Annie Patterson Saddler
Cal Poly - B.A. English; Psychology minor, 2008
Current city/state:
Sacramento, CA
Employer:
Target
Professional Website:
Job Title:
Executive Team Leader
How Long in Current Position:
4 years
Brief description of position duties/responsibilities:
My role focuses on driving sales in a Target store through people and process management. I have been an HR manager as well as Sales Floor manager; both positions focus on ensuring a great experience for Target team members and guests.
What specific qualities/abilities, skills are necessary for this position:
Resiliency, a love of leadership, and great communication, interpersonal, and problem solving skills.
While at Cal Poly, what resources did you take advantage of that have helped you in your current position?
I worked on campus at the Disability Resource Center and Career Services departments, and was a CLA Ambassador. All of these gave me the opportunity to lead my peers in various environments.
What advice would you give to someone interested in your profession?
I would give the general advice to anyone in a Liberal Arts major to start networking early. Find mentors in different fields, and stick close to them throughout the early stages of your career. For those interested in management, I'd advise that you need to love being a part of a team and making tough decisions to ensure they succeed.
Is there anything you'd like to personally add about how you found your way to your current career since graduating from Cal Poly as an English major? Any memorable epiphanies that marked major turning points on which path you chose?
I stumbled upon my career more by chance. I was not ever anticipating going into retail after graduation. But, Target has offered me many experiences I would not have had elsewhere this early in my career. I struggled to figure out what I wanted to do after graduation. My advice is to take opportunities as they come (if you are also unsure of your path) and stick with something at least a year to really give it an honest effort before moving on. And lastly, never burn bridges; be aware that the business world is smaller than you think!