Internships Create Interest in Retail Careers
Does your store offer internships? If not, perhaps it's an idea worth considering.
A study of business students conducted by the University of Florida's Center for Retailing Education and Research found that students who experienced a retail internship developed an interest in pursuing a retail career over sales and banking.
If this sounds like something you would like to do, but you don't know how to find an intern, try this: If there is a university near your store, call to see if the university has an organized internship program. Even if there isn't one, it's still possible to get an intern. You could, perhaps, post your internship on a job board offered by the university. Even if you're planning a free internship, the university might list it.
Or, you could call various schools within the university. If there is a retail school, by all means go there first. Other suggestions would be the business school, a textile school or any school connected with fashion.
And if there is no university in or near your town, contact one of your state universities. College kids frequently return home during summer breaks, and many are looking for work, both paid and unpaid. Students who live in your town, but go to a university elsewhere in your state might be happy for an internship opportunity at your store.
One last suggestion is to pay the intern if at all possible. Short of that, offer store discounts. And always offer to write letters of recommendation to future employers of your intern.
