Is working retail a disappointment after receving a college degree?

[Gwinnett]

I know there are a lot of factors in play here but would you say getting a job in retail whether it's Dillards, JCPenny or Target (for example) after receiving your college degree a disappointment?

[gatorknights]

These days, with this sucky job market that probably won't get better anytime soon, you do what you gotta do. While it may be a disappointment personally, I don't think many folks would look down on it. Any job is a good job.

[toon66]

Originally Posted by Gwinnett

I know there are a lot of factors in play here but would you say getting a job in retail whether it's Dillards, JCPenny or Target (for example) after receiving your college degree a disappointment?

You do what you have you to do until you earn that shot. I threw sod, worked retail, delivered flowers and sold copiers until I landed my career choice. Did all of that for a total of 14 months until I landed in my current career. That was 18 yrs ago.

[supagator]

If you graduated from Med or Law school, maybe. But Buisness major or Education no.

[gatorman_07732]

Originally Posted by Gwinnett

I know there are a lot of factors in play here but would you say getting a job in retail whether it's Dillards, JCPenny or Target (for example) after receiving your college degree a disappointment?

No, but I can understand how you might feel that way. Many people come out of college with a degree and don't exactly get the job they envisioned. You need to set your mind to do the best job you can and keep your eyes and ears open.

[Gwinnett]

Thanks for the replies-- this isn't for me-- just was wondering what you all thought.
Perhaps it could be a stepping stone to a inside/outside sales job. I think most people looked at retail as the lowest run on the sales ladder but it could provide valuable experience in the sales arena.

[vanders]

as Flip always says.... It is easier to find a job when you have a job.

[MMCaneOL]

I thought the same thing for awhile. Out of grad school I landed a job in retail thinking it was temporary. 4 years later I'm still in retail, but worked my way up to Assistant Store Manager and now an much happier and am earning a higher salary than most if my friends with "real" jobs.

It's sucks not having weekends and your schedule changing constantly, but that's the price we pay in this industry.

[gatorman_07732]

Originally Posted by vanders

as Flip always says.... It is easier to find a job when you have a job.

Very true because it makes you more marketable. The longer you are unemployed the harder it will be to land a job.

[toon66]

Originally Posted by Gwinnett

Thanks for the replies-- this isn't for me-- just was wondering what you all thought.
Perhaps it could be a stepping stone to a inside/outside sales job. I think most people looked at retail as the lowest run on the sales ladder but it could provide valuable experience in the sales arena.

Maybe, maybe not but I don't really consider that when I am recruiting. If considering a recent college grad with no experience, I consider the whole body of experience. I look tor someone who is a grinder. I'll teach them how to sell.

[vaxcardinal]

Originally Posted by Gwinnett

Thanks for the replies-- this isn't for me-- just was wondering what you all thought.
Perhaps it could be a stepping stone to a inside/outside sales job. I think most people looked at retail as the lowest run on the sales ladder but it could provide valuable experience in the sales arena.

Even lower than "counter sales" at McDonalds?

[Gwinnett]

Originally Posted by vaxcardinal

Even lower than "counter sales" at McDonalds?

Oh no-- LOL. I didn't take into account the fast food profession.

[Gwinnett]

Originally Posted by toon66

Maybe, maybe not but I don't really consider that when I am recruiting. If considering a recent college grad with no experience, I consider the whole body of experience. I look tor someone who is a grinder. I'll teach them how to sell.

Interesting...I think I was a little harsh on my comments about the retail job. Just out of curoisty-- if someone was to get a job at a department store are they on any commission or is it a flat amount?

On another note, I've never done sales but have always thought about crossing over. I've been in IT since my days in college. I'll never do it-- too much of a chicken (& family responsibilities) but how do you go about teaching one to sell?

[MichiGator2002]

I have worked in retail with a bachelor's, I have worked in a restaurant with a JD. The economy is what it is. And, yeah, there have been times of disappointment, or rye, dry amusement at how much effort went into the credentials. But it also is a nice reminder that a set of letters doesn't make you "too good" for any sort of honest work someone is willing to pay you for. Every job you ever do in your life is a serious thing that matters a whole lot to someone that it gets done. Approach it with that sort of dignity and you will never feel bad about doing it.

[manigordo]

I waited tables after finishing graduate school at YALE and still retired at 47. Things do not always go as expected, but doing a great job mostly yields great things.

[Gator515151]

Originally Posted by Gwinnett

Oh no-- LOL. I didn't take into account the fast food profession.

Don't laugh, I know a guy who graduated from Alabama and could not find a job anywhere so he hired on flipin burgers at McDonalds just to get by until he found a "real" job. He moved up the ranks to assistant manager, to manager to regional manager and now he is pretty high up in their corporate structure.

The funny thing is I used to tease him about what kind of a job his Alabama education got him.

[myamiG8R]

no shame in good honest hard work... if you are not where you want to be, keep striving, but hold what ya got til ya get what ya want...

[wygator]

Originally Posted by MMCaneOL

I thought the same thing for awhile. Out of grad school I landed a job in retail thinking it was temporary. 4 years later I'm still in retail, but worked my way up to Assistant Store Manager and now an much happier and am earning a higher salary than most if my friends with "real" jobs.

It's sucks not having weekends and your schedule changing constantly, but that's the price we pay in this industry.

I followed your exact path.

I started in retail sales and moved up. After 4 years, I took my experience and traded it in for a non-retail sales management job and went on from there. Have had a great career in sales management and management consulting.

[brainstorm]

Originally Posted by toon66

You do what you have you to do until you earn that shot. I threw sod, worked retail, delivered flowers and sold copiers until I landed my career choice. Did all of that for a total of 14 months until I landed in my current career. That was 18 yrs ago.

This. In spades.

Working a "lower" job while looking for one in your field is a good thing. It will serve you well down the road.

I worked at a slaughter house (research) in college and for my father in the fields in HS. I took my first job out of college as a delivery person for a medical company. I finally go my shot in IT.

Today, years later, I run an IT shop in New York. The work ethic really served me well and I look for it when interviewing people.

[wygator]

In addition, it is good for your character and soul not to think of yourself above any kind of work. Much better to be digging trenches for a sprinkler installer (one of mine) than sitting around on your duff.

If found my high school and college fast food jobs to be motivators while studying, knowing that I was helping myself to greater opportunities and potential down the road.