Retail, sales and customer services
Retailing takes place via a wide range of outlets, including food stores (such as supermarkets and convenience stores), non-food stores (such as department stores), and non-store retailing (such as mail order and e-commerce).
There is also a huge range of careers available to graduates, from specialised roles such as buying and merchandising to general store management as well as business support functions like HR and finance.
Graduate training programmes and fast-track management training programmes can be a good way for ambitious graduates to progress rapidly. Many will offer you a taste of different roles before you decide which is the best career path.
Retail is a career which needs a strong customer service ethic, entrepreneurial ability and problem-solving talent. You’ll also need good communication, organisation and planning skills. If you’ve got what it takes you can expect to be given early responsiblity and to be well rewarded.
Job descriptions
Retail, sales and customer services careers advice
- How to get a graduate job in retail
Getting a graduate job in the retail sector: where to find the jobs, types of employer, and how work experience can help. More... - Training and career development in retail
Professional development and qualifications for graduates working in the retail sector. More...
Areas of work
Graduate views
- Aoife Habenicht, Area Manager, Aldi Stores (Ireland) Ltd
- Joanna O'Donnell, Technical Manager, Augher Co-operative, Augher, Co. Tyrone
- Joanne McKenna, Direct Merchandiser, Coca-cola, Hellenic Bottling Company, Co. Cork
- Kevin O'Leary, EMEA Regional Implementation Leader, Procter & Gamble, Weybridge
- Matt Tighe, Graduate Management Trainee, Lidl (Dublin and Kildare)
Learning from leaders
Further reading
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