Forty Under 40: Alain Nzigamasabo

Alain Nzigamasabo said he always thought he wanted to work in the field of economics, but found his first internship rather boring.

When he was approached about working in retail, Nzigamasabo said he was impressed with all the various facets of the industry.

“I was completely blown away by the possibilities,” he said.

Nzigamasabo earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and urban studies from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn., in 1997. He worked for Target, Best Buy and Circuit City before moving to Northwest Arkansas to work for Walmart as a senior category director in 2009. He transferred to Sam’s Club this year.

Being part of the Walmart family has been the highlight of his career, he said.

“Being able to move into this area and successfully balance work and family life has been unbelievable,” he said.

Nzigamasabo said he is motivated by what Walmart and Sam’s Club stand for.

“We help people live better lives by saving them money,” he said. “When I do a good job, I feel like I am making a significant contribution in the lives of our customers/members, and ultimately, improving the communities we live and do business in.”

Personally, Nzigamasabo said he is motivated by the desire to be the best person he can be.

“Growing up in Africa, it is not lost on me that I have gotten some wonderful breaks in my life to be where I am,” he said. “Taking any opportunity for granted is a sin.”