Pros
Unlimited potential for advancement, literally you can do anything you want with this company. From Stockman (cart pushers) to Store Managers to Market, Regional, or Divisional Managers and all the teams of people that support those roles. Not to mention Asset Protection or Human Resources. Pharmacist, Optometrist, and even Doctors (we have Pharmacies, Vision Centers, and Minute Clinics) are employed. You can transfer between Neighborhood Markets, Distribution Centers, Sam's Club and of course WalMart. You can be a Buyer, you could be a Modular Planner, you could help build stores... or even fly planes. Its mind blowing really when you stop to think of the advancement opportunities. Your work changes day to day, there is no monotony here! Seasonal changes, community events and a host of things you prepare for on a daily basis- if you want to succeed you will not be bored! You get to work with some really great people and help shape their career path, how exciting is that?
Cons
You do deal with a varied consumer base and it can be frustrating to switch gears to best suit your customer service to the individual needs as often as you do. The responsibility is definitely hefty, you can end up termed for something that happened that was not under your control at all times- its imperative that you train the crew of people you rely on well. This I would consider both a pro and a con- again in the responsibility category. How many people can say that they are responsible for anywhere from 10 to 50 million (or more depending on your store and your areas of responsibility) in an ASM position? Only in my company!
