Is becoming a retail manager right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
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How to become a Retail Manager
On-the-job experience in this line of work is a must. Most retail managers have spent years on the sales floor as general employees before working their way up to retail manager. There are many general management courses available that an individual can take that may shorten the time it takes to reach management level. It is also a bit easier to get a foot in the door if one has a degree in business administration. For those without a degree, internal training and development programs are options.
An individual can become a retail manager in a number of ways:
Promotion from within a retail department
- by building up experience as a retail sales assistant and through training and development, one can move up to sales supervisor then departmental manager jobs. This is a common entry route.
Graduating from a trainee management program
- many retailers run graduate trainee management programs. These combine mentoring and training with work placements in different parts of the business in order to develop retail knowledge, skills and leadership qualities.
Participating in a management apprenticeship program
- apprenticeships in retail management are a popular entry point for individuals with some previous retail experience who want to fast-track their retail management career. Work-based training is combined with study towards retail management qualifications.
Moving from a management job in a related sector
- job opportunities are available by switching from a managerial post in a related field, for example customer service or sales. Individuals would be given training in retail to build on their existing management experience.