Josh Jackson
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Why did I decide to intern with The Men’s Wearhouse? Aside from wanting to add a few Italian suits to my wardrobe and possibly even meeting George Zimmer (founder - chairman and CEO), I was drawn to TMW based on what I had read about its company culture and work environment. TMW seemed like an ideal place for me to grow; a place where I envisioned myself learning about business in a global sense. I was searching for an opportunity for exposure; I wanted exposure into the world of retail and the general world of business. I wanted to immerse myself in a successful business environment where I could work with professionals who are interested in sharing their experience and wisdom with me. I was looking for experience, insight and direction!
So how was the internship? Did TMW provide me with everything that I was looking for? YES! Interning for 10 weeks with TMW was more than I could have asked for. I was given opportunities I would never have imagined; opportunities many dream of but few realize. I flew across the country in George Zimmer’s Lear Jet while listening to him discuss business and philosophy with fellow executives; I personally traveled with and shadowed Doug Ewert (general merchandise manager/exec VP) for a day while he negotiated with one of their primary vendors, and I was able to see how nationally aired radio advertisements are taped and edited. I even spent a day with the Direct Sourcing department discussing principles of global competitiveness with a major manufacturer from Istanbul, Turkey. The most valuable aspect of the internship was the insight that I developed from the access I was given to the executives within the company.
It was the opportunity to witness the executives in action; to listen in on important phone calls, to participate in conference calls, to discuss the theories and assumptions behind various business models, to sit in on confidential meetings, and to ask whatever questions that came to me. I was given the opportunity to ask the executive staff about their career paths and their professional lives; I was able to discuss some of my thoughts and ideas and receive their feedback. I was able to watch the processes and reasons behind their business decisions. The executive staff made me feel included and that my opinion mattered. I was encouraged to “think big” and push toward the future with high expectations and personal ambition. I was given a unique networking opportunity; an opportunity that has helped me develop a new sense of self-confidence and excitement for the future.
What I have learned from my internship at The Men’s Wearhouse is that business is a balancing act; it is not about perfection and it definitely is not just about increasing profits or shareholder value. Business is about knowledge, relationships, values, and striving for personal and professional growth. Business is about communication, trust, respect, and fairness. I commend George Zimmer for his ability to continually execute as a visionary, servant leader! Mr. Zimmer is a great model to follow – a leader that embodies all that we (as SCU students and soon-to-be young professionals) should strive to become. So, follow your intuition, take initiative to create your own opportunities, and try to have fun along the way!
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