Retail Management Careers in Retailing

 

CAREER INFORMATION

Listed below are several good places to start collecting information you need on careers.
 
 

PERSONAL CONTACTS

The people closest to you -- your family and friends -- are often overlooked, but can be extremely helpful. They may be able to answer your questions directly or, more importantly, put you in touch with someone who can. This "networking" can lead to an "informational interview," where you can meet with someone who is willing to answer your questions about a career or a company, and who can provide inside information on related fields and other helpful hints. This is a highly effective way to learn the recommended type of training for certain positions, how someone in that position entered and advanced, and what he or she likes and dislikes about the work.
 

PUBLIC LIBRARIES, CAREER CENTERS, AND GUIDANCE OFFICES

These places maintain a great deal of career material. To begin your library search, look at the computer listings under "vocations" or "careers" and then under specific fields. Check the periodicals section, where you will find trade and professional magazines and journals about specific occupations and industries. Familiarize yourself with the concerns and activities of potential employers by skimming their annual reports and other information they distribute to the public. You can also find occupational information on videocassettes, in kits, and through computerized information systems. Most public libraries maintain a relatively up-to-date collection of occupational or career materials. Don't forget the librarians; they can be a great source of information and can save you time by directing you to the information you need.

Check career centers for programs such as individual counseling, group discussions, speakers, field trips, and career days. Leaf through files that describe employment in different organizations. Always assess career guidance materials carefully. Information should be current. Beware of materials that seem to glamorize the occupation, overstate the earnings, or exaggerate the demand for workers; some schools may produce such materials to attract students.
 
 

COUNSELORS

You may wish to seek help from counselors. They are trained to help you discover your strengths and weaknesses, guide you by evaluating your goals, and help you decide what you want in a career. A counselor won't tell you what to do, but will give you interest inventories and aptitude tests, interpret results, and help you explore options. Counselors may be able to discuss local job markets, and entry requirements and the costs of schools, colleges, or training programs offering preparation for the work that interests you. You can find counselors in:

• college career planning and placement offices
• placement offices in private vocational/technical schools and institutions
• counseling services offered by community organizations
• private counseling agencies and private practices
• state employment service offices affiliated with the U.S. Employment Service

Before employing a private counselor or agency, get recommendations and check credentials. The International Association of Counseling Services (IACS) accredits counseling services throughout the U.S.. To receive a list of accredited services for your region, send a self-addressed, stamped, business-size envelope to: IACS, 101 South Whiting St., Suite 211, Alexandria, VA 22304.

The Directory of Counseling Services, an IACS publication providing employment counseling and other assistance, may be available in your library or school career counseling center. A list of certified counselors by State can be gotten from: National Board of Certified Counselors, 3 Terrace Way, Suite D, Greensboro, NC 27403-3660. Phone: (910) 547-0607.
 

INTERNET NETWORKS AND RESOURCES

The growth of online listings has made available a variety of resources at your fingertips -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week -- if you have access to the Internet. Companies, professional societies, academic institutions, and government agencies have online resources or "home pages" which are updated regularly with the latest information on their organization and activities.

Listings include information such as government documents, event schedules, job openings, and networking contacts. Listings for academic institutions provide links to career counseling and placement services at career resource centers, as well as information on financing your education. Colleges and universities also offer online guides to campus facilities and admission requirements.

The career data bases on the Internet have much of the same information available at libraries, career centers, and guidance offices. However, no single network or resource contains all desired information, so be prepared to search a lot of places for what you need. As in a library search, look at various lists by field or discipline, or by particular keywords.
 

PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES, TRADE ASSOCIATIONS, UNIONS, COMPANIES, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

They provide various free or inexpensive career material. For information on jobs not covered in the Handbook, consult directories in your library for the names of potential sources. You may start with The Guide to American Directories or The Directory of Directories. Another useful resource is The Encyclopedia of Associations, an annual multivolume publication listing trade associations, professional societies, labor unions, and fraternal and patriotic organizations.

The National Technical Information Service Center, a central source for all audiovisual material produced by the U.S. Government, rents and sells material on jobs and careers. For a catalog, contact: NTIS, Springfield, VA 22161. Phone: 1-800-553-6847.

For first-hand experience, you may wish to intern or take a summer or part-time job. Some internships offer academic credit or pay a stipend. Check with guidance offices, college career resource centers, or directly with employers.
 

ORGANIZATIONS FOR SPECIFIC GROUPS

The organizations below provide information on career planning, training, job opportunities, or public policy support for specific groups. Consult your library or a career guidance office for information on additional organizations and associations geared towards special groups.
 

Disabled

President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, 1331 F St. NW., 3rd Floor, Washington, DC 20004. Phone: (202) 376-6200.
 

The Blind

Information on the free national reference and referral service of the Federation of the Blind can be obtained by contacting: Job Opportunities for the Blind (JOB), National Federation of the Blind, 1800 Johnson St., Baltimore, MD 21230. Phone: toll-free, 1-800-638-7518, or locally (410) 659-9314 between the hours of 12:30 and 4:00 P.M.
 

Older Workers

National Association of Older Workers Employment Services, c/o National Council on the Aging, 409 3rd St. SW., Suite 200, Washington, DC 20024. Phone: (202) 479-1200.

National Caucus/Center on Black Aged, Inc., 1424 K St. NW., Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005. Phone: (202) 637-8400.
 

Veterans

Contact the nearest regional office of the Department of Veterans Affairs or contact: Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS), 200 Constitution Ave. NW., Room S-1315, Washington, DC 20210. Phone: (202) 219-9116.
 

Women

U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau, 200 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20210. Phone: (800) 827-5335. Home Page: http://www.dol.gov/dol/wb
 

Wider Opportunities for Women, 815 15th St. NW., Suite 916, Washington, DC 20005. Phone: (202) 638-3143.

Federal laws, executive orders, and selected Federal grant programs bar discrimination in employment based on race,
color, religion, sex, national origin, age, and handicap. Information on how to file a charge of discrimination is available
from U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission offices around the country. Their addresses and telephone
numbers are listed in telephone directories under U.S. Government, EEOC.

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