| Topic Name: |
Executive career path? |
| Message Name: |
executive career path |
| Date Posted: |
10/13/2005 |
| In Reply To: |
I'm graduating from Harvard this fall, and have difficulty getting any career guidance beyond 'Go into I-banking.' I interned at Barneys as a buyer and know that luxury retail is what I want-- what I don't know is what sort of career path I can expect. I would like to go back for an MBA at some point, and I'm wondering which career path will best prepare me-- buying, account executive, merchandising, planning? Any suggestions?
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| Message: |
I would definitely say that you want to get into either buying or merchandising (which are essentially the same thing). I also graduated from an ivy league university and I remember how difficult it was to find a job when on campus recruiting only focused on those who were interested in ibanking and management consulting jobs.. However, I have a broad range of experience in the corporte retail world as I have worked in planning, design and buying and the one thing that I have learned is that the best top professionals in the industry come from a buying/merchandising background. Buyers are not only exposed to the numbers piece of the business, but they are also involved in the creative process. It can sometimes be challenging to get your foot in the door, but my suggestion to you is to try to get a position with a large retailer like Gap or Federated Dept Stores as these are the top two buying programs in the country. (they are the equivalent of an ivy league education in the retail world). I've had to pioneer this track solo, without much guidance, so I know how hard it can be.. good luck!!
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