Alumna Catch-Up: Kimberley Kennedy, Class of 2013
March 24, 2021
The Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing had the opportunity to chat with Kimberley Kennedy, Retailing and Consumer Science and University of Arizona alumna.
Kimberley was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. In high school, Kimberley moved from Canada to Scottsdale, Arizona where she decided to pursue a degree at the University of Arizona. In 2013, she graduated a Wildcat with a Bachelor of Science degree in Retailing and Consumer Science.
Kimberley currently resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota where she works for Target, Inc. as a Space and Presentation Business Partner. In this role, she supports the Decorative Home department including Hearth & Home, Lighting, Wall Décor, and Furniture. Her current role allows her to cross-collaborate with buyers and visual managers to create planograms for stores to use as product transitions throughout the year. When asked what surprised her most about her career thus far she said, “I was in store management for over four years and thought that was what I was always going to do. I never realized how much my store management experience would transfer over to my current role and play such an important part in my day to day tasks.” Surprises like this are always profound and encouraging because it shows students how careers can pivot from the original plan in amazing ways.
It is evident that Kimberley has been successful in finding ways to grow professionally and she does not plan on stopping now. She is interested in pursuing a career in Human Resources at Target so she has been busy building her network and connecting with different roles within the company. Some other professional interests she is working toward are participating in event planning for department programs and events and becoming a mentor to new team members. Kimberley continues to grow professionally through virtual networking events within the Merchandising pyramid at Target and is part of different committees outside of her role that help her gain exposure and build relationships.
Kimberley shared that she is always planning her next move and seeks out opportunities everywhere. She is currently in the process of looking to attend graduate school through the support of Target. Obtaining a master’s degree will expand her credibility and knowledge in her area of expertise which will result in abundant opportunities for her future.
In her advice to current students, she suggested to, “take advantage of all the extra programs and events the Terry J. Lundgren Center offers. There are so many ways to learn new skills and make connections that way. Don’t be afraid of making career changes and big moves. I started out in-store with a different retailer and made a huge job move and always felt that it was one of the best things I did.” Kimberley’s story and experience are a great example of how adapting, being open to change, and never stop learning can lead to some really great places.
We are so proud of Kimberley and are excited to see where her retail journey takes her from here.
Are you a Retailing and Consumer Science alumni who would be willing to share your experiences with current UArizona students? Email us at terryjlundgrencenter@cals.arizona.edu!