Industry Chat: RetailAugust 2018

Sugirtha Stathis, Career AdvisorJamie Hendel, Relationship ManagerMBA Career Management

Job Search Competencies

MBA Career management

2

Self-Assessment and Clarifying Goals

Process Management

Industry and Company

Research

Resume Writing

Personal Brand and Pitch

Cover Letter Writing and Email Outreach

Building a Target List

Networking

Interviewing

Offer Management

On-the-Job Success

Master the Competencies to Master Your

Job Search

Agenda

• Working with MBACM

• Retail Industry─ Sectors

─ Industry Trends

─ Roles and Internships

─ Company Relationships

• The Job Search ─ Company Outreach

─ Is Retail for you?

─ Career Pathways

─ Recruiting in Retail

• Hiring Data─ Offers, Compensation and

Sponsorship

• Retail at Wharton ─ Wharton Graduate Retail Club

─ Baker Retailing Center

• Q & A

MBA Career Management Retail Team

Career Advice

• Self-assessment & decision making

• Industry Insight

• Networking

• Resumes, Cover Letter & Interview Prep

Corporate Relationships

• Develop employer outreach strategy with RRM

Programming

• Develop programs for students interested in Retail

SUGIRTHA STATHISCAREER ADVISOR

Corporate Relationships

• Strategize best recruiting approach for variety of employers

• Co-manage employer relationships with Career Advisor

• Manage recruiting events

Student Support

• Assist students with logistics of on-campus interview process, job board postings, etc.

JAMIE HENDELRELATIONSHIP MANAGER

Collaborate with the Retail Club and Baker Retailing Center

Industry Overview

Sub-Sector Company Examples

Apparel/Footwear

Beauty

Department Stores

eCommerce

Fashion/Luxury

Food & Beverage

Big Box / Mass Merchandisers

Off-Price Retail

Other/Specialty

The Retail Industry DefinedAny store (physical or virtual) where a consumer can purchase goods

Retail Trends

Retailisn’t

dying

First Key Takeaway:

(It’s evolving.)

The Evolution of Retail

• New retail models• Online offline

• Pop-up shops

• Direct-to-consumer: rent, not buy; subscription boxes

• Hyper-personalization

• Reimagined brick & mortar• Store within a store

• Customer experience

• Smaller footprints with curated selection

• Enabling technologies• Digital influence across the customer

path-to-purchase

• Big data and customer analytics; predictive modeling, machine learning

• Augmented reality; AI; IoT

• Supply chain transformation

• Strategic partnerships, M&A• Third-party enablers - retail-centric

apps & services

• All eyes on Walmart v. Amazon

Keeping Up with Trends…

National Retail Federation (NRF) - the go-to source for retail news and industry trends; sign up for the NRF SmartBrief

RetailWire, Retail Dive, and Chain Store Age – leading sources for retail news and industry analysis

Women’s Wear Daily – fashion industry trade journal (the “bible of fashion”)

Lippincott Library’s Retail Research Guide – access reports on industry performance and outlook, major companies operating in the sector, and key statistics

Top 25 Retail Blogs

Note: Many sites offer a daily or weekly email newsletter with top industry headlines

MBA Career Management

Functions in Retail

Strategy / Business

Development

• Identify and size new business opportunities, conduct due diligence, research revenue initiatives, perform competitive analyses, etc.“Researched women’s luxury apparel markets in four European countries and built a comprehensive entry strategy proposal for highest-potential market”

“Developed strategy & framework for international M&A; identified key attributes of priority opportunities and presented findings to CFO”

Marketing (esp. Digital, Customer Acquisition/Retention)

• Wide range of roles and related responsibilities, including brand management, marketing communications, customer experience, omni-channel strategy, digital marketing, marketing analytics and more

“Developed digital growth plan for $130M men’s fragrance business, which included innovations to brand website, search and social media strategies, use of technology in stores, and strategic app partnerships”

Operations / Supply Chain

• Generate supply chain efficiencies, design fulfillment centers, enhance customer service, improve vendor lead times

“Created distribution center strategy based on analysis of warehouse efficiency, vendor locations, and shipping costs”

Functions in Retail

Finance / Strategic Planning

• Provide financial analysis, reporting and strategic planning to business leaders. Interpret trends, issues and opportunities; advise on financial implications of business decisions

“Developed 3-year strategic and financial plan for $11B North America geography”

Product Management

(eCommerce)

• Set the strategy, roadmap, technical requirements and features for a product or product line

• Lead cross-functional team (engineers, marketing, sales) responsible for designing, developing, testing and optimizing the product

“Collaborated cross-functionally with engineering, business, and sales to develop product roadmap, including defining KPIs of new ad product for firm’s mobile platform”

Merchandising / Planning

(may include buying in department stores)

• Analyze consumer trends, competitive landscape, historic sales to create compelling product assortments and optimize sales

”Mapped out assortment plan for $10M category by analyzing historical sales and assessing future product trends; cut SKUs by 20% while increasing sales by 35%”

Functions in Retail

General Management /

Leadership Development

Programs

• High-profile, “fast-track” MBA programs designed to develop future leaders of the company

• Typically offer accelerated career path, customized training, senior executive mentorship

• May rotate across business units, functions, and/or regions during LDP period, with final placement in area of interest

Company Examples – U.S. MBACM connects with retail companies in the US & across the globe

Retail Companies Across the Globe

Representative Outreach List: Summer 2018We spoke to 25+ retail firms this summer to reveal hiring needs and trends.

Key Takeaways from Summer Outreach

MBA Career Management

• Firms look for candidates with passion for retail (industry) and/or their business model (e.g. disruptive retailers)

• Attracted to Wharton talent for analytical horsepower + strategic thinking

• Growing importance of data and customer analytics; some firms have dedicated analytics teams

• Luxury and fashion brands value the candidate’s ability to understand the customer experience (and like to see store / boutique experience)

• Some firms are flexible where they will place an MBA based on the candidate’s skills/interest and where they will bring value

• MBA culture varies among firms (beware the MBA stigma!)

• Some companies are working to move to an earlier and more structured process

• Networking is essential – retail is a people / relationship-driven business

• Many firms hire on a “just in time basis”, so they are more likely to utilize the Retail Conference, NYC Networking Expo, Job Board, Spring Resume Book

The Job Search

Two Strategies = Two Skillsets

MATURE – Be ready for when an opportunity is available.

• Structure and process• “Formal” Events• Stand out from the crowd

• On-Campus interviews• Heavy fall/winter recruiting

ENTERPRISE – Be ready if an opportunity becomes available.

• Unstructured• Multiple types of events• Build and leverage your

network

• Pitch solutions and make opportunities

• Year-round recruiting

How Companies Recruit in Retail

High

Mature / Structured

LowEnterprise /

Unstructured

Level of Wharton MBA Engagement

Company Recruiting Approach

PMA Program

Retail Company Examples

Timeline

Enterprise Recruiting Period

Focu

sed

Rec

ruiti

ng P

erio

dMature

Enterprise

Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

Job Search Competencies• Self-Assessment and Clarifying Goals • Industry & Company Research• Building a Target List• Resume Writing• Personal Brand and Pitch• Cover Letters & Email Outreach• Networking• Interviewing• Offer Management

What Retail Recruiters Seek…

• Communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work with non-MBAs

• Leadership and cross-functional teamwork; work with all levels

• Analytics and strategic thinking; see insights from data and connect the dots

• Creativity, ability to think “out-of-the-box”

• Relevant functional expertise

SKILLS

• Many firms open to career switchers, but industry/functional experience is helpful:

• Professional services background with focus on retail (consulting, IB, PE)

• Consumer goods, eCommerce, or other B2C background

• Customer analytics, digital marketing experience

• Store-level experience

• Global exposure / language skills a plus

EXPERIENCE

• Passion for retail, the brand/customer experience, and/or firm’s business model

• Knowledgeable about the industry and have a point of view

• Adaptability; “can do” attitude; comfort with change, ambiguity and fast-paced environment

• Flexible business skills

• Relationship-driven / personable

• Demonstrate humility;willingness to learn

ATTRIBUTES

Career Switching

87%

77%

95%

83%

56%

72%

63%

55%

71%

57%

89%

68%

87%

76%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

% Internship Accepted Offers – Reported “Industry Change”

Pre-MBA Experience: Retail StudentsBreakdown of pre-MBA industries and firms of Class of 2018 students who received full-time Retail roles

Consulting20%

Technology19%

Investment Management/ Hedge Funds

10%Social Impact

9%

Investment Banking

7%

Retail6%

Diversified Financial Services

6%

CPG5%

Private Equity5%

Venture Capital2%

Healthcare3%

Media & Entertainment

3%

Other5%

Is Retail for YOU?

• Specific to firm and category

• Employees are passionate about the industry / company / brand, and it shows (physical space, work attire)

• Driven by product/consumer trends, interests and needs

• Fast-paced; comfortable with ambiguity and change

• Team-oriented; relationship-driven

• Often not many MBAs; unclear / self-driven career paths for MBAs

• Salary may fall below MBA medians, but range is wide across sub-sectors

CULTURE

• Dependent, generally better than professional services

• Cyclical; often predictable seasonality (e.g. buying or strategic planning season is busier)

• Travel is role-specific (e.g. finance/corporate support vs. merchandising/product)

WORK/LIFE

Retail Case Studies

• Before Wharton: Finance and program manager at Google, investment banker at Credit Suisse

• At Wharton: Retail Club, Marketing Club, SLF, networked at Marketing Conference, Retail Conference, The Women in the World Summit

• Internship: Wayfair (Category Management)

• Advice: Take advantage of all the amazing resources at MBACM, but don't be afraid to get scrappy! I used the info sessions and coffee chats as an introduction to companies and then owned those relationships on my own - from visiting company HQs and organizing my own informational interviews to working directly with the company recruiters to chat with more employees. It really helps for understanding what the company really is like beyond just their info session!

• Before Wharton: Consulting at McKinsey; corporate strategy at PANDORA Jewelry (product line expansion, in-store experience, geographic expansion)

• At Wharton: Retail Club, Entrepreneurship Club, Baker Center events, conversations with MBACM, frequent trips to NYC for networking

• Internship: LOLA-Series B-funded feminine care start-up (Operations Strategy); own venture (Keaton is a women's workwear brand focusing on stylish basics)

• Advice: Everyone at Wharton really wants to help you, so don't be afraid to ask! I spoke with at least 50 2Y students and alumni in the course of finding my internship and starting my business. Also, don't underestimate the power of face time. NYC is a quick bus or train ride away, and I made an effort to meet folks in person for the companies that I was most excited about. Last, it's so easy to be caught up in the recruiting stress in the fall, but many retail internships don't happen until later (I got mine in late April). So don't worry too much and have fun :)

Melina Flabiano

Nancy Yan

Career Pathways

MBA Career Management

Kathy HinesWG04

Craig ElbertWG09

Mona BijoorWG05

The Northface2017-present

VF Corp2013-2017

Dell 2011-2012

Mindshare2010-2011

Nike2004-2009

Hinesight2000-2002

Bain 1997-1999

Kings Circle Cap.2017-present

JOOR 2010-2017

ANN Taylor 2007-2009

Chanel 2006

Destin. Maternity2005-2006

Elie TahariMBA Intern

Consultant1999-2003

Care/of2015-present

Bonobos2009-2015

Universal Pictures, MTV

MBA Intern

Warner Music Group

2005-2007

Lehman Bros2003-2005

Estee Lauder2015-present

E&J Gallo WineryMBA Intern

Barclays2009-2013

UBS2008-2009

Genie ZhulinWG15

Wharton MBA Alumni Survey 2017 – Industry Changes

Industry Change from 1st to 2nd Place of Employment

1st Place of Employment

2nd Place of EmploymentConsulting & Professional

Servicesn=718

Consumer Goods/Retail

n=452Financen=1773

Healthcaren=413

Manufacturingn=312

Media & Entertainment

n=192Real Estate

n=242

Social Impact/Public

Sectorn=162

Technology & Telecoms

n=752Othern=742

Consulting & Professional Servicesn=1,293

345 124 221 79 66 46 14 41 180 128

(27%) (10%) (17%) (6%) (5%) (4%) (1%) (3%) (14%) (10%)

Consumer Goods/Retailn=388

48 186 22 6 18 13 7 9 26 30

(12%) (48%) (6%) (2%) (5%) (3%) (2%) (2%) (7%) (8%)

Financen=1,913

103 52 1,318 36 45 27 42 25 106 119(5%) (3%) (69%) (2%) (2%) (1%) (2%) (1%) (6%) (6%)

Healthcaren=317

20 4 17 227 8 1 1 8 13 18(6%) (1%) (5%) (72%) (3%) (0%) (0%) (3%) (4%) (6%)

Manufacturingn=294

37 20 27 14 123 1 7 4 20 36(13%) (7%) (9%) (5%) (42%) (0%) (2%) (1%) (7%) (12%)

Media & Entertainmentn=126

9 3 11 0 1 69 1 2 14 8

(7%) (2%) (9%) (0%) (1%) (55%) (1%) (2%) (11%) (6%)Real Estaten=193

8 2 20 3 2 1 136 2 9 5(4%) (1%) (10%) (2%) (1%) (1%) (70%) (1%) (5%) (3%)

Social Impact/Public Sectorn=103

12 1 18 4 0 1 3 46 4 10

(12%) (1%) (17%) (4%) (0%) (1%) (3%) (45%) (4%) (10%)

Technology & Telecomsn=561

56 15 48 22 16 10 5 7 336 28

(10%) (3%) (9%) (4%) (3%) (2%) (1%) (1%) (60%) (5%)

Othern=656

68 33 53 18 29 12 19 12 35 341(10%) (5%) (8%) (3%) (4%) (2%) (3%) (2%) (5%) (52%)

Tips for Recruiting in RetailBe Smart

• Prepare for the dual-path nature of retail recruiting and hone your mature + enterprise job search skills

• Do your research and understand the trends and business of retail; show that you love more than just the products

Show Your Passion

• Why retail? Why company X?

• Visit stores. Talk to sales associates.

• Get involved with Retail at Wharton (or beyond)

• Network and build relationships, starting with 2Ys and alumni

• Ask great questions

Be Humble

• Show respect, but have a fresh eye; polite, but with a point of view

• No MBA entitlement; exhibit a desire and willingness to learn

Tips for Career Switchers in Retail

Seek out opportunities to increase your retail exposure and experience, and build up your resume:

• Retail Club 1Y leadership positions

• Field Application Projects (FAPs) or other student consulting project with a retailer

• Academic year internship or short-term project

• Work in retail store (part-time/temp)

• Other: Fashion blog, Etsy store, Fashion Week volunteer, etc.

Tips for International Students• Know the company’s position on visa sponsorship for specific roles

• Check CareerPath job postings, Offer Directory, visa filing history (external sites)

• Prioritize your target list and tailor your strategy accordingly

• Build your knowledge of the U.S. market, competitive and consumer trends

• Be ready to articulate how your experience and skillset translate to the company/role you are targeting

• Helpful Resources:

• MBACM International Student Meet & Greet (Tuesday, Sept 11)

• MBACM Offer Directory: Search for international students who interned in the US

• MBAPO & ISSS: Meet with advisors re. CPT/OPT work authorization

• McNulty Executive Coaching and Feedback Program (ECFP)

Retail Recruiting Timeline

Interviewing

Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June

SELF- ASSESSMENT

INDUSTRY / CO. RESEARCH & JOB

SEARCH STRATEGY

RESUMEDEVELOPMENT

NETWORKING

COVER LETTER DEVELOPMENT, APPLICATIONS,

INTERVIEW PREP

INTERVIEWS

OFFER MANAGEMENT

PREPARE FOR & TRANSITION TO

INTERNSHIP

MatureEnterprise

Hiring Data

Retail Job Posting Timeframe

0

5

10

15

20

25

August September October November December January February March April May

Retail Job Postings 2017-2018

Internship Full Time

2018 Internship Offers by Sector

Big Tech35%

eCommerce18%

Food/QSR13%

Apparel/Footwear

10%

Other/Specialty9%

Off-Price8%

Beauty5%

Mass2%

* Class of 2019 data

Functional Breakdown of Accepted Retail Offers

* Class of 2018 and 2019 data

Note: Product Management and Operations/Supply Chain roles are driven by Amazon

2018 INTERNSHIPS 2018 FULL-TIME

Product Management

38%

Strategy/ Business

Development11%

Product/ Brand Marketing

9%

Operations/ Supply Chain

9%

Human Resource

Management9%

General Management

9%

Corporate Finance

9%

Other6%

Operations/ Supply Chain23%

Product Management

21%

Strategy/ Business Development

15%

General Management

12%

Other13%

Product/ Brand Marketing

8%

Analytics/ Data Science

4%

Corporate Finance

4%

Companies That Made Internship Offers in 2018*Preliminary Data as of August 2018

Apparel / Footwear Food & Bev General Merch/Dept Stores

eCommerce (Broad Platforms)

Other / Specialty

Levi Strauss

Nike, Inc.*

PVH Corp.

Rent The Runway*

Under Armour*

Yoox Net-A-Porter

Restaurant Brands International*

Imperfect Produce

HelloFresh*

Burlington Stores*

Walmart Stores

DICK’S SportingGoods

Amazon*

Wayfair

WalmarteCommerce

Apple, Inc.*

Burrow

Comcast (Retail)

Curology

The Estee Lauder Companies

Grove Collective

Helix Sleep

LOLA

Rocksbox

*Companies that are open to sponsoring international students to work in the US in 2017-2018Companies in bold are considered “mature” recruiters.

Companies That Made Full-Time Offers in 2018*Preliminary Data as of August 2018

Apparel / Footwear

Luxury/Beauty General Merch/Dept Stores

eCommerce(Broad Platforms)

Other / Specialty

H&M

Harper Wilde LLC*

MM LaFleur

Nike, Inc.*

Rent the Runway

The Americana Group

The Estee Lauder Companies

Burlington Stores*

Nordstrom

Amazon*

Jet.com

WalmarteCommerce*

Wayfair

Apple, Inc.

Restaurant Brands International*

*Companies that sponsored international students to work in the US in 2016 & 2017Companies in bold are considered “mature” recruiters.

Source of Offers: 2018*Preliminary data as of 8/21/2018

Internship Full-Time

Note: Does not include Amazon or Apple Retail. “Other” includes students starting a new retail venture

Wharton Job -On Campus Recruiting

Wharton Job -Job Posting

Personal Networking

Connections

Career Fair

Other

Wharton Job -On Campus Recruiting

Wharton Job -Job Posting

Wharton Alumni Contact

Personal Networking

Connections

Career Fair

Timing of Retail Internship Offers: Class of 2019*Preliminary data as of 8/1/2018

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

Tech Retail Retail

Timing of Retail Full-Time Offers: Class of 2018*Preliminary data as of 8/1/18

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

Tech Retail Retail

Retail Salary Breakdown: Class of 2019 & 2018*Preliminary Data as of 8/1/18

Retail Internship (monthly) Full-Time (annual)

Number Accepted 31 19Salary Range $2,300-$11,700/mo $90,000 - $150,00025% Salary $5,000/mo $105,000Median Salary $7,400/mo $117,50075% Salary $8,700/mo $120,000Number with Sign-On Bonus

6 15

Median Sign-On Bonus $2,500 $20,000

*Data is for Retail industry only (excludes Big Tech firms which fall under Tech industry). Salary median for ALL retail (including Big Tech) is $8,400 for internships, $130,000 for full-time.

Wharton MBA Alumni Survey 2017 – Base Salary and Total CompensationMedian (25th percentile/75th percentile)

Retail 2013-2017n=33

2008-2012n=24

Base Salary$125,000

($110,000/$175,000)$192,500

($146,500/$230,000)

Total Compensation$159,000

($120,000/$240,000)$242,500

($182,500/$365,000)

Average Title/Level Manager Founder / Director

Graduating Year

Retail at Wharton

MBACM and Retail Club Work as a Team

RETAIL CLUB MBACMEmployer Relationships• Industry relationships and firm

knowledge• Identify job opportunities• Facilitate employer-student

relationships

Skill Development • Job search skill workshops• Resume reviews • Mock interviews

Advising• Self assessment tools• Support in setting priorities, job search

planning, resources & tools, etc.

Career Related Events• Career treks • Lunch & learns • Retail Conference• Alumni panels & networking

Skill Development • Education and enrichment events• Job search skills workshops• Interview question database

Advising and Mentorship• 1Y/2Y peer mentorship

44

Wharton Graduate Retail Club

Retail Conference

• Date: February 2019 • Past Keynotes:

- Away Founder, Jen Rubio

- Farfetch Pres. of NA, Jeffery Fowler

- Alibaba VP of NA, Lee McCabe

- Fendi VP Retail US, Alejandra Rositto

Career Treks Charity Fashion Show

• Date: Spring 2019• Purpose:

- Proceeds go to charity

• Past sponsors: - Theory, Lilly Pulitzer,

Bonobos, Tiffany & Co, Anthropologie

Retail 101

• Date: Sept/Oct 2018• Purpose:

- Prepare students for retail recruiting

• Format: - Panels, speakers,

workshops, networking lunches

• 180+ Members• ~5 Annual Treks• Wharton Retail Conference attracts 100+ attendees

Fast Facts:

MBA Career Management

Jay H. Baker Retailing Center Cultivating Global Retail Knowledge and Talent Inspiring Retail Innovation Facilitating Interdisciplinary Industry Research

INCREASING KNOWLEDGE OF RETAIL AND FASHION• Advisory Boards—traditional/digitally

native industry leaders• Industry Career Treks• Executive & Lunchtime Speakers Series• Retail Career Development Advising• Retail Execs in the Classroom• Industry Networks

435 Vance Hall | bakerretail@wharton.upenn.edu | 215-5-RETAIL |

Joey Zwillinger, Co-Founder, AllBirds (west coast board) Stuart Weitzman, Executive in Residence

Professor Tom Robertson, Academic Director

Week of 9/17 Baker Retailing Center moves to 3819 Chestnut Street, St. Leonard’s Court ComplexOctober 1 Marc Lore, President & CEO, Walmart eCommerce US (Wharton Leadership Lecture)October 10 Nicolas Topiol, CEO, House of Christian Lacroix (Classroom/Baker Lunchtime Speaker Session)October 12 Industry Career Trek (H&M and Alice and Olivia)October 15-16 Stuart Weitzman, Founder, Stuart Weitzman LLL (Executive in Residence)October 17 Linz Shelton, Global Social Media Director, Michael Kors (Classroom/Lunchtime Speaker)October 19 Scott Hilton, Chief Revenue Officer, Walmart eCommerce US (Classroom, Lunchtime Speaker)November 12-13 Stuart Weitzman, Founder, Stuart Weitzman LLL (Executive in Residence)November 28 Beth Kaplan, Board Member & Former President & COO, Rent the Runway (Classroom/Lunchtime Speaker)

Baker Retailing Center Programs/Fall 2018 (as of 8/29/18)

Next Steps and Resources• MBACM and CareerPath

• One-on-one advising sign-ups open now; sessions begin 9/10

• Complete your CareerPath profile and set email preferences

• Attend career workshops and utilize resources on MBACM student website

• Work on your resume; submit through CareerPath by 9/10 for MBACM feedback

• Retail Club and Baker Center

• Retail Club Info Session (mid September)

• Baker Center / Wharton Leadership Lecture with Marc Lore, President and COO of Walmart eCommerce (October 1)

• Wharton Community

• Begin networking with your classmates

• Search Wharton offer directory to identify 2nd years and target firms(Note: search criteria includes work authorization status)

Read emails from MBACM for important information on upcoming events and deadlines

Upcoming MBACM Events

First Year Info Sessions & Coffee Chats (more to come)

Alumni Power Dinners

Jeremey Boardman, WG’09November 14th

Wayfair (Former Army Director)Senior Manager

RESUME WORKSHOP Q&A

Upcoming Workshops

NAVIGATING CAREERPATH & MBACM WEBSITE

• September 6 & 19 @ 12pm• Advisors share best practices, industry tips and

recommended resources, with open Q&A• Sign up in CareerPath

• September 17 & 18 @ 12pm• How-to demos for essential CareerPath functions

and intro to key web resources• Sign up in CareerPath

How We Will Communicate with You

Class Emails• Friday delivery (typical)• Deadlines, workshops, and

resources

Industry Alerts (bookmark this link!)• Sunday delivery• Based upon industry preference• Application deadlines, jobs, and

recruiting events

Advisor Emails• Delivery as needed• Industry-specific advice• Recommended resources• Reminders and deadlines

Contact Information

Wharton MBA Career Management50 McNeil Building, 3718 Locust Walk, 215-898-4383

Website: http://mbacareers.wharton.upenn.edu/studentGeneral Email Inquires: mbacareers@wharton.upenn.edu

Retail Industry TeamSugirtha Stathis, Career Advisor, sugirtha@wharton.upenn.edu

Jamie Hendel, Employer Engagement, jhendel@wharton.upenn.edu

Retail Club Co-PresidentsMelina Flabiano, melflab@Wharton.upenn.edu

Farah Virani, fvirani@wharton.upenn.edu

Questions?

APPENDIX

Tactical Next StepsNext Step How to… Resources…Company List (n=10-15) • A’s: 5

• B’s: 5• C’s: 5

• Offer Directory• CareerPathResource Library (MBACM

company notes)• CareerPath Jobs (& archive)

Research • Keep detailednotes for each “A” and “B” company

• MBACM siteResearch Tools• CareerPath notes• 10-Ks/Analyst Reports• Lippincott• Networking• JobTreks (organization & tracking tool)

Networking• 1Ys & 2Ys (talk now)• Alumni (talk when

ready, make list now)

• Ask about role, projects, trends

• Take notes• Send TYs

• Offer Directory• SPIKE Community• Resume Books• LinkedInWharton SchoolSee alumni

Resume • ActionResults• Add Wharton

leadership• Add Clubs

pertinent to role

• MBACM siteResume Help

MBA Career Management

Advice from 2nd Years• PREPARE, and PREPARE EARLY! There is SO much that can be done before the process kicks off

• Know thyself, reach out early to companies of interest and narrow down targets over time. Remain flexible but focused on interests. Think strategically – select opportunities that make sense both short and long term

• Reach out to 1Ys and 2Ys who have worked at the companies you are interested in and use the Retail Club as a resource.

• Demonstrate passion for retail; strong analytical skills go a long way for most roles; talk about your experiences as a consumer from a retailer perspective.

• International students, leverage your understanding of other retail markets in addition to the US market

• As a career switcher, you need to demonstrate a true interest in retail, and it is helpful to showcase analytical skills, which are in increasingly high demand at retail companies.

• With contacts from conferences and networking, the most important thing is to follow up!

• Don't be afraid to reach out to companies directly; demonstrate your enthusiasm and familiarity with your top firms, as well as their sector in retail. Retail sites like Business of Fashion and Womens Wear Daily are great to read regularly.

• If you are a career switcher, it is essential to think outside the box for recruiting (go to conferences, make presentations, tap into the alumni network). Don't rely on the simple resume drop for an internship.

MBA Career Management

FAQ Retail Recruiting Can I recruit in Retail and another industry?

• Yes, it is manageable.• Most common industry overlaps: Tech, B2C Startups, CPG

What is the right time to start reaching out to alumni?• Once you have a better sense of your story (why Retail/sector/company/role, etc.); do homework first by talking to experienced 1Ys and 2Ys

Do Retail firms sponsor US work authorization?• It varies by firm and position. Sponsorship is role-dependent and can change from year to year, so always check the current job posting.• Firms that have sponsored in recent years include: Burlington Stores, Rent the Runway, Walmart eCommerce, Nike, LVMH, Restaurant Brands Int’l, Amazon, Apple Retail

Can I do two internships?• Sometimes• Cautionary tales: won’t extract full value of internship; may cue lack of interest or commitment; risks low performance, no offers• Recommended only if one is long (~10wks) and one is short (~4wks)

MBA Career Management

Internship/Full-Time Yield (WG18)

51% of students reporting accepted offers report having done their internship at the same company.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

% A

ccep

ting

from

Inte

rnsh

ip

Note: Preliminary data as of 7-11-18