Looking back on their summer internships, NRFSA members Allyssa Rinck (FIT), Lindsay Gray (Santa Clara University), and Rachel Wakefield (Georgia Southern University) all commented on how much they didn’t expect to encounter as interns. As many would have thought, their experiences weren’t focused purely on selling or fashion. Cross-functional projects with other interns made a real impact, and the feeling of professional development from exposure to executives made a huge difference for them. Each spoke of applying lessons from the classroom to real-world experiences, not just making copies or grabbing coffee.

Representatives from employers, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Brown Shoe, and Walmart, also joined the panel to comment on the goals of internship programs, training, and advice for success in any similar role. From an intern who juggled two different roles at the same time, to someone that had written a book as a sophomore in college, they each spoke of successes and initiatives that they’d seen interns accomplish at each company.

From left to right: Kathy Mance, Executive Director of NRF Foundation, Rachel Wakefield of Georgia Southern University, Lindsay Gray of Santa Clara University and Alyssa Rinck of the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Success wasn’t about just doing what they were told or asking for permission on projects. For these interns, it was about going above and beyond. This meant asking for forgiveness instead of permission and completing a task before their manager had even asked them to do something. According to these recruiters, interns should take their own responsibility and assume there’s never an upper limit with what they can do.

The biggest impact came from those who saw the mark they could leave on a company. Working on projects for the Chief Financial Officer of a company or playing a role in a key part of the company’s mobile app, the students and recruiters who were allowed to see the bigger picture and had greater exposure to executives gained the most in terms of career development.

For those now entering the search for an internship, advice included displaying high energy and creativity, along with good communication skills and pre-interview research. Students who had done their due diligence made a much bigger impression in an employer’s mind than those who finished an interview with no questions for the employer. Gaining sponsors in the interview process or during the actual internship is what these students should focus on.

As the newly formed NRF Student Association continues to grow, it will be interesting to see the development of these programs more closely align with the interests of each student. It’s not often that students and recruiters get a chance to talk candidly and comment on the experiences and goals they share, so the collaboration that the audience witnessed today is sure to drive upcoming intern programs in the future.

Why do you think retail provides attractive career opportunities for young people today?

The dynamic, fast pace of retailing is very exciting. Every day is unique. Since you are always focused on beating last year’s sales numbers, you must bring optimism, entrepreneurialism, and analytical skills to this career.

Two of our university’s seven core values emphasize leadership and service to others. This makes Aggies a natural fit for workplace environments that require teamwork and customer service. For the student who describes himself as a “people person,” retailing offers constant, professional interaction with vendors, customers, and colleagues. Since promotion is based on achievement, careers in retailing can progress very quickly for top performers offering substantial financial compensation and responsibility.

You are the advisor for the Center’s internship program and you’ll be co-moderating a panel at NRF’s BIG Show titled “Lessons Learned from Internship Challenges and Triumphs.” Can you tell us why internships are important and how they shape a student’s professional development and career?

The percentage of companies that hire fulltime candidates from the intern pool has soared in recent years.

For students, internships provide essential workplace experience that encourages a more successful transition to professional employment. This goes beyond exposure to tangible skill building like exploring software programs, practicing retail math, or replenishing merchandise. To be successful in the workplace, students must carefully observe and adapt to fit the culture of their employer. This means learning to communicate in your boss’s preferred style and practicing appropriate “business casual” dress, which can range from jeans to simply no tie. Internships allow students the opportunity to fit into workplace expectations, understand office politics, build relationships, and assume a professional persona, rather than one of a student. By the end of a summer, students will know if retailing –with its hours, difficult customers, and culture of constant change – is for them. This is crucial to their personal career success, and their employers’ goal of long-term retention.

These are skills not taught in text books, but learned through the hands-on experience in that internships uniquely provide.

Maybe you can give us another sneak peek at the upcoming internship panel? Internships are competitive. How can students make themselves stand out?

To stand out, students must approach the job search as a three-step process. Simply loading your resume online won’t cut it.

First, do your research. Approach a recruiter able to discuss his company’s internship program with details that show you understand the requirements and opportunities it offers, such as weekly rotations, designated mentors, or special projects. Then articulate how your experience or skills can contribute to the organization. If serving as sorority president built leadership and public speaking skills, say so. If you miss last semester’s marketing research class because you enjoyed its emphasis on analysis and problem-solving, suggest that you are eager to use these critical thinking skills in a numbers-driven buying role.

Start early. As companies seek to build long-term relationships with students, they may offer multi-year internship programs. Imagine what an asset you would be after graduation if you have already completed an internship in corporate and in stores. Begin visiting career fairs during freshman and sophomore years, and focus on establishing a relationship with potential employers. Don’t forget, many companies complete their summer internship hiring prior to Thanksgiving. Waiting until you need an internship increases stress. Students may have to settle for a less-desirable position, or simply spend summer at home.

Follow-up. Send the recruiter a hand-written thank you note. This is a very personal gesture that takes time and shows initiative.

The Center for Retail Studies wrapped up its annual Retailing Summit in October. Can you share one or two highlights from the conference?

Companies that offer a higher purpose beyond profits are reshaping the face of retailing. No longer is it good enough to only offer products and services. Customers want to know what a company stands for. They want to be part of something bigger.

TheRetailing Summit’s timely discussion of Conscious Capitalism addressed how companies can generate emotional, social and financial value when they abandon outmoded operational structures that emphasize shareholder profits above all else. Whole Foods Market CEO John Mackey delivered this message when the Occupy Wall Street Movement was gaining momentum in early October, and Occupy Dallas protesters even walked past the conference hotel. Attendees applauded when Mackey said capitalism and business have lifted billions of people out of poverty, but that businesses have an obligation to do good in the world.

Your Center has partnerships with more than thirty top companies. What role do your industry partners play in the development of your students? What examples can you share that demonstrate the value of these partnerships?

Undoubtedly our corporate partners enhance the educational experience of our undergraduates. Each year we welcome almost three dozen executives into over fifty classes across multiple disciplines. Each guest speaker consults with his/her faculty host to craft presentations that complement the syllabus with case studies. This moves academic theory into real-world practice. For example, recently we hosted Jody Hall, Director of Global Sourcing for H-E-B. Students had discussed market segmentation. Hall then demonstrated how the grocery chain researched consumer trends to stock Texas shelves with premier food and wine. H-E-B then invited renowned chefs and wine makers from Spain into the store to teach its people about the products, and engage customers with the new culinary delights, not to mention the store and its brand.

Following class lectures, our top retailing students, the Zale Leadership Scholars, enjoy lunch with executive guests. In a casual setting, they inquire about career paths, hobbies, and families, and start building their professional network. This high-value learning experience teaches comfort and confidence interacting with retailing professionals. The Zale Scholars serve one year as the “ambassadors” for Texas A&M’s retailing education program. They leave with innumerable contacts and conversation starters like, “When I had lunch with the Neiman Marcus CEO…”

Any retail experience in your background? How did retail become an area of interest for you?

I worked a summer in juniors in a department store. However, I always aspired for a university career. The interaction with young people and the constant exchange of ideas exhilarates me. After graduate study, I joined Texas A&M’s division of student affairs, then moved to CRS. My passion for retailing came with this position. Whether selling toys, diamonds, tires, or apples, our corporate partners analyze human behavior to deliver goods and services that make life more fun, stylish and comfortable. It’s my privilege to work with many of the nation’s leading companies.

What else should retailers and others know about your Center’s upcoming programs and plans?

Our mission is to help retailers be great by connecting them with top talent, continuing education, and research resources that enhance their success. With an almost thirty-year tradition of excellence, the industry knows it can count on Texas A&M’s Center for Retailing Studies to be a thought leader and reliable academic partner.

We reached out to David about sharing his internship experience when we discovered that he made his connection with Five Below at our first annual student networking luncheon. We’re confident that his exposure to the “real world” of retail – and his persistence – will continue to benefit him greatly in this industry.

Tell us about your summer internship experience. How did you decide where to apply? What made you choose Five Below?

I had applied to many different retailers for internships my first semester Junior year. While it was still early, I had not heard much from companies. My major [at University of Arizona] takes a trip to the NRF convention in New York City every year, and I decided it would be a great learning experience as well a great networking tool. Our first day at the convention there was a student networking event with retailers all over the country and students from many different schools. Sitting at the table listening to all the different companies, I started to hear the same thing until the representative from Five Below showed up at my table. Kelly Ann, who was there on behalf of Five Below, was so excited about the company and about us as students having an opportunity to intern with them. Right then and there I decided I wanted to intern for them. I spoke with Kelly Ann after the event, but soon after I returned to school we fell out of touch. I called the office and did not get through. Then I remembered that Five Below was on Twitter. After a number of “tweeting” exchanges and two interviews, I got a buying internship in the apparel, fashion accessories and jewelry departments at Five Below. Five Below is one of the fastest growing retailers in the country and because of this I got to experience more and given more responsibility than I could have ever imagined, and it was great. Internships are meant to be a learning experience and I learned an exceptional amount this past summer at Five Below.

Internships are competitive. How did you make yourself stand out?

With all internships, you have to make yourself stand out in a good way and — for Five Below — I think I made myself stand out with my persistence and passion. After calling the office and not getting through, I did not give up. After getting “tweeted” back but not the answer I wanted, I did not give up. I showed them that not only do I love retail but I would love to intern for their company. I also stood out because I already had a solid understanding of retail because of attending the Terry J. Lundgren Center at the University of Arizona.

You worked as an assistant buyer and were given a lot of responsibility as an intern. How do you think you were successful? What were some valuable lessons you learned?  

I think I was successful in coming as an intern and not only doing assistant buyer work but doing it well. The retail industry is not an easy place especially for young professionals. I was intimidated at first but I just kept plugging away and soon it became the norm. Some of the lessons I learned was that while there are a lot of perks working in the retail industry, there are also a lot of things that are not fun. While being very tedious, they are just as important as the fun things.

What has you most excited for working in retail?

The component that has me most excited about starting to work in the retail industry is just the constant innovation. Companies are always adapting and reinventing themselves to cater to the customer. It is truly astonishing. There is never going to be a day that is the same and that’s what makes it hard but also so much fun.

What’s your dream job?

I have always loved Nike and their ability to combine technology and fashion/trends into sports apparel and footwear. I would love to work there at some point in my career so I can just get a feel for what it is like. Down the line in my career I want to have an executive position such as a General Merchandise Manager for a sporting goods/apparel store.

What advice would you give to other students looking for internships?

The best advice I can give other students would be to first explore all different options such as store management and corporate internships. Once you have an idea of which direction you would like to go in, do some research for the companies that interest you and see if their mission statement sticks out to you. The hardest thing about any internship or job in my opinion is getting used to the culture because every place is different. If you find a corporate or store culture that fits you, you are setting yourself up to succeed.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I am so thankful that I went to the NRF BIG Show convention not only because of the student networking event, but I was exposed to the retail industry on a national level and it was truly amazing.

Sandels Building, Florida State University’s Center for Retail Merchandising & Product Development

FSU’s Retail Center has a number of corporate partners such as Chico’s, Macy’s, Kohl’s and HSN.  What role do your partners play in the development of your students? What examples can you share that that demonstrate the value of these partnerships?

Our Center members play a very active role in our program. They speak in our classes on topics that are related to the course and share “real world” experiences with the students. They provide input for developing our curriculum so that our students are properly prepared to enter the workforce. Members give the students workshops and advice on resumes and interviewing techniques, as well as recruit our students for internships. Center members provide scholarships and speakers for our fall scholarship dinner as well as speakers and contacts for our annual spring Retail Summit.

Your center’s mission is to shape tomorrow’s retail leaders and advance retailing. Why do you think retail provides attractive career opportunities for young people today?

The students that choose our program here at FSU do so because they have already developed an interest in the retail industry. Once here, they soon discover they have made the right choice because of the exciting and abundant careers retail has to offer. What other industry will give them the opportunity to move up so quickly based on their performance and experience. This industry is so diverse and allows students to progress at a personal pace; there is no “glass ceiling” in retail!

You’ll have students graduating in May, what advice do you share with them as they apply and interview for jobs?

Throughout the students coursework we focus on “Executive Presence” working on proactive, professional and positive behavior so that they are properly prepared for their job search.  We make sure that our students understand the importance of a strong work ethic. Their first job may not be their dream job, but they can build on that experience. Two pieces of advice that we always pass on to our graduates is to “ABN” (Always be Networking) and never burn your bridges — the retail industry is surprisingly small!

There is a general misconception that retail is not a lifelong career.  What programs, classes or activities does FSU have in place that help dispel this myth, and communicate the multitude of diverse career paths available in the retail industry?

We begin at the sophomore level by acquainting our students with the many career opportunities to be had in the retail industry. Students become familiar with the numerous industry resources that are available and begin identifying and developing the skills that are necessary to succeed. Throughout their coursework they are exposed to the variety of careers to choose from in the retail industry and we encourage them to do summer internships to give them a chance to explore different types of professions. There has been a required internship in place for over 40 years and this gives the students an opportunity to research and find an internship in the retail arena that interests them and many lead to full time employment. During our annual Retail Summit, we invite our alumni back to give retail advice concerning their careers and successes and it gives the current students a chance to network and find out more about the careers of these young professionals. Right now we have four groups of students that are involved with the Florida Retail Federation Retail Masters Class in a team competition to determine the most effective, creative way to inform and excite a cross section of today’s university students about the enormous career opportunities in retail and we hope to make this an annual competition!

You recently held your Retail Summit and featured executives from JCPenney, Disney, Sports Authority and Cotton Incorporated.  Can you share some highlights of the event? What did the students learn from these retail professionals?

The Retail Summit is held in the spring and we have over 250 students attend. Our goal is to expose them to a variety of executives in an array of retail careers. One of the favorite speakers was from Disney who shared the product life cycle of Disney’s “Vinylmation” and then the students were given the actual product! The EVP from JCPenney shared her career path with the students and advised them to learn the business from the “ground up.” Sports Authority pointed out the power of the customer in this millennium; how you have to define and listen to your customer and how much social networking has affected the retail industry. Cotton Incorporated educated the students with their “dirt to shirt” concept and provided a grant that allowed the students to compete in recycling and reusing their cotton apparel. This is the second time that the students were able to participate in “speed networking” with the executives and FSU Alumni. One of the best pieces of advice an alumni shared was to always “dress and perform for the job you aspire to have.”

What else should retailers and others know about The Retail Center and your upcoming programs and plans?

HSN CEO Mindy Grossman at 17th Annual Scholarship Dinner

We will be holding our 17^th annual Scholarship Dinner in the fall. Last year Mindy Grossman, CEO and President of HSN, inspired our students with her “Eight Life Lessons.” This fall’s event will also include a special speaker and a ribbon cutting for our new labs and classrooms, featuring the Macy’s Merchandising Lab, The Office Depot Technology Lab and the yet-to-be-named Product Development Lab. We are always looking for new partners in the industry, and some of the benefits of joining the Retail Center include: providing input into a dynamic curriculum, creating an employer of choice strategy, and creating a visibility strategy for their companies.

As Director of the Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing at the University of Arizona, you collaborate with 30 industry corporate partners to expand resources available to faculty and students to support education, outreach and research. How have these partners contributed to the development of your students? Can you share an example?

The partners in the Lundgren Center are essential to our success. We strive to build a bridge from the classroom to industry and we do this by involving our partners. In this past year we have hosted executives in the classroom, sponsored professional development workshops, coordinated field trips and study tours. The Lundgren Center provides an entry point for our partners to reach out to students, build relationships and hopefully successfully recruit tomorrow’s retail stars.

PetSmart is an excellent example of a partner who contributes a great deal through the Lundgren Center, and in return reaps numerous benefits. We offer a career development class we call the “Career Wise Cats” where students develop a resume, perfect their interviewing skills and identify a career path that interests them. Petsmart executives regularly present in class and offer interviewing tips and career guidance. The students in the class are also eligible to interview for Petsmart summer internships, academic scholarships or part time peer-to-peer mentoring positions.  Both PetSmart and the Lundgren Center consider the program a great success – students develop their professional skills and PetSmart identifies talent for internships and training programs.

Your center is named after Macy’s President & CEO. What roles does Mr. Lundgren play in the center? How has he helped retail careers?

Mr. Lundgren is a 1975 graduate of the University of Arizona and as an alumnus of this great university he is a role model for our students and resource for faculty. He has been invaluable in helping us shape our vision for the Lundgren Center for Retailing. He visits campus once a year and provides our students with a strong perspective on what it takes to lead a successful organization like Macy’s. He supports our belief that centers like the Lundgren Center for Retailing are critical in highlighting opportunity and building interest among students in retailing careers.

Tell us why internships are important and how they shape a student’s professional development and career.

Our academic program encourages all Retailing and Consumer Sciences students to complete an internship between the junior and senior year. We structure the internship so students can earn up to nine units of academic credit with a 10 – 12 week internship. The experience is an important balance to the classroom. We know that students hoping for placement in an executive development program with a retailer when they graduate must demonstrate some level of real world knowledge about the industry. The internship provides this exposure and builds knowledge of the company. Students who graduate with our academic major and a structured internship are in high demand by the retailing industry. Many already have a job offer waiting for them when they graduate.

Do you have any stellar graduates making a name in retailing you’d like to mention?

We are very proud of the accomplishments of our graduates. We have many working today for department, discount and specialty retailers in buying, planning, visual merchandising, marketing and human resources. Many have also chosen to work in manufacturing as sales managers. It is rewarding to see where how the careers of our alums unfold, many stay in the industry while some have returned to get law degrees, MBA’s or PhD’s.

What does the Lundgren Center offer retailers and related employers that is different from other schools? Tell us about the program’s collaboration with the Eller College of Management and why that is significant.

The University of Arizona has an enrollment of 38,000 students and an excellent Career Center that serves the needs of several hundred employers who recruit on our campus. What is often difficult for recruiters is finding the connection with the right student groups, clubs or classrooms in order to meet candidates. The Lundgren Center offers the opportunity for partnership and a place to connect with outstanding students and faculty. Every partner in the Lundgren Center has a student ambassador to assist with recruiting. Our faculty invite retailers into class and we sponsor an award winning SIFE Team. The Lundgren Center represents all retailers and promotes retailing careers to all students at the University of Arizona.

The McClelland Park Building, a 72,000 square foot new building, is the home for John and Doris School of Family and Consumer Sciences and your center. Talk more about this building, the classes you offer and how it benefits efforts to recruit more students to retail programs.

Our building has brought excellent visibility on campus to the retailing program. In our bright, light-filled building students can enroll in over 14 courses that focus on all elements of the retailing industry such as retail strategy, brand management, marketing strategy, global retailing and consumer behavior. With this new visibility has come significant growth in our retailing program – over 500 students are now majoring in Retailing and Consumer Sciences. To manage this growth and improve the overall quality of our graduates there are rigorous academic and GPA requirements. Our students must complete accounting, statistics, business math, economics and research methods courses before they can declare themselves retailing majors. In this way we are assured that incoming students have the strong quantitative skills our companies are seeking.

There are some star retailers headlining the Global Retailing Conference this year – executives from Macy’s, The Home Depot, Walmart, Kohl’s, JCPenney and fashion designer Rachel Roy to name a few. What or who are you looking forward to the most? What do your students gain from attending the conference?

Our conference this year is at the new Dove Mountain Ritz Carlton and offers a very strong lineup – an unbeatable combination. Personally I am looking forward to learning more about the innovative strategies in place among all the successful companies represented. I can’t say there is one speaker I am looking forward to over another, I usually get at least one good piece of information from every speaker. We make a point of opening the conference to our retailing students, and they turn out in high numbers. The students get exposure to some of the brightest minds in the industry today and they are offered an unparalleled networking opportunity.

What else should retailers know about the Terry J. Lundgren Center and your programs and plans?

I am always looking for partners who share our enthusiasm and commitment to the development of tomorrow’s retail stars. If you would like more information about partnering opportunities please contact me at mburke@ag.arizona.edu. You can also find the Center on Facebook and Twitter.

University of Arizona’s Lundgren Center for Retailing is one of NRF Foundation’s College Partners. Melinda Burke also serves on NRF Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Here are a few of their tips:

Going abroad. Many companies will be looking to expand into new international markets as the economy starts to turn.  If you’re interested in going overseas, companies will be more inclined to send a young person rather than a senior executive for cost purposes says Jim Viola, strategic HR and talent management consultant.  However, as Robert Diee, senior manager – learning design at The Home Depot pointed out, there is a transition period that college grads experience when entering into the workforce.  It will serve you better to tackle this transition first by putting a few years of retail experience on your resume then combining your effort with a cultural transition.

The power of networking. Kira Martin, a student from Florida State University explained to the panel that while she is in excellent academic standing, has lived in China, has retail experience;  she has applied to numerous internships and has yet to hear from ANY she’s applied to!  Rick Philips, Ph.D, chief technology officer and VP of Business Development for Castle Worldwide explained that the lack of response from employers is more a sign of the economy then it is her resume.  In which case all three panelists agreed that you’ve got to try even harder to market yourself with networking – not just online such as Facebook and Linkedin but by making face-to-face connections with employment opportunities.  Moderator Christopher Hollins, VP, retail industry strategic relationship group, American Express adds that getting a job in today’s economy is 5% talent and 95% effort.

Developing your skill set. When you secure an internship, make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.  If you’re not able to work for your dream company, you still should be developing a skill set that you can offer to your future employer.  Internships are a great way to get your foot in the door and many companies will be more likely to hire you after you’ve been exposed to their culture and environment.

Note: You can read a full recap of of the students’ presentation over at NRF’s BIG Blog.

“If you are thinking of retailing for a career, look no further!”

We’ve got more great stories to share! This last feature covers students who worked for Sears, Mattress Firm, Tires Plus and Build-A-Bear Workshop. The below excerpts are taken from the university’s newsletter The Retail NaviGator.

Student: Allen Jackson

Interned at: Sears (an NRFF Partner Company)

What I Did: I had the opportunity to work in every department the store had to offer which provided new and unique challenges every day. I worked directly with store managers to help implement new policies and processes. I even had the opportunity to travel to Chicago to interact with high-ranking senior executives including the CEO… I also had the opportunity to present both a competitive and operational analysis. The competitive analysis afforded me the opportunity to gauge my store’s competitiveness within the retail market. Looking both internally and externally, I analyzed the electronics department strengths and weaknesses. With the operational analysis, I had an opportunity to make a difference in the operational effectiveness of the loss prevention department which helped improve both customer service and operational efficiency.

What I Learned: In addition to the general management skills I acquired, I learned the importance of associate relations. I learned the importance of inspiring and motivating associates so they can grow alongside the company. One thing that sets Sears apart from other companies is that they reward those who work hard. An associate who grows alongside the company can literally work their way up to management in a few years.

In Closing: Contrary to popular belief, there is much more to retail then simply buying and selling of merchandise. The entire store works as a cohesive unit in an effort to serve the customer as efficiently as possible. Read the full recap…

Student: Brittany McLaughlin

Interned at: Mattress Firm

What I Did: I trained for five weeks in the stores. In my sixth week of training, I went to Houston, Texas, and trained in their corporate office… Mattress Firm moved me through several different stores during my internship. I even had the opportunity to work as a store manager. While doing this, I gained confidence in my selling and customer service skills. I felt supported throughout the experience.

What I Learned: At Mattress Firm, training varies almost daily. My district manager took a serious interest in me and took me on field trips so I could better understand our advertising and how other retailers compete. I often shared lunch with other area managers to understand more clearly how Mattress Firm works to offer excellent customer service and how the company takes excellent care of all associates.

In Closing: My summer with them has led me to love retail even more. I have huge respect for specialty retailers and how the relationship with the customer is so important. If you are thinking of retailing for a career, look no further! Read the full recap…

Student: Jackie Phanamath

Interned at: Tires Plus

What I Did: I was given more responsibility then I expected in this internship. My manager taught me how to run a store and manage a team. This is incomparable to any experience I could have imagined. I was given full control of the store when it came to marketing and daily operations. I especially enjoyed the entrepreneurial spirit of the company. It was satisfying to see that I could implement changes within the store and see the outcome of my decisions.

What I Learned: I expected my internship with this company to be very challenging because I did not know a single thing about automobiles… Vehicles are a huge investment in people’s lives, so it is important to have knowledge about them. I was teamed up with a master mechanic who taught me what I needed to know to help out customers. With him by my side, I was able to understand the workings of an engine. I performed oil changes, mounted tires and completed test drives. I took this very seriously and worked hard to earn the trust from associates and customers.

In Closing: I learned about my strengths and weaknesses thanks to the real world business experience. Tires Plus helped me fine tune my skills and prepared me for my career. Read the full recap…

Student: Multiple Students

Interned at: Build-A-Bear Workshop

What They Did: As interns for Build-A-Bear Workshop, we focused on promotional events to help drive sales. About every two weeks, Build-A-Bear introduces, or “launches,” a new animal to its wide selection of furry friends. Our job as interns consisted of finding ways to promote these new animal launches to provide our guests with a fun introduction to the new animal as well as to increase our store traffic and sales of the animal. For every new launch we planned, organized and executed, a theme party was held about the specific animal.

What They Learned: With our combined creative spirits, we were able to keep our projects interesting while learning how to work together effectively. We learned the value of teamwork, effort, leadership and communication. Beyond just events and projects, our combined internships at Build-A-Bear allowed us to embrace our inner child to truly make each new animal launch exciting and special.

In Closing: Our internship was a positive, rewarding and practical experience that will undoubtedly inspire our future retail endeavors. Read the full recap…

“…There is much more to retail then simply buying and selling of merchandise.”

Through their internships, University of Florida students were able to see the diversity of career opportunities in retail. Inevitably, they gained a new respect for the importance of sales and good customer service, but they were also exposed to the business side of retail — creating marketing promotions, offering operational analysis and developing crucial management skills.

Great job UF students! We hope that after graduation, you’ll report back and let us know if any lucky retailers hired you!

NRF: You were previously the President of Linens ‘n Things, spending 11 years there up until 2003. You became CEO of Spencer in 2003, and you’ve also spent time with Bloomingdale’s as a merchandising VP. How did you get into the retail business?

Silverstein: By accident, of course, like so many others before me. My family was in the motel business in Daytona Beach, Florida, and every summer I’d work at the motel. This taught me a lot about the attitude you have to have to be a great retailer. When I graduated from college (Cornell University, Class of 1981), I was preparing for a career with Merrill Lynch. I set up a “practice” interview with a recruiter named David Kanal from Macy’s. He hit all my buttons – how store management is the equivalent of running your own business, how retailing is results-oriented…It was just one of those fateful moments in life where you really connect. Retailing from Day One got in my veins.

How did you move up to CEO?

Back then Macy’s had a 13-week training program. I joined 25 other recent college grads (we were called “The Training Squad”) on the same day in the classroom. One of those trainees is my closest friend in life to this day. We learned retail math, we learned about all parts of the organization. I was assigned as a “white flower” (designating me a department manager) at Roosevelt Field Mall in sportswear. I started out on the sales floor, which is the only way you really understand what’s happening in stores. I moved up from there, over the years. Today I still take two trips a month visiting stores.

You’re on the advisory council for the Jay H. Baker Retailing Initiative for the Wharton School of Business. What do you look for in new hires right out of college, and what advice do you have for today’s graduates?

I recently spoke about that very subject. We’re looking for people who can articulate why retailing is for them – people who are targeted, who’ve done their homework. With today’s economy, students can start before they graduate and find creative ways to figure out if retailing is a good fit. For instance, Spencer Gifts offers internships. Becoming an intern is a great way to get your foot in the door. Use your network—family, friends, schools. If all else fails, if you really want to be considered for a career at a particular organization, write a letter to the CEO of the company and express your interest. What’s the worst that can happen? The NRF Foundation is also a great place to research the industry.

In your opinion, what is the most powerful characteristic that a retail CEO should possess to survive this environment?

Employees are looking to their leaders to provide a clear way forward in these unprecedented economic times – to help them understand and navigate what they are doing and why they are doing it. It’s more important than ever to demonstrate leadership: communicate clearly what you expect and be open about your company’s performance. Even if it’s tough news, it has to be delivered, told in an honest and open fashion. You have to lead the way.

Read the full interview on NRF’s BIG Blog.

Part two features students who had internships at JC Penney, Macy’s, Target, Walgreens and Dillard’s. The below excerpts are taken from the university’s newsletter The Retail NaviGator. Read on to hear about why interns say that retail is “way more than just checking out customers” and “since I was doing what I love, it simply didn’t feel like work!”

Student: Breanne Greer

Interned at: JC Penney (an NRFF Partner Company)

What I Did: From the first day of my internship, I was told I was not going to be a glorified associate, but a member of the management team. I was paired with a Sales Manager who served as my mentor throughout my experience. I learned everything there is to know about running a department store for one of America’s most well-known retailers. I spent each week in a different department where I became knowledgeable about the different merchandise and lifestyles JC Penney captures with their private brands. I was also able to assist in the set execution for the back to school season and even merchandised the entire men’s athletic department.

What I Learned: I learned that retail is way more than just checking out customers…. At the end of my internship, I was given an assignment to complete a SWOT analysis on customer service, merchandise and store environment for JC Penney and four of its competitors. This assignment allowed me to apply what I learned to determine what sets JC Penney apart from its competition. After I concluded my findings, I made a presentation on them to the store management team and gained important feedback.

In Closing: After my ten short weeks, I knew retail is more than a [cash] register and that it was an industry for me. I am glad I chose JC Penney to get my career started in the retail industry. They provided me with opportunities I would not be able to gain elsewhere and taught me leadership skills that I know I can take with me into my future endeavors. Read the full recap…

Student: Ankit Bavishi

Interned at: Macy’s

What I Did: My training included shadowing almost every position available with Macy’s at the store level. I was very impressed with this because I was able to see how members of the Macy’s team inspire each other and how important such energy can be when serving our customers. Macy’s gives its associates many opportunities to grow in any way they choose. This is a part of the whole concept of “MyMacys,” which is a program recently introduced. I learned how quickly one can climb the corporate ladder in a number of career paths available within the company.

What I Learned: As an intern, I was given the opportunity to explore any detailed aspect about Macy’s; I chose to delve a bit deeper into the company’s private label brands. These brands are important to Macy’s because of the benefits they have for the consumer, as well as the company. My most cherished experience was being able to present my research about the private labels to a room full of executives, including the chief private brands officer (and a former CEO), as well as the regional vice president of Macy’s. I am excited even writing about this!

In Closing: Macy’s offers careers to progressive-thinking students across the nation. Macy’s provides the best in training and really prepares students for growing within the company. Even as an intern at the store level, I was able to learn the operations of a Macy’s store, but I was also given the training to continue to grow with the company. Read the full recap…

Student: Keri Waldron

Interned at: Target

What I Did: After completing my second internship with Target as an advanced executive intern… This summer, my project focused specifically on the training and development of team members… I worked side by side, day after day with associates, because I truly cared about their development. This approach helped in the development of our team. I am so thankful for the time I had with all the members!

What I Learned: The toughest challenge I faced was creating a new culture that emphasizes how important it is for team members to develop enough to be able to do the work of their team leaders. I approached the team with the assumption that being genuine would gain me more creditability and respect than “selling” them on a culture. This was tricky because many of the team members have worked for Target for many years, and in order for me to prove I was not just “the intern trying to be their boss,” I had to work hard to learn my responsibilities and help whenever they needed support.

In Closing: I enjoyed each and every day of my internship. Target provided me a supportive environment where I learned and applied excellent retail practices. Read the full recap…

Student: Michelle Russell

Interned at: Walgreens

What I Did: My Walgreens internship prepared me to run a business. Ten weeks in the role of “Business Management Intern” proved that I had the essential skills needed to function proficiently on the job. The store manager, along with a team of dedicated assistant managers, helped to mold me into a manager in hyper speed timing. I was able to see the gist of the store in a nutshell, learning from my own experiences, and from the guidance of my management team.

What I Learned: I also experienced out-of-store training by visiting other stores to understand how every manager runs their establishment differently based upon what was necessary. This demonstrated the Walgreens policy of recruiting its leaders based on those who display entrepreneurial ability. During my internship, I was privileged to travel with my store manager to Gainesville at the opening of a new store. All store managers within my district came to help get the new store ready for the grand opening. Their knowledge, skills and experiences were apparent in how they directed activity, set the shelves and worked together to create “the perfect store.” The visit was invaluable for me, working hand-in-hand at a store manager-only affair.

In Closing: The greatest part of the internship was the “District Manager’s Ride Along.” It was interesting to see alliances created with other institutions through business relationships. Our DM concluded the session with a nugget of advice: “Never pass up opportunities, be patient and always be ready for a greater responsibility.” Read the full recap…

Student: Jessica Smith

Interned at: Dillard’s

What I Did: My internship with Dillard’s was exciting. I was rotated throughout the store and experienced so much in what seems like a short time! [I] worked in the executive office… home department… with an area sales manager in shoes… in accessories… and ready to wear.

What I Learned: My experience in ready to wear was wonderful! We creatively developed some of the floor displays and brainstormed ways to feature new clothing, follow company policies and make it all inviting for the customer. I helped develop two window displays where I made a case of Antonio Melani merchandise in shades of brown and orange and a Nygard case in shades of black and white. This was so rewarding. I really enjoyed the merchandising aspect. It was fun to be a part of the corporate mentality to ensure that the stores maintain the atmosphere of excellence for our customers.

In Closing: When I was deciding upon an internship, I considered Dillard’s because I have an interest in fashion. I thought retail would be an interesting way to incorporate this interest into work and I was right. Since I was doing what I love, it simply didn’t feel like work! Read the full recap…

Still to come! We’ve got more internship experiences to share. In part three, we’ll hear from students who interned at: Mattress Firm, Tires Plus, Build-A-Bear and Sears.

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.

Do you love working in retail? NRF Foundation wants to hear from you!

Having been a part of this industry over the last three years, I’ve already heard so many unique and inspiring stories from retailers about how they got their start and why they love doing what they do. Like the man who went to work for a home improvement store because he spent so much time there while renovating his house. Twenty years later, he’s still there. Or, the guy who sells outdoor apparel and sporting goods, and is super successful because it doesn’t feel like selling when you’re talking to people about the stuff you love. Then, there’s the young manager of a toy store who is constantly energized by the chaos that comes with working in a toy store.

Retail is an industry where your passion can be your work. It’s an industry that has so much variety – marketing, advertising, buying, and logistics. And, it’s an industry that employs a lot of people — about one in five workers.

Here’s how you can participate:

• Share a Twitter-style comment below — make a quick statement telling us why you love retail.
• Write a blog post. Sign up as an author on our blog and share your personal experience about working in retail. Pictures are encouraged.
  
• Record a video and send it to us. As an example, check out last year’s winners of the Intercollegiate Retail Challenge who recorded a video about their experiences.
• Join our Facebook group and write a message on our Wall.
  
• Send us an email, or mail us a good old-fashioned letter. We still like those too.
  

We can’t wait to hear your story!

FINDING A JOB WEB 2.0 STYLE

1. Blog – Blogging can be about sharing and highlighting your expertise. You can either start your own blog, or regularly contribute and make comments on others. Yes, there are a gazillion blogs out there about fashion and marketing and advertising. Unless you have a clever twist on one of these topics, you may want to rethink starting your own and concentrate on contributing to others. Like this one
2. Social Networking Sites – Join them, if you haven’t already. Even Zappos.com’s CEO Twitters. And, LinkedIn‘s popularity has soared. According to TechCrunch.com, unique visitors rose 22 percent in January, and total minutes on the site doubled. If you’re on Facebook, we have a Retail Careers & Advancement Group. It is just as important to network with others looking for a job as it is potential employers. Others in transition can be a great source of information for trading tips, not to mention morale support.
3. Start using #1 and #2 Together — If you’ve authored a blog post or made an insightful comment, make sure you share it with your social network.

FINDING A JOB THE TRIED AND TRUE WAY

1. Have a Focused Resume – Customize your resume to each company and position you are applying for, placing emphasis on the experience that is most applicable. A resume recently came across my desk where the candidate created a chart with one column showing the qualifications we were looking for and one column indicating how his qualifications matched up. I thought this was a great idea.
2. Get Out and Meet People – Don’t spend all your time on the computer. Go out and meet people and network. Initiate breakfast, lunch, or coffee. Consider consulting work or volunteering.
3. Internships – This obviously applies to the younger job seeker, but they should not underestimate the importance of internships. Internships provide work experience, connections, recommendations – all things necessary to make your resume stand out.

Have other successful strategies? Please share them by making a comment below!

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Resources used in this blog post include:
career-resumes.com
careerbuilder.com
ocregister.com

NRFF will create this “community” through the new Retail Careers Center website, this blog, and our social networking group on Facebook.

These online features will help us create awareness, generate excitement, and promote the diversity of retail career tracks and opportunities.  And, we can’t wait for you to join us!  Please join our community, and share with us why you love working in retail.

NRFF is committed to ensuring a knowledgeable next generation of retailers, and assisting retailers and business partners recruit, manage, and develop talent.  Through NRFF’s industry training and professional certification programs, the Foundation will challenge, educate, and excite tomorrow’s retailers.