Preparation

Essentials

• A targeted resume, cover letter, and networking strategy: Your research will allow you to present your relevant skills and experience in the language of the industry, which is especially important if you are a career switcher. The more feedback you receive on your resume and cover letter from coaches, peers, and alums, and contacts with industry experience, the stronger it will be.

• Look at examples of job descriptions that interest you and familiarize yourself with the specific skillsets, strengths, and competencies that are in demand for the roles you seek.

• Networking to deepen knowledge of a target firm, build relationships and demonstrate your strengths as a candidate is required to attain an internship or full-time position. Many firms know who they want to interview before the resume drop even occurs.

• Firms commonly track you from your first interactions. Firm representatives and alumni visit campus and meet with students to identify top talent long before the formal resume submission. Every informational interview counts!

• Marketplaces, trends, and tastes are constantly changing and so are the consumer and customers. The more attuned you are to the shifts, the more successful your retailing career will be.

• Consumer goods and retail employers value the problem-solving and data-analysis skills that marketing needs.