Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

• Floriculture/Floristry Operations and Management
• Consumer Merchandising/Retailing Management
• E-Commerce/Electronic Commerce
• Retail Management
• Retailing and Retail Operations
• Selling Skills and Sales Operations
• General Merchandising, Sales, and Related Marketing Operations, Other
• Special Products Marketing Operations

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

High school (GED), plus work experience

Although retail or parts sales positions usually have no formal education requirements, some employers prefer applicants who have a high school diploma or equivalent, especially employers who sell technical products or "big-ticket" items, such as electronics or cars. Retail sales workers typically have opportunities to advance to supervisory positions.

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Additional Information

Warren L. Flanigan has worked in various retail management positions for many years. He says on-the-job training is important. "Many companies provide some form of job-specific training," he says.

"An ambitious individual can further their training by seeking help from more accomplished professionals, attending job-specific seminars, taking formal job-specific classes at universities, reading industry-related periodicals as well as a wealth of self-help type books."

"A finance or accounting degree would come in very handy. Computer skills are a must, especially in Excel and Access," adds Rozel Gonzales. She is a merchandise planner.

You might be able to get by with a high school diploma if you supplement it with some business courses and on-the-job training. But it's best to get at least an associate's degree, preferably a bachelor's or even a master's.

Garold Hart worked his way up through the ranks over 30 years. He says it is more difficult to start that way today. "My advice would be to get a college degree in business, marketing or merchandising with an emphasis on the retail industry. Consider working in retail while in school to get a taste of the business, because it isn't for everyone."

Hart says that even though there are fewer retailers in the industry due to consolidation, he feels there is a shortage of management candidates. He sees a "huge opportunity with companies involved with e-commerce retailing." But watch out: in the near future, he predicts consolidation there as well.

"Continue with your formal education, making sure you acquire knowledge in the business and marketing areas. Don't be afraid to start at the bottom. The quality people will rise to the top quickly," advises Flanigan.