What to expect from a career in Retail and Sales
Retail and sales programs at Ontario Colleges are closely tied to advertising, marketing and business administration programs, but have their own area of specialty and applied skills. They equip students to work in a number of areas, from retail to the tech industry, and so many more.
If you’re interested in incorporating retail and sales into your career path, here’s what you need to know.
Retail and Sales Courses
Course subjects will vary depending on the type of sales and retail program. Many programs have courses that teach students the fundamentals of promotion, marketing and advertising, and may expose them to a variety of practical application areas, including (but not limited to):
- Hospitality / food and beverage
- Health care / pharmaceutical
- Retail
- Service
Job shadowing and work placements are also a big part of retail and sales training, allowing students to practice their skills. Often, students will select several areas in which to work in order to develop their interests.
Media sales is one unique avenue offered by Ontario colleges. This program teaches students the fundamentals of buying and selling advertising in the media, from TV air time to magazine ads. Students will learn the history and fundamentals of the media industry, as well as expert selling and media planning skills, to prepare them for work in the field.
General Retail and Sales Program Requirements
Ontario college retail and sales programs require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, including a grade 12 English credit. Senior mathematics courses may also be required or considered an asset.
Retail and Sales Jobs and Salaries
There are many career opportunities in the sales industry, from merchandising and inventory control to customer service, wholesale, retail and more. Graduates will fill a variety of positions, including (but not limited to):
- Sales Manager / Sales Representative
- Customer Relations Personnel or Manager
- Small Business Owner or Manager
- Account Representative
Media sales specialists will find many opportunities within advertising and media organizations, as well as with company marketing teams.
Salaries in the field will vary, with an average starting salary of around $28,000 a year. Retail and sales salaries are notoriously low in the beginning, but can increase significantly with experience. Sales marketing and advertising specialists may see higher starting salaries, at around $35,000 or more per year.
Ontario Colleges Offering Retail and Sales Programs
Use the left-column navigation to refine your search by College, Program Availability, Program Start Date and more, or see the table below for a complete list of retail and sales programs at Ontario colleges.
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