Graduate Opportunities

The retail sector is Australia’s largest employing industry, with more than 1.5 million people working in retail trade. Job numbers have increased by almost 110,000 jobs in the five years to February 2007. In New Zealand the sector is also a major employer and plays a vital role in the overall economy.

The retail industry in Australia and New Zealand is dominated by several large and well-known organisations. In recent years, the retail sector has been through several exciting changes and the industry looks set to evolve further, becoming more sophisticated and competitive than ever.

In retail, strong branding and brand recognition is critical to success and retail businesses are focusing heavily on leveraging their brand(s) and the brands that they sell. Retail is a dynamic, fast paced and exciting industry with a broad scope of career opportunities for graduates, on the shop floor right through to the head office.

The work

The retail sector employs graduates in a variety of roles:

• Retail buyers
• Retail sales managers
• Supply chain managers

Many large retail firms offer graduate programs which train graduates from a wide range of disciplines for leadership and managerial roles. Graduate trainees are usually exposed to all aspects of the business, from marketing and sales to supply management and finance. Industry experience is often an advantage in applying for these programs.

Graduates interested in working in this industry should consider the following lifestyle factors:

• While standard business hours are the norm for those in buying or supply chain roles, those in retail management often work longer hours.
• Work can be high-pressure, with tight deadlines and expectations to meet targets.
• Overseas travel opportunities are common for retail buyers.
• If you like people, there is plenty of face-to-face contact in this industry.

Current prospects for graduates wishing to work in this industry are good. Retail companies have greatly improved their work practices in recent years and are now offering more flexible conditions, quality leadership and a stimulating working environment with good opportunities for advancement.

What you need

Retail is an industry that recruits from a wide range of disciplines. For management and other roles, the degrees sought include: Marketing; Business; Arts; Commerce; Management; Fashion; Textiles; and Design. One of the advantages of the industry is that retail hours often fit in with study, so a career can be launched while at university.

Money matters

Within the wider retail sector, the 2006 Australian Graduate Survey showed 50 per cent of graduates were earning $19,000-$34,000, four to six months after completing their qualifications. However, for those graduates employed at a managerial, professional or associate professional level, the equivalent range was $26,050-$40,000.

Beyond starting salaries, the Frontline Retail Salary Guide indicates store managers earn between the low $20,000s and $70,000. For assistant managers, salaries can vary from $25,000 up to $57,000, whereas the typical salary range for retail buyers is $60,000-$91,000.

Significant stats

• The retail sector in Australia employs almost 1.5 million people, making it the largest employing industry in Australia
• The sector has a young age profile, with 40 per cent of employees under 25 and is female-friendly -- more than 50 per cent of employees are female and women are well represented in management roles.

Source: except where indicated, all figures from “Australian Jobs 2007”, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.