Working in retail is a good idea
I think that most of us could agree, as college students, that we are not in college so that we can earn a job in retail sales. Nothing against the industry—it’s huge and there are a ton of great opportunities with great employee benefits—but it is highly probable that students in college are earning a degree to go towards something else. But I want to point out too that there are some great things about folding clothes and working in a fast-paced environment, that will make students more hirable (and also that retail isn’t just folding clothes). First of all, not every one is cut out for a job in retail. I say this because it is not a walk-in-the-park like high school students make it out to be.
Since it does require hard work, it is a job worth considerably taking this summer. And why would we want a job that requires hard work? Because it is helpful to our resume and our future career.
Retail realities
- According to Wikipedia:
Retailing consists of the sale of goods or merchandise from a very fixed location, such as a department store, boutique or kiosk, or by mail, in small or individual lots for direct consumption by the purchaser.
- Working in retail requires: Hard work (sometimes for little pay), good customer service, problem solving skills
- Retail is the second largest industry in the U.S. Therefore, it’s a huge driving force in the country’s economy and there are a lot of opportunities to receive jobs in the industry.
Rewards of the industry
- Retailers usually offer employee discounts, which are helpful if it is a store that holds a lot of practical items.
- Depending on your status as an employee, whether you are part-time or full-time, retailers offer employee benefits such as vacation time and health insurance
- If it’s a seasonal job, there is no obligation to coming back and you can be up front that you will move on to other opportunities, be them school or a career of your interest.
- The hours are very flexible to change around school schedules (or spontaneous road trips during the summer). Though work is never something that should be blown off, retail is great because it gives employees the opportunity to have a flexible schedule.
*Photo of sign by: sylvar Photo of cash register by: House of Sims
