The Aspire Guide - Flipbook - Page 49
Retail
The retail sector includes all shops and stores that sell goods to shoppers and employs over
3 million people in the UK. The sector has a huge variety of apprenticeship and graduate
opportunities in customer-facing and head office roles. These include roles in buying, finance,
human resources, marketing, supply chain and technology.
What they’re looking for:
There are numerous graduate and non-graduate routes you can take to work in retail; students from a
diverse range of educational backgrounds are welcomed.
The skills retailers look for depend on the type of retailer (supermarket, department store, online retailer)
and also depend on the specific role that you’re applying for. Generally, strong communication, customer
service and problem solving skills are desired.
Salary expectations:
Typical graduate salary: £18,000-£32,000
Potential salary (after five years experience): £25,000-£45,000
Top earners (10-15 years experience): £80,000+
Retail Banking
Customers use high street branches of the larger commercial banks, with services ranging
from savings and checking accounts, to mortgages, and debit/credit cards. Within retail
banking there are a variety of roles including within the management team, in an operational
role, and in client-facing services. As a manager you will be in charge of recruiting teams of
people, representing the bank, meeting sales targets, and managing budgets. As a junior
banker you will deal with customer queries, understand customer needs, process paperwork from sales,
and learn about new products, services and processes the branch implements.
What they’re looking for:
Many graduate retail banking programmes are open to graduates from any degree background, however,
a degree in any of the sciences, finance, economics, maths or similar may be advantageous.
There are also banking apprenticeships offered by many of the UK’s leading retail banks.
Employers will be looking for your affinity for numeracy and customer service, and your ability to
demonstrate strong communication and analytical skills.
Salary expectations:
Typical graduate salary: £18,000-£31,000
Potential salary (after five years experience): £25,000-£40,000
Top earners (10-15 years experience): £80,000+
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