Industry engages Retail Management students to help grow business
As the retail industry enters the post-pandemic era, some of Canada’s leading retailers are turning to the Ted Rogers School of Retail Management in their recruitment efforts. They note that graduates of this program are already focused on the dynamics of the retail industry and leadership-ready.
Several organizations will be holding information sessions at the Ted Rogers School this semester to attract diversely talented and highly motivated Retail Management students to help grow their business, and to help students secure a permanent position right after graduation.
“We have significant and new post-pandemic engagement from major retailers who view our program's graduates as important leaders-in-the-making,” says Dr. Frances Gunn, Interim Director, School of Retail Management.
“They're viewing our program as a 'Talent Treasure-Hunt' to counter turnover and constitute retailing's resurgence as a key economic driver," she explains.
Canadian Tire held an Information Session for its New Graduate Programs at the School of Retail Management on September 21, 2022 to give fourth-year Retail Management students the opportunity to learn more about their Emerging Marketers, Finance Associate Analyst and Next Generation Talent - New Graduate Programs, and get a job offer for Fall 2023. The session featured 14 representatives at the VP and senior management levels, and the company was looking to recruit five to ten students for its Emerging Marketers and Next Generation Talent programs.
A total of 135 Retail Management students attended the event, including Connor Crozier, President of the Retail Students’ Association.
“Events like this give students the opportunity to network with industry professionals to help mobilize a job post-graduation,” he explains. “It was great to have the chance to speak with executives from Canadian Tire and apply to their new grad program. This opportunity would see that some students have a full-time job lined up, before even graduating from the program."
Canadian Tire has also committed to running an Internship Session for Retail Management students in the Winter 2023 semester.
Dr. Gunn says that the long-term goal with Canadian Tire is to have both the New Graduate Programs and Internship Program embedded in the Retail Management curriculum to provide a constant flow of new talent to the company and stronger student engagement.
Future Information, Networking and Recruiting Sessions will be held for students at the school this semester by retailers Aritzia (September 28), Arc'teryx (October 5), Mejuri (October 19), and Enterprise Holdings (November 2).
"As an institution, we set out to develop relevant skills necessary to student success post-graduation,” says Zachary Robichaud, Lecturer, School of Retail Management. “These events provide students with opportunities to network with industry and further strengthen the chances for post-graduation career mobilization."
