Features : Retail knowledge

Irregular working patterns, the pressure of a team depending on you but the opportunity of swift promotion and a large salary are some of the things facing a retail manager. The best way to decide if this is the right career for you is to experience retail management first hand.

For students who want to pursue a career within retail management, work experience offers the perfect opportunity to demonstrate and develop work-based skills. As well as this it builds valuable networks helping to secure future employment within the sector.

Anne Richardson, career pathways promotion manager at Skillsmart Retail , highlights one of the main pathways into retail management.

‘Graduates join a specific retailer and undertake a structured programme that introduces them to most parts of the business. This experience is vital when managing a team of staff who need to feel confident that the person managing them knows what they are talking about.

‘As places for these graduate programmes are highly sought after, someone who has shown commitment to the sector through doing work experience will probably fair better than someone who hasn’t,’ she says.

Recession beating

As so many retailers are facing tough economic times, you’d be forgiven for thinking that now might not be a good time to get into retail management. However, Skillsmart Retail is urging retailers to continue investing in skills through a number of projects including National Skills Academy for Retail.

‘Although conditions are undoubtedly challenging for UK retailers, the ongoing situation is less of a threat than an opportunity for many retailers. Work experience placements will ensure that retailers have the skilled staff they need to take full advantage of the upturn when it comes,’ says a Skillsmart Retail spokesperson.

Leading the way

‘Retailers recruiting for a graduate training scheme see retail experience as a real advantage, especially if this has been gained in a supervisory or junior management role as this demonstrates a proven record of leadership potential,’ says Sophie Milliken, recruitment manger, John Lewis.

 

John Lewis has a summer placement scheme lasting six weeks. It gives an overall view of trading and demonstrates how different retail management is from your perceptions as a customer. There is exposure to different areas of the business and a project on a commercial aspect of the business is set for students.

A good example of the progression in retail management is the number of managing directors at John Lewis branches who started as graduates at the company.

Retail work experience shows employers that a graduate has some understanding and knows what the pros (a dynamic, fast paced environment) and cons (weekends and late nights) of working in this sector might be.

Career advice

Skillsmart Retail recommends that when thinking about getting work experience in retail management it is important to follow three steps: identify opportunities, identify potential employers and finally contact employers.

Sophie’s advice for anyone looking for work experience in retail management is to look early and prepare. ‘Many companies recruit for their summer schemes as early as the autumn before the placement so it’s worth checking when the application deadline is.

‘The selection process for work experience usually involves an interview and/or an assessment centre. Research the company and consider what you think they’ll be looking for in potential placement students. Dress smartly for any assessment you attend and participate as much as you can.’

Work experience in any sector demonstrates commitment and motivation and allows you to see what a career is all about before you decide. In retail management this hands-on experience is essential in not only giving you the wider picture but equipping you with the contacts and skills to become a successful retail manager.