2 answers
Kandace
Student
Nashville, Tennessee
1
Question
Asked
390 views
What kind of job or internship should I get to gain experience in business while in college?
I plan on going into retail as well as starting my own business, but I’m not sure where to start at all.
Login to comment
2 answers
David Ludwick
Business Owner
47
Answers
Huntington Beach, California
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Kandace
Since you’re in college and aiming for a career in retail while also wanting to start your own business, you’ve got a great opportunity to build a foundation now. The key is to find roles that give you hands-on experience in business operations, customer interaction, and maybe even some entrepreneurial exposure. Here are a few ideas tailored to your goals:
1. **Retail Sales Associate (Part-Time)**
- **Why?** Working in a store—think clothing, electronics, or even a boutique—lets you see how retail works from the ground up. You’ll learn about inventory, customer service, and sales tactics, which are critical for both running a store and understanding consumer behavior for your own business.
- **Where?** Look for chains like Target, Nordstrom, or local shops near your college. They often hire students and offer flexible hours.
2. **Marketing or Social Media Intern**
- **Why?** Retail and startups rely heavily on branding and reaching customers. An internship with a small business or a company’s marketing team can teach you how to promote products, manage online presence, and analyze what drives sales—skills you’ll need for your own venture.
- **Where?** Check startups on LinkedIn, your college career portal, or sites like Indeed. Even unpaid gigs with local businesses can pay off in experience.
3. **Entrepreneurship Program or Startup Incubator Assistant**
- **Why?** Many colleges have entrepreneurship centers or partner with startup incubators. Working there (even as a volunteer or intern) exposes you to founders, business plans, and pitching ideas—perfect for your own future business. You might help with events, research, or admin tasks while soaking up knowledge.
- **Where?** Ask your college’s business department or career center about programs like this.
4. **E-commerce or Supply Chain Intern**
- **Why?** Retail isn’t just brick-and-mortar anymore. An internship with an online retailer or a company handling logistics (like Amazon or a smaller DTC brand) can teach you about sourcing, shipping, and managing online sales—key if your business has a digital angle.
- **Where?** Look on Handshake, Glassdoor, or reach out to companies directly.
5. **Campus Job in Business-Related Roles**
- **Why?** If you’re tight on time, a job on campus—like working at the student store, helping a professor with research, or assisting in the admin office—can still build skills like organization, teamwork, and basic operations.
- **Where?** Check your college’s job board or ask around departments.
**How to Start:**
- **Step 1:** Update your resume with any past jobs or projects (even group assignments) that show teamwork, leadership, or problem-solving. Keep it simple but sharp.
- **Step 2:** Hit up your college’s career services—they often have job listings or can connect you with alumni in retail/business.
- **Step 3:** Apply to 5-10 positions that sound interesting, even if you’re not 100% qualified. Tailor your cover letter to say why you’re into retail and entrepreneurship.
- **Step 4:** Network a little—talk to professors, join a business club, or chat with local shop owners. They might know of openings or give you advice.
Start with something manageable alongside your classes, like 10-15 hours a week. Retail experience will give you a practical edge, while marketing or startup roles will spark ideas for your own business. What’s your major, by the way? That might help me narrow it down further.
Since you’re in college and aiming for a career in retail while also wanting to start your own business, you’ve got a great opportunity to build a foundation now. The key is to find roles that give you hands-on experience in business operations, customer interaction, and maybe even some entrepreneurial exposure. Here are a few ideas tailored to your goals:
1. **Retail Sales Associate (Part-Time)**
- **Why?** Working in a store—think clothing, electronics, or even a boutique—lets you see how retail works from the ground up. You’ll learn about inventory, customer service, and sales tactics, which are critical for both running a store and understanding consumer behavior for your own business.
- **Where?** Look for chains like Target, Nordstrom, or local shops near your college. They often hire students and offer flexible hours.
2. **Marketing or Social Media Intern**
- **Why?** Retail and startups rely heavily on branding and reaching customers. An internship with a small business or a company’s marketing team can teach you how to promote products, manage online presence, and analyze what drives sales—skills you’ll need for your own venture.
- **Where?** Check startups on LinkedIn, your college career portal, or sites like Indeed. Even unpaid gigs with local businesses can pay off in experience.
3. **Entrepreneurship Program or Startup Incubator Assistant**
- **Why?** Many colleges have entrepreneurship centers or partner with startup incubators. Working there (even as a volunteer or intern) exposes you to founders, business plans, and pitching ideas—perfect for your own future business. You might help with events, research, or admin tasks while soaking up knowledge.
- **Where?** Ask your college’s business department or career center about programs like this.
4. **E-commerce or Supply Chain Intern**
- **Why?** Retail isn’t just brick-and-mortar anymore. An internship with an online retailer or a company handling logistics (like Amazon or a smaller DTC brand) can teach you about sourcing, shipping, and managing online sales—key if your business has a digital angle.
- **Where?** Look on Handshake, Glassdoor, or reach out to companies directly.
5. **Campus Job in Business-Related Roles**
- **Why?** If you’re tight on time, a job on campus—like working at the student store, helping a professor with research, or assisting in the admin office—can still build skills like organization, teamwork, and basic operations.
- **Where?** Check your college’s job board or ask around departments.
**How to Start:**
- **Step 1:** Update your resume with any past jobs or projects (even group assignments) that show teamwork, leadership, or problem-solving. Keep it simple but sharp.
- **Step 2:** Hit up your college’s career services—they often have job listings or can connect you with alumni in retail/business.
- **Step 3:** Apply to 5-10 positions that sound interesting, even if you’re not 100% qualified. Tailor your cover letter to say why you’re into retail and entrepreneurship.
- **Step 4:** Network a little—talk to professors, join a business club, or chat with local shop owners. They might know of openings or give you advice.
Start with something manageable alongside your classes, like 10-15 hours a week. Retail experience will give you a practical edge, while marketing or startup roles will spark ideas for your own business. What’s your major, by the way? That might help me narrow it down further.
Ajith Kumar
VSA Product Owner
2
Answers
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Updated
Ajith’s Answer
Hi Kandance! As a college student, getting business experience can really help you succeed. Here are some easy ways to start:
Campus Involvement: Join business clubs, student government, or other leadership roles on campus. These can help you build skills in management and teamwork.
Part-Time Jobs: Jobs in sales, customer service, or admin roles offer practical business exposure and help develop skills like communication and time management.
Ajith recommends the following next steps: