Career Paths

[AmericanScott]

At the moment, i work in retail as a sales assisant. I'm 20 years old and have no desire to go back into education. I know for a fact (and really without sounding bigheaded) that i'm a damn good salesman! But i never thought i'd go down the trail of retail.

It's kind of like a trap. I've been sucked in and now it's the only experience i have.

I think i may have discovered an unknown talent i've had in this field. I really want to follow on and work my way up to a possible management position one day.

Do you think this is a good idea? It could fail big time and i could be a checkout clerk in your local Morison's and clarifying those rumours about possible new signings coming in

I turn to you lot on here as i see some good advice always given out to these kinds of threads from some knowledgeable people.

Help?

[Libertine]

My outlook is so bleak that I'm actually jealous of you.

[Matt]

I considering a change within my career, I only know one aspect of my trade, and desperately need experience in other aspects, as I feel I could go self employed (Not a good time I know) if I had more experience, and confidence. Obviously i'll take any job within my trade though and can't be too picky, I only know the workshop, I feel I need to go out on site and do abit of work.

I am considering going back to college and doing a CAD course, because that would then lead me to doing my own drawing, plans, e.t.c, if and when I do go self employed, also it would just give me other options and leads to other jobs, I wouldn't be keen on working in a office most of the day staring at a computer screen, can't think of much worse tbh but it's more money, and would add to my CV, That is a night course aswell so if I got a job it wouldn't matter.

Also i've just had a brochure sent through from college saying I could enroll to course on August 3rd, Could even do a Diploma in the course i've already done, but feel that would be abit pointless, A Diploma is just a posh word of saying what i've already done I reckon, that course is a day course too, so then if I got a job the employer wouldn't be too happy i'd have to take a day off work every week I don't think.

[morris1234]

At the moment, i work in retail as a sales assisant. I'm 20 years old and have no desire to go back into education. I know for a fact (and really without sounding bigheaded) that i'm a damn good salesman! But i never thought i'd go down the trail of retail.

It's kind of like a trap. I've been sucked in and now it's the only experience i have.

I think i may have discovered an unknown talent i've had in this field. I really want to follow on and work my way up to a possible management position one day.

Do you think this is a good idea? It could fail big time and i could be a checkout clerk in your local Morison's and clarifying those rumours about possible new signings coming in

I turn to you lot on here as i see some good advice always given out to these kinds of threads from some knowledgeable people.

Help?

mate, stuff what other people think if youre happy then that is what you should be doing! go for it son!

[Guest]

At the moment, i work in retail as a sales assisant. I'm 20 years old and have no desire to go back into education. I know for a fact (and really without sounding bigheaded) that i'm a damn good salesman! But i never thought i'd go down the trail of retail.

It's kind of like a trap. I've been sucked in and now it's the only experience i have.

I think i may have discovered an unknown talent i've had in this field. I really want to follow on and work my way up to a possible management position one day.

Do you think this is a good idea? It could fail big time and i could be a checkout clerk in your local Morison's and clarifying those rumours about possible new signings coming in

I turn to you lot on here as i see some good advice always given out to these kinds of threads from some knowledgeable people.

Help?

Investigate an NVQ in Management. I could be wrong, but I am sure that there might be one specific to retail management. You will have to study, but it's a vocational based qualification, so you might be able to get your employers to do the investigation and pay for it. If they do, they should then give you the support that you need to get the qualification. If you do that, it also signals your intentions, and earn you valuable brownie points

I considering a change within my career, I only know one aspect of my trade, and desperately need experience in other aspects, as I feel I could go self employed (Not a good time I know) if I had more experience, and confidence. Obviously i'll take any job within my trade though and can't be too picky, I only know the workshop, I feel I need to go out on site and do abit of work.

I am considering going back to college and doing a CAD course, because that would then lead me to doing my own drawing, plans, e.t.c, if and when I do go self employed, also it would just give me other options and leads to other jobs, I wouldn't be keen on working in a office most of the day staring at a computer screen, can't think of much worse tbh but it's more money, and would add to my CV, That is a night course aswell so if I got a job it wouldn't matter.

Also i've just had a brochure sent through from college saying I could enroll to course on August 3rd, Could even do a Diploma in the course i've already done, but feel that would be abit pointless, A Diploma is just a posh word of saying what i've already done I reckon, that course is a day course too, so then if I got a job the employer wouldn't be too happy i'd have to take a day off work every week I don't think.

Is it possible to do it as an evening course, or through distance learning? You may have to look at other colleges, but it means that you won't have to take time off work.

[Matt]

Investigate an NVQ in Management. I could be wrong, but I am sure that there might be one specific to retail management. You will have to study, but it's a vocational based qualification, so you might be able to get your employers to do the investigation and pay for it. If they do, they should then give you the support that you need to get the qualification. If you do that, it also signals your intentions, and earn you valuable brownie points

Is it possible to do it as an evening course, or through distance learning? You may have to look at other colleges, but it means that you won't have to take time off work.

Yeah looking through that brochure there are quite a few Management courses, not quite sure what he is looking for exactly but there are quite a few different NVQ courses in management.

I might investigate about doing a night course on the other one but tbh, I've already done the course (Didn't get the diploma qualification, as I did the NVQ, I have the NVQ Level 1 and 2 - I could go and see if I could Level 3 maybe), I suppose it would look good on my CV but I just think its abit pointless doing the same course just to get the poshly named qualification - We'll see though, i'm gonna pop into college tomorrow and see if I can discuss courses with someone prior to enrolling, as I went in a few months ago when I was made redundant and asked about a CAD course and they said it was fully booked and i'd missed my chance to enroll, yet now they have sent me a brochure and saying enroll on August 3rd.

[Edmund]

Lisa are you the career guru?

Well hi im John im 20 from Leicester.

I really want to be an astronaut could you please list every qualification and every course I would need to to do to get to my desired job.

A list of colleges, course codes and telephones numbers would be handy and whilst your at it could you arrange open days for me and email the specific tutors.

P.S. Could I also ask a small favour, could you fill out a UCAS application form for me.

Thanks John (wannabe astronaut).

[Guest]

Lisa are you the career guru?

Well hi im John im 20 from Leicester.

I really want to be an astronaut could you please list every qualification and every course I would need to to do to get to my desired job.

A list of colleges, course codes and telephones numbers would be handy and whilst your at it could you arrange open days for me and email the specific tutors.

P.S. Could I also ask a small favour, could you fill out a UCAS application form for me.

Thanks John (wannabe astronaut).

I certainly am. What you need is a Certificate in Googling, and you also need to pass the attitude test. <_<

[Jay]

Yeah looking through that brochure there are quite a few Management courses, not quite sure what he is looking for exactly but there are quite a few different NVQ courses in management.

I might investigate about doing a night course on the other one but tbh, I've already done the course (Didn't get the diploma qualification, as I did the NVQ, I have the NVQ Level 1 and 2 - I could go and see if I could Level 3 maybe), I suppose it would look good on my CV but I just think its abit pointless doing the same course just to get the poshly named qualification - We'll see though, i'm gonna pop into college tomorrow and see if I can discuss courses with someone prior to enrolling, as I went in a few months ago when I was made redundant and asked about a CAD course and they said it was fully booked and i'd missed my chance to enroll, yet now they have sent me a brochure and saying enroll on August 3rd.

The only problem I tend to find with NVQ courses is that you don't actually learn much as they are basically about proving you already have the knowledge by collecting work based evidence. This can be pretty difficult in terms of management if you are not in a senior or team leader position.

A course like a CMI management one will actually teach you the theory and application and far better than an NVQ

[lou]

At the moment, i work in retail as a sales assisant. I'm 20 years old and have no desire to go back into education. I know for a fact (and really without sounding bigheaded) that i'm a damn good salesman! But i never thought i'd go down the trail of retail.

It's kind of like a trap. I've been sucked in and now it's the only experience i have.

I think i may have discovered an unknown talent i've had in this field. I really want to follow on and work my way up to a possible management position one day.

Do you think this is a good idea? It could fail big time and i could be a checkout clerk in your local Morison's and clarifying those rumours about possible new signings coming in

I turn to you lot on here as i see some good advice always given out to these kinds of threads from some knowledgeable people.

Help?

Its actually not a bad way to get into retail management, joking aside. The big supermarkets do excellent management training programmes, my friends Son was studying accounting at Uni and got a part-time job at Waitrose, was identified as somone with potential and ended up staying there as a trainee manager and has flown up the ladder.

Does the retail company youre working for now not offer courses? Might be worth letting them know youre ambitious, even write to headquarters, its always impressive when members of staff show an interest in progressing. If you get on a course through work you wont have to fund it yourself or do it out of working hours.

Good Luck.

[AmericanScott]

Investigate an NVQ in Management. I could be wrong, but I am sure that there might be one specific to retail management. You will have to study, but it's a vocational based qualification, so you might be able to get your employers to do the investigation and pay for it. If they do, they should then give you the support that you need to get the qualification. If you do that, it also signals your intentions, and earn you valuable brownie points

Is it possible to do it as an evening course, or through distance learning? You may have to look at other colleges, but it means that you won't have to take time off work.

Thats some great advice right there! I will talk to my manager tomorow about it. I remember looking into that course as i think Leicester College offer it. I'd more than happy to do that.

Its actually not a bad way to get into retail management, joking aside. The big supermarkets do excellent management training programmes, my friends Son was studying accounting at Uni and got a part-time job at Waitrose, was identified as somone with potential and ended up staying there as a trainee manager and has flown up the ladder.

Does the retail company youre working for now not offer courses? Might be worth letting them know youre ambitious, even write to headquarters, its always impressive when members of staff show an interest in progressing. If you get on a course through work you wont have to fund it yourself or do it out of working hours.

Good Luck.

You're spot on about the Waitrose thing. I was looking at the John Lewis training on their website and they'll only offer the Management scheme training to current employees with 2 A-levels under their belt. I currently only have 1 though :\.

That is something i'd love to do.

I don't think my job offers such courses at the moment as the company is only 2 years old. But it's worth asking my manager to talk to the hierarchy about it.

Thanks for for some great advice everyone. I really need to sort my life out and what i'm going to doin the future.

[Webbo]

My sister has worked her way up to a management position at Asda from the check out and she didn't have any qualification at all.

She did however have to spend years on their 'stepping stones' programme which is basically taking on all the responsibilities of a manager for the same money as a normal worker and working any unsocial hours they gave her.

I advised her to pack it in as I thought they were stringing her along but eventually they gave her a management job. I think she is on somewhere in the low £20ks a year but still works long and unsocial hours.

[DANGEROUS TIGER]

Follow your heart and I am sure you will achieve.

For others on this site ,who are out of genuinely unemployed currenly I wish you the very best of luck, and wish you well.

[Turtles Head]

I'm at a bit of a crossroads now too. I'm 22, been a chef for 2 years. Worked my way up within a small restaurant and am now starting to get more responsibility. But long term i dont see my future in this. I dont intend to be working 70 hours a week for much longer. It's ok pay for the hours, but the good tips make it a lot better. I intend to go travelling soon, so its an ideal job to do abroad.

I have no idea what ill be doing in 5 years, and i quite like that. Used to be a fitness instructor so maybe return to that. Love the adrenalin of working in a kitchen, and thats something i dont expect to find in another job

[Tabou]

Follow your heart and I am sure you will achieve.

For others on this site ,who are out of genuinely unemployed currenly I wish you the very best of luck, and wish you well.

Wouldn't be the case if we stopped the Immigrants would it, numb nuts?

[Dr The Singh]

My sister has worked her way up to a management position at Asda from the check out and she didn't have any qualification at all.

She did however have to spend years on their 'stepping stones' programme which is basically taking on all the responsibilities of a manager for the same money as a normal worker and working any unsocial hours they gave her.

I advised her to pack it in as I thought they were stringing her along but eventually they gave her a management job. I think she is on somewhere in the low £20ks a year but still works long and unsocial hours.

Tell her to apply at Aldi, a mate of mine went through the same management qualificatoin at Asda and was on 18K, he applied for the same position at Aldi and is on 35k, it's still horrid hours but atleast he gets more money!!

[Matt]

Just been college to enquire about a CAD Course, and it's all ready for my to enroll August 3rd so they say, first come, first served, and they say i'll probably get it free due to claiming JSA

They didn't have much information on the Diploma Wood Occupations course, but told me to e-mail so i've just done that, and realised they do actually do a night course on it, so i've asked the question is there much difference between the NVQ Levels 1 and 2 I already have and the Diploma as it looks like the Diploma only goes between Level 1 and 2 and don't really fancy going back and doing what i've already done on the NVQ.

EDIT - Just done a quick search on the internet and apparently the NVQ is the better qualification anyway, read a few things saying the Diploma isn't really worth the paper it's written on.

[Ashley]

I'm still young and thinking about what to do. Have you ever thought about joining the Army, RAF or Navy?

[James.]

If you think you're good at sales then why do you want to go into management?

[ozleicester]

If you think you're good at sales then why do you want to go into management?

This could well be the most important advice youll get, Ive been in sales and management for many (too) many years. There are a few things to take into account...

1) A skilled and successful salesman can make as much money as people who have been to uni and trained for years.

2) A good salesman can actually work LESS than average hours if he is organised (sadly thats a trait that too many good salespeople lack)

3) If you can get into sales in particularly wealthy fields eg. Hospitals/medicine etc. you can earn good money in a clean enviroment.

4) Sales offers great perks..cars, holidays, bonuses, free tickets, functions/events.

5) Most employers will train and upskill salespeople to keep them happy

so..if your good at selling and enjoy it...go with it.

If you look to progress, most companies will look to train you into management... BUT... i have seen many great salespeople..become crap managers and end up losing there jobs and income reductions because they forget what they are best at.

[Tabou]

There is a very clear divide between people who are good salespeople, and people who think they are good sales people. (No disrespect..)

Having worked in Estate Agency, Recruitment, and Financial Services, I have seen many a "Good Sales Person" who couldn't sell a £10 note for £9.

What OzLeicester says is true to a certain point, but you need to bear in mind that only very good sales people earn decent money. You need to also remember what you are selling, and how market conditions can affect your ability to do your job well. For example, with recruitment, not many companies are hiring, and even if they are, they are extremely reluctant to pay a recruitment consultancy thousands of ££££'s for the privilage.

However, if you are smart, you can still make some decent money, but you have to be that much better than the competition. There are hundreds of thousands of sales people in the UK, and many of them make average money at best.

You need to also bear in mind that "You are only as good as yesterday's sale". You could have a storming month 1, but if month 2 and 3 are poor, you will soon be out of a job. You must remember that 9 times out of 10, by definition, you are trying to sell a product or service that many people do not need, a "Luxury" purchase (Things like Cars for example). If people actually wanted what you were selling, it wouldn't need to be 'Sold'!!!

Not being overly negative, and the pressure and stress are often outweighed by the potential rewards, but it really isn't for everyone. I would say give it a go, as your only young and plenty of time to change your mind/career if needs be.

I, for one, absolutely love it, and have seen alot of rewards in my relatively short career. If you are succesful, you really can reap teh benefits. I work bloody hard in my role (most of the time...) but am able to have a nice house/car/holidays etc. As long as you are prepared to listen, learn and work your bollox off, it could prove to be very lucrative.

The single most brilliant piece of advice I received when I started my career..."As a sales person, you have one mouth and two ears. Use them to that ratio".

Give it a bassssssh!!!!

[Tommy G]

There is a very clear divide between people who are good salespeople, and people who think they are good sales people. (No disrespect..)

Having worked in Estate Agency, Recruitment, and Financial Services, I have seen many a "Good Sales Person" who couldn't sell a £10 note for £9.

What OzLeicester says is true to a certain point, but you need to bear in mind that only very good sales people earn decent money. You need to also remember what you are selling, and how market conditions can affect your ability to do your job well. For example, with recruitment, not many companies are hiring, and even if they are, they are extremely reluctant to pay a recruitment consultancy thousands of ££££'s for the privilage.

However, if you are smart, you can still make some decent money, but you have to be that much better than the competition. There are hundreds of thousands of sales people in the UK, and many of them make average money at best.

You need to also bear in mind that "You are only as good as yesterday's sale". You could have a storming month 1, but if month 2 and 3 are poor, you will soon be out of a job. You must remember that 9 times out of 10, by definition, you are trying to sell a product or service that many people do not need, a "Luxury" purchase (Things like Cars for example). If people actually wanted what you were selling, it wouldn't need to be 'Sold'!!!

Not being overly negative, and the pressure and stress are often outweighed by the potential rewards, but it really isn't for everyone. I would say give it a go, as your only young and plenty of time to change your mind/career if needs be.

I, for one, absolutely love it, and have seen alot of rewards in my relatively short career. If you are succesful, you really can reap teh benefits. I work bloody hard in my role (most of the time...) but am able to have a nice house/car/holidays etc. As long as you are prepared to listen, learn and work your bollox off, it could prove to be very lucrative.

The single most brilliant piece of advice I received when I started my career..."As a sales person, you have one mouth and two ears. Use them to that ratio".

Give it a bassssssh!!!!

I didn't used to like you but you really do have your head screwed on. Without making your head any bigger, I think you will do very well for yourself.

[Tabou]

I didn't used to like you but you really do have your head screwed on. Without making your head any bigger, I think you will do very well for yourself.

I have to say, I thought the same. But you do make some valid points.

Right, Love-In over, back to work!

[AmericanScott]

Thought i'd bump this thread to update you lot on how im doing on this.

I got an interview to become the shop manager of our Meadowhall branch (In Sheffield in case you didn't know ) on Wednesday!

Wish me luck

[StanSP]

Thought i'd bump this thread to update you lot on how im doing on this.

I got an interview to become the shop manager of our Meadowhall branch (In Sheffield in case you didn't know ) on Wednesday!

Wish me luck

Good luck .

What shop do you work in?