Discarding The ``Pipeline`` Excuse
Building Representation From The Younger Generation Up
When companies discuss their lack of diversity, they often attribute it to a pipeline problem - that there isn't enough diverse talent to satisfy the employment demand. While there is currently a heavy focus on diversifying corporate retail offices (with talent already in the workforce), we believe that to ensure that this can no longer be used as an excuse, we have to ensure that the younger generation is trained about the opportunities in the industry for them to build lucrative careers and businesses inside.
If you asked the majority of people in retail if they always knew they wanted to be in the field or if they happened to “stumble” in it, we guarantee you will get more of the second answer.
Ways We Can Partner To Empower Your Students
01 Career Days
There are so many roles in the retail industry – many of which are rarely talked about. We would love to host a Retail Career Day or participate in the existing Career Day at your school to expose your students to the opportunities that await them.
02 Mentorship Programs
We are invested in the long-term success of your students. Mentor relationships make a tremendous difference in their lives, and we want to ensure that they know they have someone who is available for guidance as they map out their career or entrepreneurship path in retail.
03 Interactive Workshops
It’s one thing to learn about the industry and its various roles, but it’s another to actually simulate being in the role! During our interactive workshops, students learn about different career paths and are given key activities to try for each role. We may also take a field trip to visit someone currently in the role inside their office or store location!
04 Retail Immersion Experiences
We immerse students in the industry, taking them to witness firsthand different roles and sectors, visit local colleges who offer retail & related field degree programs, and more, to get a well-rounded view of the industry and perhaps decide which area may be the best fit for them.
05 Internship Programs & Job Shadowing
After learning about the career or entrepreneurship path a student may be interested in, we match them with established, vetted companies. This program is essential to helping students learn what about particular roles they enjoy, and even more importantly, what they don’t enjoy. For students who are unable to participate in our internship program, we also offer job shadowing days.
06 Job Shadowing & Placement
Once students are preparing to graduate, we assist them in their job search process, ensuring that they are aware of job opportunities within our own network. They will be setup with a mentor who can also assist them with resume and interview preparation.
Investing In The Future of Retail
We also provide scholarships to students pursuing college degrees with a fashion or retail focus
Consider making a donation to our scholarship fund today to enable us to help as many students as we can!
Retail Professional Development Scholarships
Help us provide scholarships to high school students who are preparing to study retail in college.