Why This Retail Giant Wants To Hire Econonomics And Business Majors

Why This Retail Giant Wants To Hire Econonomics And Business MajorsWhy This Growing Retail Giant Wants To Hire Data-Driven Business And Economics-Related MajorsJuan was a finance major in college. Mallorymajored in supply chain management. Neither of them studied anything closelyrelated to retail or fashion, but it turned out their dream job actually is atRoss Stores.Ross is an off-price retail leader and an idealdestination for economics, business, and supply chain majors to work aftergraduation.To find out how they made the journey from Financeto fashion, from Supply Chain to style, we sat down with them to talk abouttheir role as Merchandise Planners at Ross Stores, and how the Company offersso much more than just a job.What It Means To Be A Planner At A Retail GiantRoss is a companythat capitalizes on opportunistic buying. Basically, that means they findvendors with overruns or cancelled orders both during and at the end of theseason. Ross team of strategic Buyers work directly w ith those vendors tonegotiate the best deals, which are then passed on to Ross customers. That model of business has brought Rossimmense success in the retail industry, even at a time when other retailers struggleto compete against online shops. And that success hinges on the analytical andstrategic work of people like Juan and Mallory.The Planner role is very analytical and heavyon Excel skills, Mallory says. We really focus on the parte of the supplychain that looks at forecasting and developing strong plans. Well look attrends and match them with opportunities.While the Buyers are the ones scouting greatproduct, the Planners are responsible for forecasting trends based on marketand historical data, andof courseplanning out which product to flow tocertain regions based on opportunities they find. And this type of work, as you mightveguessed, is actually perfect for people with analytical and businesseducations, like Juan and Mallory.So many of the finance skills I learnedapply vlo okups, index matches, charts, Juan explains. Its an analyticalrole so any type of math or business class I had does help with my work.But, as they both stressed, its notlage just theskills that make the role a match. Its the Companys culture, too.How Rosss Collaborative CultureAnd Amazing PerksMake The Role Even BetterIt certainly helps for both Planners that the Companysculture of work-life balance, supportive team environments, and amazingbenefits are essentially designed to be perfect for new grads.For example, the Company offers both agenerous paid time off package in addition to holidays and even a week-long breakfor the Buying Offices. The entire buying and planning offices shut down duringthe last week of December, and during the summer, the offices close at 1 oclockon Fridays.I cannot emphasize the corporate cultureenough, Juan says. We leave at 1 oclock on Summer Fridays and during thewinter we have that break. Its those little perks that really make me feelvalued.In additi on to their emphasis on work-lifebalance, the Company offers programs to build and invest in your financialfuture. The companys stock purchase program lets Ross employees get a discounton the stock price (have you seen the stock performance recently?). Plus, Rossoffers a 401k program with a generous company match to help you plan forretirement.That eye on the future of their employeesmakes sense, too, because Ross provides a clear, upward career pathand thetraining and development required to get there. Ross has a strong trainingprogram when you first abflug with the Company and built-out learning programs foreach time you move into a new role.There is a lot of growth within the Company,Mallory says. I know plenty of people who started off as interns, then wentfull-time, and have now moved up into more senior roles. Its really clearwhere the growth is and what the next steps are. And whether youre working closely withmentors, making high-impact business decisions in a supportive env ironment, orjust enjoying a casual team outing on a Summer Friday, when youre doing it atRoss, youre a part of a group that really does care.Ready tostart planning your future? Check out open opportunities at Ross Stores onWayUp