I found that opportunity at Walmart. Being hired at the store on West Diversey Avenue in Chicago immediately eliminated the long commute to my previous job. But what I quickly discovered was I'd also walked into an opportunity with a future.
I started as an associate in the consumables department and, within three months, was promoted to second shift inventory supervisor. So, I was the one coordinating everything that happened with products from the time they arrived at our store to the time they hit the shelves. Now I’m working first shift, supervising about 10 people at any given time.
In the short time I’ve been with Walmart, I’ve worked for some great people. I’ve been open with them about wanting to learn and experience more, so they've allowed me to go to a few new and remodeled stores to help get them ready for opening day. I’ve seen people move up quickly here and I’m being given the opportunity to position myself to do the same.
But it's not just about what Walmart is doing for me. When my oldest sister passed away, things were tough, especially for my mom. My other sister and I were there for her, but she needed something more – a place to fit in and bring purpose to her life again. My Walmart store came through for her. She was hired and has found a second family here. I see her out there, smiling again. And that means everything in the world to me.
Coming to Walmart has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I can see myself becoming an assistant manager or store manager in the not-so-distant future. It makes such a difference being somewhere you can believe in and get behind what they’re trying to do. Walmart is here to help people live better, and for me, that’s a real thing.
Miguel Rivera is one of several real associates who can be seen in this Walmart ad about our investment in higher wages, education and training.