Jumpstarting a Career in Retail in India

There is no doubt that India has witnessed and will continue to witness a major retail revolution in the coming years and it’s no surprise that many career hopefuls are eyeing retail for their next move. With its massive potential and dynamic landscape, retail promises immense opportunities to individuals seeking to launch a career in it and make a noteworthy mark.

Retail offers an Uber-like edge to an individual and a chance to be able to penetrate deep into markets. It also allows individuals to figure out the problems of the customers and generate solutions.

Pathway to Joining the Retail Industry

There are many paths one can take to get a foot in the retail sector. However, it is first and foremost important to be equipped with the right qualifications and skills for you to stand out in the competition.

Are you ready to jumpstart your career in the exciting and ever-dynamic retail sector? We provide you a guide to follow from the very beginning and make the transition an easier one.

Gain the Right Skill and Knowledge

First and foremost, gain the necessary skills to propel your career in the retail sector. Having a Bachelor’s degree in retail management or any related discipline is an essential requirement for many retail job positions. You can major in modern retail technology, channel marketing, visual merchandising and merchandising, pricing, and more.

Familiarize Yourself with the Industrial Insights

In retail, it’s important to maintain a finger on the pulse of the sector. Track the news and trends surrounding the global retail environment and establish contacts within the industry. It is important to understand customer profiles, consumer behaviors, and supply chain nuances that influence retail operations.

Also, earn an understanding behind customer value insights, customer segmentations, personalization approaches, customer journey analysis, and much more.

Experience the Opportunities

Start with internships and entry-level jobs to gain the required skills and experience in the industry. Learn from a mentor and attend retailing-related conferences for first-hand wisdom and knowledge about retail. This will help you get the competitive advantage to pursue a retail career.

Seek for Professional Guidance

Once you’re equipped with the skills, knowledge, and experience to make a jumpstart in the retail industry, begin to search for appropriate job postings online and in local newspapers. You can also seek guidance from career counselors and HR professionals to pinpoint the right places and opportunities in the retail sector.

Choose the Right Job

Once you’re done with your job search, create an impressive resume. This should include certifications, qualifications and your relevant experience. Connect with the decision-makers at the store and try to create an impact.

Salary Insights

The salary in the retail industry mainly depends upon three factors: experience, educational qualifications, and achievements.

As per the Indeed data, the average salary of a Retail Assistant in India is INR 207, 252 per year, the average salary of a Retail Manager is INR 528,324 and a Retail Store Manager earns around INR 844, 227 per year.

Success Stories

Read inspiring stories of other people who have been successful in transitioning their careers in the retail industry. For instance, Aashay Singh, who joined as a Retail Manager at an online retail store, was able to make a successful career transition in his late twenties within a few months.

He had prior experience in a sales role for 5 years, he reasoned that his knowledge in sales would come in handy in his new role. He proactively referred to industry journals and books covering the retail sector and trained himself in the best practices while giving presentations, managing customer complaints and so on.

Challenges & How to Overcome Them

Of course, switching your career is no easy task. Some of the global challenges are fierce competition, lack of knowledge and experience in retail, competition for resources, and slow-moving style of functioning.

To make the transition smooth and successful, you need to have a clear plan of action with a well-defined timeline. Also, you need to stay in sync with customer demands and study their behaviors to drive customer experience initiatives. Ask for guidance from experts and eager to make connections to the industry.

Actionable Steps for Career Transition

• Stay up to date on the latest developments in the retail industry
• Gain in-depth knowledge about the responsibilities and roles of a retail manager or assistant
• Secure an internship or entry-level job to gain experience
• Build a strong resume of qualifications, certifications, and accomplishments
• Connect with the decision-makers in your organization and create an impact
• Keep yourself up to date with the advancements in the customer experience initiatives
• Ask for guidance from professionals to pinpoint opportunities

Conclusion

As a career aspirant, if you are looking to make a switch to the retail sector, it’s the right time! You need to understand the industry, its challenges and opportunities, equip yourself with the skills and knowledge, secure an internship or entry-level job and make connections in the industry. It may seem hard initially, but with dedication and hard work you will be able to achieve success in the sector. Good luck!