How to Become a Store Manager

Опубликовал Admin
10-01-2021, 05:00
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Running a store isn’t just about the employee discounts you can get, although they are often a nice bonus. Store managers are leaders responsible for the day to day operations of a business. They manage employees, keep stores operational, and make sure they meet sales goals. Management doesn’t require specific educational requirements, but studying business and communications will make you better prepared for the job. There are a wide variety of opportunities available, from apprenticeships to volunteer work that can help lead you to a managerial role. As a store manager, you can earn a fulfilling career with more opportunities for advancement.

Studying to Become a Store Manager

  1. Complete high school or earn a GED. Although retail work doesn’t come with a lot of educational requirements, having a high-school education often increases your chances of getting hired. If you don’t have a high school diploma, the GED is a test you can take. A passing grade is considered to be the equivalent of a high school education. Expect retail establishments to ask about your educational history when you first apply.
    • Getting at least a GED is a good idea if you plan on becoming a manager. However, many retailers promote hard workers even if they don’t have the most amazing educational credentials.
    • Retail stores often hire people who are still in school, so you can get started as a store associate as you work in getting a degree.
  2. Earn a 2 or 4-year business degree for additional education. A higher degree can be very beneficial, especially if you’re planning on going after higher roles within a company. Look for some 2-year business management or 4-year business administration programs at universities in your area. During these programs, you get to study important skills like business operations, leadership, and accounting. An official degree looks great on your employment transcript!
    • Note that many retailers don’t have strict educational requirements, so you may still be able to become a manager even without a degree. However, you miss out on an opportunity to study important skills and improve your resume.
    • If you wish to take classes without pursuing a degree, check with your local community college or look online. Try taking some business management or communication classes to prepare for work as a manager.
  3. Take business management classes to learn how to run a store. Some classes to consider include business law and ethics, marketing, human resource management, and project management. You can also learn skills like networking, leadership, business communication, time management, and problem solving. Many high schools and universities offer classes like these. Take as many as you can to gain some experience with the responsibilities a store manager deals with in their line of work.
    • Although there are no formal educational requirements, retail is all business. The more you know about how a store operates, the better your chances will be of becoming a manager.
    • If you work at a retail establishment, learn as much as you can about its operations. Ask your supervisor or boss to give you some first-hand experience.
  4. Study communication skills to work with others effectively. One of the biggest responsibilities a store manager faces is talking to coworkers and customers alike. To brush up on your skills, take classes on subjects like public relations, interpersonal communications, and speech. These classes will teach you the skills necessary for succeeding as a manager.
    • As a store manager, you will be asked to speak with a wide variety of people. The job involves keeping store ownership and customers happy as well as giving instructions to the employees you supervise.
    • Store managers also deal with tasks like interviewing job candidates and ordering products Prepare by taking high school and college-level communications classes that involve a lot of interaction with other students.
  5. Brush up on your math and accounting skills. Math is a crucial part of a store’s day to day operations, whether that means operating a cash register or placing orders. Start by finishing basic math classes at a high school level. When you have the opportunity to take more advanced classes, look for opportunities in accounting or even classes that focus on retail math.
    • Classes on statistics and business mathematics can also give you an advantage when applying for management positions.
    • Retailers these days generally have computer software that does calculations for you. However, expect to be asked to do calculations manually from time to time. This includes tasks like calculating a refund or determining payroll.

Gaining Retail Experience

  1. Start working as a store associate to build your resume. Most retail stores hire store associates often, including the big chains. Even if you’re still in high school, you can find opportunities to begin working toward managerial roles. One of the most important parts of the job is getting accustomed to how a store is run. As an employee, you will have a chance to learn different skills employers look for when they hire management.
    • Many stores have a number of roles, whether that means working as a cashier, stocking shelves, or supervising specific departments. If you can, get experience with each one to gain more understanding about how retail stores work.
    • One way to gain experience in different roles is by working them. You may get chances to do this as a retail associate. Another way is to talk to coworkers about their duties.
    • Pay attention to how a store is run. For example, watch how the managers assign a schedule, take care of payroll, order stock, and deal with customers.
  2. Volunteer at a charity shop for extra experience working with the public. Try searching for retail-style charity shops or thrift stores. If there aren’t any in your area, you could try volunteering with a different type of charity. However, pick a role where you will have plenty of contact with the public. It gives you an opportunity to practice your customer service skills.
    • Check out well-known charities in your area and contact them about opportunities. Many communities have branches of charity-driven thrift shops or similar organizations that serve as great preparation for retail work.
    • If you aren’t able to find a charity, try working part-time in a retail establishment to get accustomed to the environment.
  3. Ask a manager to serve as your mentor. When you get hired as a store associate, communicate with coworkers in senior roles. Schedule some time to talk to a manager you get along well with. Ask for help developing your managerial skills, such as by giving feedback on your leadership skills, communication style, or career decisions. If you are able to find someone you admire who is willing to give you the time of day, you can learn a lot about how to succeed as a manager.
    • When asking someone to be your mentor, say something like, “I admire what you do, so I was hoping you could mentor me on what I should do to improve my career.”
    • A good mentor is someone who is successful but also patient and open to helping others. Be respectful of the other person’s time, since they most likely have a lot of work responsibilities to deal with.
    • In addition to serving as a teacher, a mentor also serves as a quality reference. Mentors can often link you to new management opportunities and put in a good word when you apply for a managerial role.

Finding Managerial Roles

  1. Search for retail apprenticeship opportunities near you. Do a quick search online for retail apprenticeships. Alternatively, call different retail stores and ask them what opportunities they have available. In an apprenticeship program, the retailer trains you to succeed in specific roles, including management. Many apprenticeships lead directly to a management role.
    • Note that apprenticeships can often be hard to find. Many of them are targeted toward retail associates and people with retail experience.
    • Apprenticeships can be a great way to learn additional skills. For example, if you’re interested in managing a tailor shop, use an apprenticeship to improve your sewing and other skills required for the job.
  2. Find an employer that offers management training. Many employers train store associates to work as managers. Before applying for retail work, ask about the company’s management opportunities. If they have a training program, consider honing your skills there. Training programs often provide direct access to management opportunities.
    • Some places may advertise the fact that they train managers. Most places offer training for current employees, but they may offer you training if you’re a quality, experienced candidate working elsewhere.
  3. Advance from a store associate to a managerial role. Many stores hire from within, so good employees have an opportunity to advance to new roles. When you first start out, expect to work as a store associate. If you’re dedicated, efficient, and a good communicator, you may get recommended for management positions. This is the most common way to become a store manager.
    • Even when you become a store manager, you can still advance. Good store managers often become area or regional managers, responsible for overseeing several different stores.
  4. Apply for supervisor and management roles as they open up. Stay tuned to job listings, both posted at stores and online. There is an abundance of retail locations, and all of them need managers. Even if you are working as a store associate, you may be able to find management opportunities elsewhere. If you can, try getting a role as a supervisor, since supervisors often become store managers.
    • Sometimes you won’t be able to advance to a managerial role with your current employer. Be on the lookout for other retailers that need managers. People transition to new roles all the time.

Tips

  • If you’re a little shy, practice communicating by volunteering and working as a retail associate. Unless you’re comfortable communicating with a wide variety of people, you will have a hard time becoming a manager.
  • Managers are leaders, so part of running a store efficiently is getting to know the employees and being receptive to their needs.
  • If you’re looking to advance to the highest managerial roles in a large business, consider getting a master’s degree in business administration. It takes an extra 1 to 2 years after getting a 4-year degree, but it increases your chances of getting hired.
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