A person can work their way up to the position of retail supervisor from an entry-level position. Typically, a person interested in this position obtains it gaining retail experience prior to applying. A high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) diploma is usually sufficient for becoming a retail supervisor. College is not usually required. However, going to college and earning a bachelor’s degree may make it easier to advance to a supervisory position.
While many people think of college as a way to prepare for a career, important work skills can often be acquired while still in high school. A retail supervisor, for example, requires excellent communication, organizational, and math skills. These are things that a student can start working on in high school. If his high school offers accounting, economics, or business courses, these courses can also help him succeed in his retail career.
While a college degree isn’t required to work as a retail supervisor, having one can lead to more job opportunities. Some companies do require associate’s or bachelor’s degrees for new supervisors. Even if a degree isn’t required a company, having one can make a job applicant more competitive. A candidate with a degree may be given preference over an applicant with only a diploma when a hiring manager reviews resumes. A retail company, for example, may allow a candidate with a degree to advance more quickly than one with a high school diploma or GED.
If a person decides to attend college in order to pursue a career as a retail supervisor, there are some majors that are particularly well-suited to this field. Business, accounting, and marketing are among them, and courses in communication, psychology, and management may also be beneficial. However, a person who wants to work as a retail supervisor can do so with a bachelor’s degree in almost any field. Internships may be available for aspiring retail supervisors to gain the experience they need to supervise others. They may be able to progress to supervising more quickly as a result of this.
For many people, becoming a retail supervisor entails a gradual progression. Starting on the sales floor or as a cashier and gradually gaining experience that will help the candidate qualify for the position is an example of this. Some employers require a few years of retail experience, while others may prefer to hire supervisors with a lot more. Retail companies typically provide training for new supervisors, though the length and content of the training may differ from one company to the next.