Three ways NRFSA members should start getting involved right now:

1. Join the NRF Student Association LinkedIn Group.

Create a profile, share your areas of expertise and experience, and connect with other talented students who are also interested in retailing as a career. The LinkedIn Group is also open to NRF Foundation’s Employer Partners and NRFSA sponsors, making this an unique networking opportunity for all participants.

2. Make plans to attend the NRFSA student events, held in conjunction with NRF’s BIG Show in January.

Only members of NRFSA are eligible for the discounted student rate. The tentative agenda includes the second annual Retail Talent Networking Luncheon, a panel discussion on internships, and the NRFSA business meeting.

3. Sign up for Retail Careers Facebook and Twitter updates.

By following Retail Careers on Facebook and Twitter, you’ll have access to the latest news and announcements about which retailers are hiring, interviews with retailers who know what it takes to succeed in the industry, and other career advice resources.

At the launch of the association, the following fifteen colleges committed to offering members of their campus retail associations the opportunity to join NRFSA. (Read the press release for more information.)

• FIDM/The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
• The Fashion Institute of Technology
• Florida State University Center for Retail Merchandising and Product Development
• Georgia Southern University Center for Retail Studies
• Fashion School at Kent State University
• LIM College
• Longwood University
• Ohio University
• Retail Management Institute at Santa Clara University
• The University of Florida David F. Miller Center for Retailing Education and Research
• University of Arizona Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing
• University of Arkansas Center for Retailing Excellence
• University of North Texas School of Merchandising and Hospitality Management
• University of Tennessee
• University of Wisconsin-Madison The Kohl’s Center for Retailing Excellence

Interested in joining but your college isn’t listed? Colleges and universities offering a degree program with a focus in retailing, marketing, fashion, product development, finance, supply chain management, real estate or related fields should consider becoming a College Partner of NRF Foundation and taking advantage of the opportunity to join NRFSA.

The session that stuck with me the most was “The Power of Retail Design.” Two panels spoke to the unique challenges faced and innovative solutions found in the completion of various store design projects.  What made the discussion so enjoyable was a balance between the familiarity of the brands discussed, and the newness of the interpretations of those brands for different markets and formats.

One such brand was Neutrogena.  As an avid health and beauty consumer, I’m well aware of the brand and its positioning in the United States, but during the session I learned that to introduce the brand in India, an “education mall”, complete with magazine cover-inspired displays featuring layered imagery and text to attract shoppers was developed.  Private consulting and a one-on-one selling process were used to educate shoppers on product skin care and cleansing capabilities.

Another thought-provoking topic was the sustainable L.L. Bean store.  To again reference the session’s interesting paradox of the familiar and the new, I’ve always been an L.L. Bean catalog shopper, but didn’t realize they had brick-and-mortar stores.  Speaker Joseph P. Nevin explained that natural light, high recycled content materials, and repurposed materials were used in the store, paying homage to L.L. Bean’s penchant for stewardship and sustainability.  The store also includes a multi-channel hub where customers can access the company’s website and physical catalogs.

As these two examples illustrate, the projects discussed during “The Power of Retail Design” were quite diverse.  Despite the variety, all of the speakers proved that a multitude of challenges can be overcome with innovative store design and visual merchandising, a lesson I’ll have no trouble applying to situations in my future retail career.

Molly McKenna is a student at the University of Michigan.

“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!

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.