I got an internship!

Exciting news!

Two days ago, I signed an internship offer with Sears Holdings Corporation. Sears HC is the parent company to Sears, Sears Auto, Lands End, K-Mart, Crafstmen, Kenmore, and a dozen other brands.

I'll be working as a Business Analyst there, which basically means that I'll be working as an internal consultant between the various groups I mentioned above. The Business Analysts are brought in to help various product-line managers with any challenges/difficulties they might be having. This is very similar to the idea behind normal management consulting, described here, but instead of working for a firm that's hired to fix other business' problems, I'd be working in a team brought in to help a business unit's problems.

It's going to be really neat. I admit, upon first receiving the offer to interview with them, I wasn't very excited - it was just a back-up plan when I applied. But after having first round interviews with Boston Consulting Group and LEK (and being denied 2nd rounds there), and not even being offered an interview by Bain and McKinsey, I started looking into it more. The more I learned about the opportunity the more I became excited for it.

My interviews with Sears HC really firmed up my interest in them - the two people that interviewed me were both engaging and fun, and I grew very intrigued by the type of work I'd be doing for them. Then they flew me out to Chicago for a recruiting event last week (Feb 24-25) at their corporate office (where I'll be working) and I just fell in love. I'll be paid well, it'll be a great job, and I'll actively be making a difference in a company that is seeking change. They want to hear my ideas - I won't be drowned out by a culture of complacency - they know they need to be improving and they're willing to try-out any sound ideas to do so.

I'll be interning there mid-June to mid-August. We'll be living in a suburb of Chicago very near the Sears HC headquarters called Hoffman Estates - a beautiful little "village" - about 40 minutes north west of downtown Chicago. Heidi and I are super excited.