If you’re like most Millennials working in retail, you’ll want to get off the sales floor and into management. Unfortunately, in this economy, the competition for management posts is fierce.
Whether your goal is to become a manager, buyer, merchandiser, wholesaler or supply chain and logistics manager, you’ll need to evaluate your current skill set and determined what skills, training and additional education you may need to reach your goal.
Even if you have a bachelor’s degree (it’s surprising how many who work on the shop floor do), you’ll need to add to your formal education with some post-secondary training related directly to where you want to go. That may mean taking some courses in retail management, logistics, supervision or fashion design.
A study released by the National Retail Federation revealed that management skills training is the most valued by U.S. retail companies. "As retailers expand, acquire properties, reposition or re-brand, managers become the critical players in communicating and instilling change throughout the organization," said Michael Patrick, CEO of MOHR Learning, the company that conducted the study. "Clearly retailers want to make sure their managers have the skills needed to do this job."
Once you’ve acquired the necessary skill sets and education, update your resume and let your supervisor know you’re eager to move up. Make sure your resume includes the industry keywords that will put you above the many other candidates vying for management positions. If you encounter a dead end with your current employer, look at companies that are expanding their product line or those that have turned themselves around. It’s also important to talk to people from different retailers.
Seattle-based Nordstrom, with 117 full-line stores and 119 Nordstrom Rack locations, is popular among many young sales associates eager to move up. “Nordstrom will only promote from within,” said one Austin sales associate. “There is much room for growth with this company. Nordstrom has a positive work culture.”
Nordstrom’s Retail Management Development Internship Program provides both mentoring and training. Candidates gain hands-on experience by selling to and serving customers. They participate in sales and customer service events and gain exposure to a variety of management responsibilities.
Also popular among many young workers is REI, which made Fortune's 100 Best companies to work for list in 2012. A Greenville, S.C., REI sales specialist noted there was, “Great communication with management, fabulous work-life balance, benefits for part-time, schedule flexibility, ability to make decisions on your own–no micro management.”
REI offers professional training and development classes, creating a culture where growth and promotions from within are encouraged. New employees are oriented through a specially designed on-boarding program. They can participate in a stewardship project or outing where they can bond with teammates and managers. The company makes an effort to provide the tools, training and mentorship that allow employees to plan their goals and grow professionally.
If you want to move up in retail, you’ll need specific training in the area that interests you. If you’re stuck and can’t move up, explore the career-track training programs offered by top retailers like REI or Nordstrom.
Image courtesy of stockimages/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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