Only months after I turned 16, I was hired by a major retail-clothing store. My work experiences at Men's Wearhouse have taught me a wide variety of unexpected lessons, and have instilled in me, many ideals that I will carry with me throughout my life. Understanding for the diversity of people and views that differ from my own, the necessity for a strong work ethic, and a newly acquired appreciation for the value of a dollar are only a few of the values I have gained from my experiences.
             Working retail can be a challenging, rewarding, and at times, exhausting opportunity; a committed effort can take a lot out of you. As with most jobs that work with the public, you have to put aside your personal opinions and emotions. Customers come into the store expecting a smile, so a positive and courteous attitude is a must. However, some customers will still find fault with how you handle yourself. During my tenure with the company, I have learned customer satisfaction is a priority in the retail business. My experiences at Men's Warehouse have taught me that my behavior is of primary importance when handling customers. I have also learned that the vitality of my work ethic is always on display for both my customers and co-workers.
             As a member of an organizational team, I acquired a greater understanding for the need for a strong work ethic. Although there have been times in which I would rather been somewhere else, the skills I had been taught and the responsibilities I had been entrusted with, guided me to honor the commitment I had chosen. My fellow employees counted on me, so I felt compelled to learn more, accept new responsibilities as needed, and pay close attention to detail. The manner in which the shirts, ties, and cuff-links are displayed does matter, and is a reflection of not only the store's image, but also my own as a customer service associate. This growth in work ethic taught me the value of hard work, respo...