Target Employment: What It’s Really Like

I recently wrote What is Wells Fargo Employment Really Like? and why it’s so attractive to millennials. This time, I used my investigation skills on Glassdoor to take a closer look at Target. We all know Target, we love Target, and we always end up spending way too much money at Target. Why haven’t we looked at working there? Here is a glimpse into the life of Target employment.

Pharmacy Technician
Pros
Good benefits such as becoming involved in a community volunteer program and a 401K are offered through this position, as well as working with a friendly team and getting the chance to work for a well-known company. Additionally, employees receive a great discount, and one review even made sure to list that having a Starbucks in stores is a huge plus.

Cons
Unfortunately, there are not enough hours, and the pay barely increases per year. The biggest concern was that there was a recent merger with CVS Pharmacy, and employees are not sure what will come of this.

Information Technology (IT)
Pros
There is a lot of room for both professional and personal growth in this position. There is a lot of talent in the IT department, and the pay is good. “Big and reasonably profitable” was the favorite review I read from an IT employee. Others wrote that there is great flexibility with hours and work schedule, and that there’s even opportunities to work from home.

Con
During peak seasons such as Black Friday, work will drain your personal life. Decisions within the IT department are said to seem not fully thought through. There has been a lot of change happening in Target corporate recently, and the new leadership hasn’t fully won over the employees yet.

Business Analyst
Pro
A lot of reviews raved about all of the great, talented people they were working with. There are many learning opportunities in this position, as well as cross-pyramid movement. It’s a laid back work culture, with hours not exceeding more than forty hours per week most of the time. Employees stated that this is a great first job out of college, and that there’s opportunity to take on big interdepartmental projects.

Cons
There is a hierarchy, and not enough feedback is given. If you’d like a promotion, you have to bid on them with hundreds of others who are applying. The office can become a bit political.

Merchandise Planning Business Analyst
Pros
One employee described this as an “entrepreneurial-like business ownership.” Within the department, it’s a fun position as it’s filled with a lot of young people. It’s feedback oriented, and there’s a culture of inclusiveness and networking.

Cons
Sometimes it can seem like a routine job with more focus on business execution rather than strategy. There is a “that’s the way we’ve always done it” mindset. One reviewer described it as “bureaucracy and red tape” and that favoritism is found.

Communications Specialist
Pros
This department is a fun, creative atmosphere with great people. It’s filled with both dedicated and talented team members.

Cons
The only main con within this field was about all the changes that are happening in corporate. One reviewer stated that there was “fatigue due to all the changes happening,” including leadership changes.

Finance Manager
Pros
This position’s perks include good pay, an energetic work environment, working alongside intelligent, motivated employees, and a pretty decent work/life balance.

Cons
One employee described the decision making process as “cumbersome.” Once again, the change in the office culture was said to be challenging.

Marketing Manager
Pros
Employees continue to rave about the incredible talent to be found at Target. One employee described the environment as “intoxicating and invigorating.” There is a competitive salary, and the department is always pushing the limits.

Cons
According to one employee in this position, “merchandising runs the show.” A bureaucracy is found once again, and there is terrible communication from leadership. Additionally, leadership is found to be title heavy.

Target has many different career paths and this is simply a glimpse into a few of them. Target is currently in a period of transformation, as you can probably gather from many of the cons mentioned above. Regardless of the department, this change is affecting all areas of Target, however employees wrote that they believe Target is headed in the right direction. Besides this transformation, Target seems like a great environment to work in, especially as a millennial.