I'm studying merchandising, but not working in retail..advice?

Career Opportunities & Internships
1

<p>I'm a sophomore and I'm starting my first year actually taking apparel merchandising classes. I have heard in the last few weeks from guest speakers, that what matters most to companies looking to bring in students for internships or to offer jobs after graduation, is experience in apparel retail.</p>

<p>I worked at Express in the summer and didn't like the environment much at all. Plus, the pay was ridiculously low and I hardly ever had hours. I don't know if it was just the particular store I was in or what, but I disliked it very much. I didn't think that mattered though, because I want to work in corporate when I graduate, not on the retail level. Anyway, I work at Starbucks now. I'm making a lot more money and have more benefits than I would get if I was still working at Express. </p>

<p>But now I'm worried that I should actually be working in retail since experience looks good to businesses when they hire interns and then bring them on full time. </p>

<p>I am just a sophomore though, so I have time to get experience in retail, but should I quit my higher paying job and take one in retail that pays less just to get experience?</p>

2

<p>You need to work your way up; it’s rare to slide right into a corporate role, especially if you have little or no experience in that industry. Retail allows great flexibility in moving up, over, and most anywhere you want to go if you put in the time and do your job well (and rub the right elbows, in some cases). </p>

<p>I worked at Express as well while in college and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. What would be better is to work at a larger retailer such as Macy’s, JC Penney, etc. Many larger stores have positions dedicated to merchandising - you’d still be helping customers, but would spend less time at the register and more time following plan-o-grams. The pay might not be as good, but how does your job at Starbucks help your resume for fashion merchandising? </p>

<p>Look for merchandising jobs at higher end stores and departments (Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, etc.). Prospective employers will know the quality of your work experience based on the company standards you work for. They also tend to use more creativity in displays, types of folds, graphics, etc. - which will expose you to different ideas, trends, and more.</p>