Retail Buying
Internship Program
If you are a recent graduate in Finance, Business, Commerce, Fashion, or Interior Design, then you could fast-track your career by undertaking one of our retail buying internships.
Retail buyers are responsible for sourcing and selecting the range assortment. They anticipate the needs and wants of their customers, sourcing and developing products their customers’ desire. Buyers need to be numerate and have an ‘eye’ for product. It’s an exciting and varied career.
What does the retail buying internship program involve?
Learning & Development Objectives
You will have the opportunity to learn and develop essential skills in retail buying and merchandising. The key learning and development areas include:
Market research and trend analysis:
- Assist in conducting market research to identify emerging trends, consumer preferences, and competitive products.
- Learn how sales data and customer feedback is used to make informed buying decisions.
Assortment planning:
- Assist in developing product assortments based on market trends, seasonal themes, and customer demographics.
- Learn how to balance product variety, pricing, and inventory levels to optimize sales and profitability.
Supplier management:
- Observe how the buyer works with suppliers to negotiate terms, pricing, and delivery schedules.
- Learn how to evaluate supplier performance and how to maintain strong relationships to ensure product quality and availability.
Inventory management:
- Gain experience in inventory planning and demand forecasting to avoid overstocking or stockouts.
- Work on optimizing stock levels, markdown strategies, and inventory turnover rates.
Promotion and pricing strategies:
- Assist in developing promotional campaigns and pricing strategies to drive sales and enhance customer loyalty.
- Learn about discounting, bundling, and upselling techniques.
Communication and teamwork:
- Learn how buyers collaborate effectively with planning, design, and marketing teams and other stakeholders.
- Work on team projects, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Tasks and responsibilities:
The retail buying intern, you will be involved in a variety of tasks designed to enhance their knowledge and skills and support the buying team. Your tasks may include:
- Conducting market research and trend analysis to identify product opportunities.
- Assisting in creating product assortments and collaborating with vendors for product selection.
- Monitoring inventory levels, sales patterns, and product performance.
- Participating in vendor meetings and negotiations to secure favourable terms.
- Analysing sales data and customer feedback to provide insights for assortment improvements.
- Assisting in developing pricing and promotion strategies to optimize sales and margins.
- Assisting in generating reports and presentations summarizing sales performance and merchandising strategies.
- Contributing to the planning and execution of product launches and promotional events.
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)
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 buying 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 retail buying including:
- Foundations of Buying & Merchandise Planning online course
- Tutorial to get you up to speed with key buying 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 buying 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
Preparation: $795 (including GST)
Internship Placement: $1,495 (including GST)
Premium Internship Fees
Preparation: $1,295 (including GST)
Internship Placement: $1,495 (including GST)
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