“I have fallen in love with retail” and “Opened the door to a plethora of opportunities” – these were a few of the lines that struck me when reading about University of Florida’s students’ internship experiences. UF’s David F. Miller Center for Retailing Education and Research works to prepare students for retail careers by providing unique opportunities for them to learn about retailing. Over the summer, the Miller Center organized retail management internships to enhance the retail business experience of their students. I’d say it worked.
Below are excerpts taken from the university’s newsletter The Retail NaviGator. This is part one of a three-part series, highlighting UF’s students’ internship experiences. By showcasing these students’ experiences, you’ll see that there’s a lot more opportunity in retail than you may have imagined.
Student: Jillian McGinnis
Interned at: Toys “R” Us (an NRFF Partner Company)
What I Did: I had the opportunity to travel and meet with district managers, regional human resource managers, regional asset protection managers, and local marketing specialists. This was amazing because I got to view different sides of the company and decide which department would be the best fit for me in the future.
What I Learned: The internship program was unlike any I have ever encountered. Toys “R” Us, Inc., treated the interns as if they were actual managers. We were issued the same manual that the training store managers used. While this was intimidating at times, I realized the internship was giving me great experience while helping develop my management and leadership skills.
Top executives held weekly conference calls from the corporate office with the interns throughout the country. This presented an excellent opportunity to ask questions, and seek their advice on succeeding in the world of retail.
In Closing: I learned more than I ever imagined and feel that I developed as a person throughout the summer. I have fallen in love with retail. Read the full recap…
Student: Nia Mallyn
Interned at:Brown Shoe Company
What I Did: While working daily in the Famous Footwear marketing department as part of the Cause and Events Marketing team, I also had meetings with senior staff from other departments within the company.
What I Learned: Developing a field marketing strategy, launching the new national campaign, holding grand opening store events, overseeing creative development, approving radio spots and store events, attending senior officer meetings, and being the sole contact from the corporate headquarters for marketing events held in a thousand stores across the country were among my daily responsibilities.
In Closing: My experiences with the company were truly a privilege, and have contributed to my personal growth and development as a future member of the retailing industry. Read the full recap…
Student:Allen McIntyre
Interned at: Beall’s Department Stores
What I Did: Being part of a management team was an awesome experience, and I found that the key to being a successful manager was not related to having a high GPA, but rather great people skills and being a compassionate, understanding individual.
What I Learned: Every day, I learned at least five things about company policies, business relationships, the retail industry, or life itself. And, every day came a new set of challenges, including solving problems with scheduling, customers, merchandising, and communicating effectively with sales associates.
In Closing: I had a great experience with the company, and I was able to grow both professionally and as a person. If I could offer any advice, it would be to always ask questions, and buy a comfortable pair of shoes! Read the full recap…
Student:Amy Howell
Interned at:Firestone Complete Auto Care
What I Did: I thought I would just be working in a store, learning about how to run it, and managing the sales associates. I didn’t know that I would get to travel to the Southeast Zone Office in Atlanta, Ga., and the Corporate Office in Bloomingdale, Ill….let alone be able to sit in the CEO’s office and visit with him.
What I Learned: Training in different stores under various managers and ever-changing situations has provided me with lots of experience in time management and relationship building. I have realized that developing these skills is crucial in being successful as a manager.
In Closing: Another surprising revelation for me was that I now have a new hobby that no one would have ever realized I would enjoy: working on and learning about cars. I do not exactly come off as someone who would be working in the automotive industry; but that is half the fun. Read the full recap…
Student: Sam Schiller
Interned at: Winn-Dixie
What I Did: The retail internship at Winn-Dixie is unlike any other internship I have heard of. Instead of being placed in just one store, I was able to work alongside a district specialist.
What I Learned: I had exposure to literally all aspects of the organization. I got to learn about store operations and management; I spent a week at the corporate offices learning about the company from several VPs and key leaders; and I was able to visit a couple of the distribution centers to see how they function.
In Closing: All together, my internship at Winn-Dixie was a wonderful and rewarding experience. I am going to be able to use everything that I learned and apply it to all of my future endeavors. Furthermore, it opened the door to a plethora of opportunities in Winn-Dixie, and in the retail field, that I otherwise would not have realized. Read the full recap…
Still to come! We’ve got more internship experiences to share. Stay tuned to hear from students who interned at: Macy’s, Target, Walgreens, Dillard’s, JC Penney, Mattress Firm, Tires Plus, Build-A-Bear, and Sears.
One Comment
Hi! This is Jillian, the intern from Toys”R”Us. I would like to say after my Internship, I am still very passionate about retail and I am currently looking for career opportunities in the industry. I love how there are so many different options to pursue… anywhere from store manager to corporate positions such as HR and Marketing. I also love how the industry offers endless growth. I am excited about pursuing my career in retail!
I was also excited to find that my Internship prepared me for the upper level management courses I am currently taking in my senior year. Throughout the program, I learned a lot about business practices and people skills. I also participated in a week long rotation in Human Resources which gave me a preview of what I would be learning in my HR class this semester.
Again, I am so thankful for the opportunity I had with Toys”R”Us. I gained many valuable skills that will carry with me through life!