Retail
A retail career can cover a wide range of positions from retail management (where you are responsible for customer services, marketing, planning, stock control and recruiting) to working as a buyer, merchandiser, strategic management or product managers (who are responsible for the display of stock in retail outlets in stores such as
Morrisons).
The retail industry is huge with UK retail sales reaching over £285billion in 2009, and with these continuing to grow despite the economic downturn. In 2010 the industry created 12,750 jobs and increase of 2.1% on the previous year. The UK retail industry employs 2.9 million people.
A career in retail offers many graduate opportunities with many leading companies, who have graduate schemes, and structured training in many areas like management, accounting, IT along with benefits such as pensions and staff discounts.
Examples of companies that recruit within the retail area include
Marks and Spencer, Lidl, Tesco and Aldi.
Buyer
Manager
Marketing
Merchandiser
Graduate salaries can depend on various factors including the position you undertake, which region you work in, the company you work for and any bonus structure available.
Starting salary: £20,000 to £25,000
Retailers are looking for well-rounded candidates across all degree subjects when recruiting people to their management training schemes. A degree in business and management can be a bonus though. Most graduate training schemes require a 2:1 or above and 350 UCAS points.
Dan Ronald, Aldi Regional Managing Director, says: "Retailers are not only looking to recruit strong academic candidates but graduates who are 'all-rounders' and who may shine on the sporting field and in other extra-curricular activities. Aldi wants team players and good communicators to join its team, who are confident, diligent and reliable. I advise anyone who is thinking of a career in retail to stand out from the competition and demonstrate a convincing flair for leadership, drive and success."
Scouting for motivated, energetic, proactive and articulate graduates, retail companies, such as Aldi are looking to recruit individuals who could make a real difference and play a significant role in their business.”
