Career Advice » Industry Advice » Retail » Training and preparation for retail careers

Do I need post-secondary training or a degree to do retail?

As with every industry these days, individuals with additional education will have the opportunity to advance further. While some may people may still be promoted on retail experience alone, taking additional courses or going back to school for marketing, sales, customer service or design will help you reach your retail career goals.

Where can I get additional training?

Retail BC PEAK Program
Front line, sales and manager development courses in retail.  
www.retailpeak.com

BC Institute of Technology (BCIT) – various courses in marketing management
www.bcit.bc.ca

Capilano College – various courses in retail marketing
www.capcollege.bc.ca

Douglas College – various courses in marketing
www.douglas.bc.ca

Justice Institute of BC – various courses in time management, conflict resolution, communication, leadership development, and performance management
www.jibc.bc.ca

Kwantlen University College – various courses in business and marketing
www.kwantlen.bc.ca

Langara College – various courses in marketing and sales and in business computer applications
www.langara.bc.ca

Open University (OU) and Open College (OC), Divisions of the Open Learning Agency (OLA) – courses in marketing, professional selling and computer applications in business
www.ola.bc.ca/ou/

Simon Fraser University – various courses and programs in business administration, marketing, business management, and professional development
www.sfu.ca

University College of the Fraser Valley (UCFC) – various programs in business administration, marketing and sales
www.ucfv.bc.ca

University of British Columbia (UBC) – various courses and programs in commerce, business administration, marketing and professional development
www.ubc.ca