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How that Job at the Mall Can Pay off in the Long Run

Written by: Allison Webster- IYN Metroland Media
Published on: Sep 28, 2017

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Whether you work in the local mall, a big box store, or a downtown boutique, that retail job is more than just a means of making some cash, it also provides a lot of useful skills you can transfer to a wide variety of careers. Regardless of your education, age, or background, if you want to change careers, the lessons learned while working retail sales can be used in any number of future positions. 

For starters, because most retail jobs deal with the public, you are expected to interact with customers on a regular basis. From the sales floor, to the cash, to the phones, you pretty much spend a majority of your shift speaking with customers. If successful, you will have built up the confidence necessary to handle all types of situations. From helping someone pick out an item, to processing the sale, to dealing with returns – offering great customer service is something you can use in a variety of careers. Problem solving when it comes to complaints, questions, and problems will help you tackle difficult situations while keeping a cool head. 

The retail world can be fast paced! No matter what your role was within the company, the retail environment gives you unique insights into customer wants and needs. What made the store successful? What drove traffic? You can learn a lot about business from working on the front line. 

Aside from some small mom and pop shops, most retail stores have teams of employees working there. Working with other people is the reality of many jobs. Learning to support one another, regardless of what team you’re on is important for getting things done. In the retail space, if all departments and divisions work harmoniously, the customers will get what they want faster. Team work and communication are great skills you can use in practically any job. On the flip side, retail also allows you to work independently to get things done. Taking the initiative to solve a problem is also a very important skill.  

Another transferable skill is time management. Every job comes with certain tasks, and the expectation that you can complete them in a timely manner. Learning to be efficient and priority driven will help increase your productivity, thus helping your employer.  

At any age, the retail world can teach you responsibility. You must be reliable and trustworthy to work in this industry, in that your employer trusts that you will be on time, flexible, and efficient when completing tasks. Your ability to self-manage is important, as many jobs ask for candidates who are independent self-starters, who can manage his or her own workload. 

Lastly, working with different people – co-workers, superiors, and customers – allows you to become more culturally aware. By meeting and interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds, you can learn to build relationships and assist people who are different from yourself.

The retail world can give you the foundation you need to be successful in a number of careers from business, to finance, to customer service, and beyond, you should value your time working in retail, as it offers hands-on experience you can’t learn from a class or book.