Retail careers can involve a lot of travelling. If you have a buying role you are likely to spend time abroad sourcing products. Many retailers are global brands and new markets are opening up all the time, for example Eastern Europe and China. International managers are required for such expansion. Other roles in retail can require visiting many stores and communicating strategy and process to personnel working on the shop floor.

Most large retailers have online application systems, but the vast majority of UK retailers employer fewer than ten members of staff, so if being part of a small team appeals to you there are plenty of opportunities for just that. Smaller retailers are unlikely to be able to offer the same career development opportunities but can provide you with the hands on experience necessary to secure these kinds of roles in the future.

Qualifications and Experience

Retail recruiters are generally looking for skills such as:

• Communication skills
• Decision making
• Customer service skills
• Knowledge of industry

Often these skills are best gained through work experience. Academic qualifications are unlikely to be very relevant depending on the subject, although they do prove your intellectual capabilities, as well as problem solving and organisation to recruiters. To work in a specialist retailer a formal qualification in the relevant area may be essential.

Training and Development

A career in Retail involves reacting to market conditions, environmental and ethical concerns, competitors and changing consumer demands. Retail employers need smart candidates with leadership potential. Candidates should also have knowledge of the industry, good communication skills and the ability to respond quickly to situations and solve problems. If you work in retail you are learning a lot about business and it's the perfect opportunity to glean information which could help you open your own successful business in the future.

Depending on the size of the company you join, within a few years you could be managing a department within a large store, or even a whole store. There are opportunities to gain professional qualifications (for example in finance or marketing) and become a member of relevant professional bodies. The skills you will gain from a career in retail managing staff and projects are very transferable and are a valued commodity in the employment market.