Boston Career Counselor Blog

1. Describe briefly what your job is.

I am a regional staffing planner. I write associate schedules for several stores, based on company guidelines, promotional calendar and sales trends.

2. What do you like most about it?

I like analyzing sales and volume trends. I also like to interact with the regional staffing manager and assist them in personnel planning to ensure store profitability.

3. What do you do in a typical day?

I update the list of associates with jobs that have turned for each store, work on schedules, talk to the regional staffing manager about sales trends and work with stores to execute schedules.

4. What made you decide on this career in the first place?

To learn other aspects of the retail industry. I’ve worked in a buying office, and as an area sales manager. I also wanted to learn the operations side of the industry. It is a rewarding experience in that I know I’m able to assist in improving the company’s bottom line.

5. What kind of education or experience is necessary for this job?

A bachelors degree and managerial store experience.

6. What makes you good at this job (personality traits, strengths, skills, etc.)?

Analytical skills, people skills, organizational skills, close attention to details.

7. Who would be perfect in this job?

Someone interested in the operations and supply chain aspect of the retail industry.

8. Tell me something people would be surprised about regarding this job.

I will have an opportunity to travel to stores this spring and meet with various management teams.

9. Do you have any advice for someone wanting to enter this field?

Anyone interested in the fashion or retail industry should know there is more to this industry than just fashion or retail. Knowledge of organizational structures, operations, and supply chain management is essential in order to be successful. If you come prepared and you possess that right skill set then the possibilities are endless.