Company: EB Games Canada

Position: assistant buyer

Employed: one year

Where did you go to school? What program did you attend?
I received my Double Honors in Communications and Anthropology from York University.

What drew you to your current field?
I actually hadn't ever thought of it when I was at school. I was aiming more along the lines of advertising or telecommunications. Now that I have experience in the merchandising and purchasing field, I enjoy it. I am looking forward to future opportunities in this area as it allows me to be a professional customer.

How did you find your current position?
I was initially hired on as a Christmas temp. After the season I was hired on as an assistant manager for another location. After about one year in the field, a job posting for a contract position at the corporate head office opened up, which I promptly applied for. This job was to assist buyers during the busy Christmas season with basic clerical duties. I worked very hard and managed to get hired on as a full-time assistant buyer after six months.

Tell us a bit about your responsibilities.
My job is to make sure the department is running smoothly. I assist in all matters dealing with vendors, price management, sales analysis, sales of product to vendors, and any ad hoc assignments deemed necessary for departmental upkeep and growth. Every day is different, which definitely makes things more interesting.

How do you feel your job makes a difference?
By working hard, both in-house and with vendors, we have managed to provide customers with the best service and selection the Canadian market has to offer.

Is there one accomplishment you are particularly proud of?
Being part of a hard working team is really what I am most proud of. The people I work with and the ideas that are tossed around are really impressive. Just being able to say I have contributed to the success of EB Games in the Canadian market over the past 12 years is what fills me with pride.

What are your future career aspirations?
I plan on moving forward in the merchandising/purchasing field with a large and growing company. Director is my ultimate goal, as it would allow me to have a complete view of what is going on in the company and a certain degree of control over what direction the company is taking.

What advice do you have for students looking to land their first job?
Don't get discouraged. There are definitely jobs out there, you just have to look for them. I was out of school for nearly two years before I found the job I have now. You may even have to volunteer to get the job you want. You just have to be willing to put in time and hard work. jp
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