Explore Retail Management Career Paths
In just about every sector of business, there is a path to management that serves as the foundation for employees to move up in the company. Preparing for this leadership role requires an understanding of the marketplace and, in some cases, a background in higher education that has you ready for the next level up in the organizational structure. If you're looking to explore retail management career paths, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Understanding Organizational Leadership
Some people talk about being natural-born leaders, but some people may not realize that they actually have what it takes to be in a management position. Pursuing an organizational management degree provides students with the skills needed to bring strong leadership to the workforce upon graduation. These programs prepare students to lead in various realms, including small businesses and retail giants. A Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership is rooted in understanding the corporate structure and the training needed to take the next step in your career.
Organizational leadership is a service-based, leadership approach that includes developing strategic plans for retailers and other organizations, both for-profit and non-profit. The point of this degree program is to teach people how to guide individuals or teams to implement those plans. One of the primary goals of the organizational leadership program is to develop effective leadership knowledge and skills. An undergraduate organizational management program prepares students to lead mission-driven organizations to strive for positive change in the workplace.
Product Knowledge
Understanding the products and services that your company offers is important to stand out as an applicant for a management position. Let's say that you work for a retailer in women's clothing. Knowing everything from the sizes available for pull on jeggings to the seasonal rotation of high-rise skinny jeans helps you stand out amongst other applicants. Aspiring managers should also consult with current management as to what it takes. This includes an emphasis on better customer service to show how truly invested you are in these career opportunities.
Getting through entry-level requirements does put prospective managers on the radar of some companies. It depends on the retailer. Sometimes, the locations of these stores are so large that people get lost in the fold. That's where an understanding of organizational management can help someone prepare for those next steps. Some stores look for applicants to have a bachelor's degree in business, beyond demonstrating the strong communication and leadership that it takes to oversee staff. Knowledge of the protocols on everything from folding denim to closing out registers each night can put you on the career path for retail management.
Expanding the Role
Working in the retail sector can be stressful, especially in a “customer is always right” culture. However, it can be very rewarding for those who enjoy interacting with their community and staying on top of evolving trends. In a managerial position, you're able to supervise and work with the sales team monitoring the day-to-day details of a given store, whether it is ensuring the store opens on time or dealing with inventory. Depending on the circumstances and your staff, you need to be aware of your leadership style and how it will translate over to the people working under you.
There is entry-level management, such as assistant manager, working your way up to a mid-level role. This will see your management skills utilized in the position of a store manager or buyer. The occupation continues to expand, especially within a corporate structure. There are senior-level management positions such as district manager or division merchandising manager. From there, you can use those management skills to deliver insights into short and long-term planning to better the organization as a whole.
It's important to make the most of your management capabilities.
