In June my year with AmeriCorps will be over, and I will be on the hunt for a new job. The process of looking for employment can be stressful, and in order to prepare myself for the job search, I have been attending Goodwill’s Careers in Retail Initiative classes.
The Careers in Retail Initiative is designed to help entry-level employees gain the skills and credentials to advance to a mid-level retail position, covering topics such as decision making, interview skills, and leadership. I firmly believe that the Careers in Retail program would be useful for anyone interested in getting a new job or getting promoted at their current one.
Alyssa getting her certificate from Careers in Retail Coordinator, Jenny Heaton.
When I first learned about the Careers in Retail program, I envisioned a program that may teach how to tag clothes or fill out purchase orders, but I could not have been more wrong. Animal trainers, bankers, computer programmers, architects, and many more positions are considered to be in the retail industry. According to the video below from the National Retail Federation, 44% of all retail positions are not sales positions. Even though I am not expecting to go into a job that is a traditional retail sales job, I feel like the classes were still invaluable for my future career.
I recently graduated from the program, and because I know that I am a more capable employee, I feel more confident about looking for a new job. Additionally, I know that the Careers in Retail Initiative staff will help me perfect my resume, polish my interviewing skills, and connect with potential employers. In a process that can be lonely and difficult, it is nice to know that I will have someone that I can turn to for help and advice with whatever I need. Many people struggle with knowing what steps to take next to further their career goals or even with what career path is right for them; this program can help figure out what the next steps are or what career might be a good fit.
If you are interested in making the next step in your career, visit the Careers in Retail page. The classes are completely free and are offered on a flexible schedule. I highly recommend that you check them out!
About Alyssa Watson
Alyssa is an AmeriCorps member serving at Goodwill Industries-Knoxville in the Marketing Department. She is happy that spring is here and is getting ready to clean out her closet.