Retail industry II

'I knew that I wanted a career, not a job, and one that offered early responsibility and the chance to progress. That's exactly what I've got,'says Shona Findley, a 24 year old department manager at John Lewis, who joined its graduate recruitment scheme in July 2000. 'My first management responsibility was just 12 weeks into the scheme.'For too long, the retail sector has been misunderstood as offering little more than a life of shelf-stacking and till tapping. But this is far from the truth. Findley was lured in by the promise of respect and responsibility and, being a 'people person'she was also attracted by a career that offers customer contact and variety. Had Shona needed further encouragement, she would have found it in the innovative training in management that many stores are now known for.

'I knew that I wanted a career, not a job, and one that offered early responsibility and the chance to progress. That's exactly what I've got,'says Shona Findley, a 24 year old department manager at John Lewis, who joined its graduate recruitment scheme in July 2000. 'My first management responsibility was just 12 weeks into the scheme.'For too long, the retail sector has been misunderstood as offering little more than a life of shelf-stacking and till tapping. But this is far from the truth. Findley was lured in by the promise of respect and responsibility and, being a 'people person'she was also attracted by a career that offers customer contact and variety. Had Shona needed further encouragement, she would have found it in the innovative training in management that many stores are now known for.

The retail sector embraces a range of careers and opportunities for people with diverse interests and ambitions. From shop work to management, PR to finance, specialising in fashion, sports, food and a whole host of areas, careers in retail are international, potentially lucrative, and wide-ranging.

These careers are as attractive for graduates as they are for school leavers, offering a fast track into senior management - with the wages and benefits that accompany such roles. Most major retail companies offer recruitment schemes, seeking out promising graduates of any discipline and provide broad-based training. This usually starts on the shop floor, getting to grips with the basics of the industry, supplemented by classroom-based learning. Graduates may move around various departments to widen their experience, and many more quickly take on roles as section manager. While some continue to move up the management hierarchy, others decide to use their training as a stepping stone into other areas: fashion, buying, PR or finance.

Stephen Lochead, head of graduate recruitment and development at Asda - who are recruiting 120 graduates this year - also points to the growing number of global opportunities. 'Next year, we will be changing our scheme to make it possible for new recruits to spend time, say, in the USA.'

A consequence of the retail sector's current demand for a growing number of high-calibre staff is rising salaries, reports Carl Gilleard of the association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR). 'Our latest study shows that the average starting salary for graduates in the retail sector is £18,400. These starting salaries rise extremely quickly.'

But its not just graduates who do well in retail. Many company training schemes are open to school leavers, both post- GSCE and post A-level. Modern Apprenticeships programmes and other further education courses also gear students for careers in retail.

The UK's top retailers are looking to fill 100,000 new jobs this year. So how can you make your CV stand out from the crowd? To beat the competition, says Charlotte Brooks, recruitment manager at John Lewis, any experience in leadership is invaluable. 'Those who have been the president of a club society, or who have been involved in leading a big project are the kind of people we're looking for'she explains. 'It reveals good teamworking experience, as well as motivational and organisational skills.'

It is also advisable to get some experience of the industry before committing, whether in a Saturday job, while at school, or a sustained period of employment and development - for example, over a gap year. This not only gives candidates a taster of what retailing is about - it also increases your chances of getting a job.

Other essential attributes, according to the Consortium of Retail Teaching Companies (CORTCO), include excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to maintain energy levels and generate fresh and innovative ideas. Those working in retail need to be multi-skilled and capable of multi-tasking, as well as entrepreneurial with good risk assessment skills and the ability to tune in to other people in an environment that is often pressurised.

Tesco go further. Their successful applicants are required to have what they call 'the retail gene'. Kate Aspinwall, education liaison manager, explains 'It refers to the buzz that the world of retail can give people. If you don't have it, this probably isn't the career for you.'

A career in retail is not to everyone's taste, however. If you cant cope with long hours, you may want to think again. Likewise, if you lack physical strength and stamina, standing on your feet for long periods, dealing with a verbally abusive public and managing demanding staff can all be in a days work. Retail is not an easy ride, admits Aspinwall. 'But it's easy to get passionate about it. Its exciting, challenging and interesting.'If you think it might be for you, use career fairs and presentations to make contacts and remember that competition can be keen, particuarly for well-known companies, so its important to begin to research employers and prepare applications early.