The Secret Lives of Retail Managers: Lots of Work But Lots of Pay

This is the type of income Marrianne Solis, a Western Illinois University college student hopes to pocket within a few years. Solis, a sophomore at WIU choose to forgo work study and pursue off campus income instead due to the higher hourly salary and clothing discounts.

“I’ve been working at Banana Republic a little over a year now and I like the fast pace of it all,” she says. “I expect to become a manager by Christmas and I really think my work experience combined with my future degree will really position me for a good job on the corporate side.”

The route Solis can expect to take in her pursuit of a corporate job entails many of the following steps: Middle of the mall retail stores, such as Banana Republic have a variety of job-grade levels. Most people will start off as a sales associate, and work up to a manager or key carrier, then to assistant store managers, and on to regional or district manager.

In fact, once an employee reaches corporate; often referred to as the buying office, countless opportunities are available. Besides becoming a buyer, Staten says there are opportunities in merchandising, finance, marketing and advertising, or even operations – which entails inventory planning.

“I suggest if someone does not know which area they are interested in, try to get into the corporate office of a brand they like and look for an entry level “the center of the wheel” position,”says Staten. “This role may expose you to different career paths you may not have previously considered. And if you find a good mentor they can usually help you plot your career trajectory.”