Merchandise Planning Internship Program
If you are a recent graduate in Finance, Business, Commerce or Accounting, then you could fast-track your career by undertaking one of our merchandise planning internships.
A career in retail merchandise planning is challenging, exciting (no two days are ever the same) and can literally take you anywhere in the world. Plus there is a global shortage of merchandise planning talent.
What does the merchandise planning internship program involve?
Learning and development objectives:
During this internship, you will have the opportunity to observe, learn and develop essential skills in merchandise planning and retail analytics. The key learning and development areas include:
Merchandise assortment planning:
- Learn how sales data and customer trends are analysed to create well-balanced and profitable product assortments.
- Learn how product assortments are created for different sales channels and how they align with customer preferences, market demands, and seasonal trends.
Inventory management:
- Gain an insight into inventory planning, demand forecasting, and stock level optimization.
- Understand the strategies used to minimise excess inventory and stockouts through effective planning and reordering.
Sales and demand analysis:
- Utilise sales data and market insights to analyse product performance and identify opportunities for growth.
- Conduct demand analysis to determine optimal inventory levels and reorder points for different product categories.
Promotion and markdown planning:
- Assist in planning promotional events and markdown strategies to maximize sales and clear slow-moving inventory.
- Learn about discounting strategies and their impact on customer behaviour and profitability.
Retail analytics:
- Develop skills in using analytics tools and software to extract meaningful insights from sales, inventory, and customer data.
- Analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of merchandising strategies.
Communication and collaboration:
- Learn how planners collaborate effectively with buying, design, and marketing teams and other stakeholders.
- Work on team projects, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Tasks and responsibilities:
A merchandise planning intern should be involved in a variety of tasks designed to enhance their skills and contribute to your merchandise planning initiatives. Your tasks may include:
- Analysing historical sales data and market trends to assist in creating data-driven merchandise plans.
- Collaborating with suppliers and vendors to coordinate inventory levels and delivery schedules.
- Assisting in developing promotional and markdown strategies to optimize inventory turnover and maximize profitability.
- Conducting regular sales and inventory analyses to identify opportunities and challenges.
- Assisting in the creation of reports and presentations summarizing sales performance, inventory metrics, and merchandising strategies.
- Assisting in the coordination of merchandise assortments for various retail channels and locations.
- Participating in merchandise planning meetings and contributing insights to the team.
How do I enrol onto the program?
First you select whether you wish to do the standard or premium program and pay the appropriate preparation fee. Whilst you are undertaking the preparation stage with our careers team, our placement team will be busy finding the 'best fit' internship for you.
Once you are interview ready, we will organise interviews with prospective intern partners. When you have been offered and accepted an internship, you pay placement fee, and your 12-week internship will start.
Let's look at the differences...
Standard Internship
Preparation:
We will work with you to develop your personal branding including:
- CV/Résumé
- Linkedin profile
We will assist you in preparing for interview including:
- Interview tips and tricks (online video)
- 15% off any of our online courses
Internship:
We will find the most suitable internship for you from our internship partners, based on our knowledge of you and their company culture including:
- Company introductions
- 12 week internship in a retail merchandise planning office
- Insurance (public liability & personal accident)
We will keep in regular contact with you, so you never feel alone, including:
- Monthly feedback sessions
- Guided internship booklet
Premium Internship
Preparation:
We will work with you to develop your personal branding including:
- CV/Résumé
- Linkedin profile
We will assist you in preparing for interview including:
- Strengthscope® assessment tool
- Interview tips and tricks (one-to-one practice interview)
We will enhance your skills and knowledge in merchandise planning including:
- Foundations of Buying & Merchandise Planning online course
- Tutorial to get you up to speed with key planning concepts
- 15% of any of our online courses
Internship:
We will find the most suitable internship for you from our internship partners, based on our knowledge of you and their company culture including:
- Company introductions
- 12 week internship in a retail merchandise planning office
- Insurance (public liability & personal accident)
We will keep in regular contact with you, so you never feel alone, including:
- Monthly feedback sessions
- Guided internship booklet
Standard Internship Fees
The standard internship fee is $1,990 and is paid in two parts as indicated below:
Preparation: $795 (including GST)
Internship Placement: $1,195 (including GST)
Premium Internship Fees
The premium internship fee is $2,490 and is paid in two parts as indicated below:
Preparation: $1,295 (including GST)
Internship Placement: $1,195 (including GST)
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