once I spent some time actually applying, reality hit quickly and I realized it was going to be more challenging than expected. I began to worry I may not find the “Dream Job” I was looking for. I decided to look at some opportunities I hadn’t considered before and applied at Target for a retail management position. Fortunately, I got the job and started as an Executive Team Leader in Target Stores. Truth be told, I never saw myself as a retail manager and considered this an option only until I found something more suited to my degree.
That was 8 years ago. The “Dream Job” WAS Target. The level of responsibility and trust I was given, as well as the training, was inspiring and motivating.
As I moved through each year, I grew as a manager, a leader and a person. I was promoted to a Store Team Leader, which is the position I currently have. Over these 8 years I met and worked with many inspirational team members that changed my life forever. It is all these team members, past and present that have become what I refer to as “My Second Family”.
It isn’t until you experience something life changing that you begin to realize how wonderful this “Target Family” really is. Two years ago this past fall, one of those team members had a sudden heart attack and passed away. This team member was loved by all of his peers but even more so, he was loved by Target guests. He was known for his infectious laugh and his ability to make everyone smile. At the funeral, over 50 team members arrived wearing red & khaki to celebrate his life and honor his memory. Each and every one of them a member of his Target Family. It was a privilege to be among them.
As I start the beginning of my 9th year with Target, I look back on experiences like this and reflect on how lucky I am. From weddings of co-workers to meeting the love of my life, I will forever be grateful to work for such an amazing company.
Interested in joining Target? Learn more here.
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Renae
February 20th, 2015I agree, Beth! It’s great to come to work each day with people who are like a second family.
Jessica Baldwin
February 23rd, 2015Beth, your story is truly inspiring! I’m beginning my career with Target as an executive team leader right after graduation in May! Every team member I’ve spoken with, each person I’ve interviewed with, and the articles that are written about such fabulous leaders like yourself, create such excitement and positivity that I cannot wait to become part of the Target family! Best wishes and all the best to you!
Christina Swanson
February 24th, 2015Thank you for you inspirational story Beth! I’ve started off as a Cart Attendant 2 1/2 years ago in the Sacarmento Target on Madison. Since then I’ve worked at the Everett, WA store and now I’m at the Gig Harbor, WA store (moving around due to my husband being in the Navy). Now I’ve moved up to Guest Service and do what I can to keep climbing the ladder at Target. I didn’t really know what I wanted to make out of Target, but then I’ve decided I think I would make a great Executive Team Leader. Since starting from pretty much the bottom and working my way up, I’ve seen what other team members have gone through, I’ve done part-time GSA work, I try to learn as much as I can so I can be a better team member for Target. You have given me the positive reinforcement I need to continue my journey at Target because they too are like my second family no matter what store I’ve been too and I would love just to give back.
Zane Sacarelos
March 20th, 2015Thanks for sharing Beth! Hope all is well.
gabelito noel
March 21st, 2015i m want jobs
Pulse Blog Administrator
March 23rd, 2015We’re glad to hear you’re interested in Target! All of our current openings are posted on target.com/careers. You can learn more about the application process by visiting our career site, or applying in person at any of our stores.
Thanks,
Amanda
JAVIER NAVA
April 10th, 2015Hi Beth: I saw your oppinion about Target, and It is wonderfull. I´m living in Hanford Ca. with a friend. I´m permanent resident since last December, but as a Mexican, my English is not so good. However I´m trying to get a Job opportunity in this City. Do You think that Target could it be an option ?
Thank You + Best Rgds.
Javier
Pulse Blog Administrator
April 13th, 2015Hello Javier,
We’re glad to hear you’re interested in Target! All of our current openings are posted on target.com/careers. You can learn more about the application process by visiting our career site, or applying in person at any of our stores.
Thank you,
Amanda
bianca thompson
June 2nd, 2015what are you being in your team
Robert Robinson
June 23rd, 2015i am atruck driver but i want to work in target store
Robert Robinson
June 23rd, 2015i do lot of shopping in target
Marie scott
September 14th, 2016I will love to part of your team/ I have. Stock exp.2years.
Pulse Blog Administrator
September 14th, 2016Hello,
We’re glad to hear you’re interested in Target! Our current openings are posted on target.com/careers. You can learn more about the application process by visiting our career site and searching for positions that interest you, or applying in person at any of our stores or distribution centers.
Thank you,
Amanda
Jodi Dunn
November 2nd, 2016I would like to be come a family of Target
Pulse Blog Administrator
November 7th, 2016Hello,
We’re glad to hear you’re interested in Target! Our current openings are posted on target.com/careers. You can learn more about the application process by visiting our career site and searching for positions that interest you, or applying in person at any of our stores or distribution centers.
Thank you,
Amanda
Janet Barnhart
January 31st, 2017Target is one of the best stores to work for and to shop at