Retail Store Management Internship Summer 2027 - Chicago
About The Position
This is a paid 10-week internship for college students interested in gaining real-world experience in retail management. The program aims to immerse participants in the fast-paced world of retail, focusing on leadership, customer engagement, and store operations. Interns will work with Store Managers and District Leaders to develop leadership skills, learn best practices, and gain exposure to the broader organization. A key component of the internship is completing a business-focused project and presenting findings to leadership. The role involves motivating and managing a store team, analyzing business performance, and understanding the impact of decisions on customer satisfaction and store results. Responsibilities include supporting operational activities like merchandise handling, inventory management, and stocking, and assisting the store during busy periods, which may include evenings and weekends. The internship is designed to be rewarding and impactful, offering valuable real-world exposure to retail operations.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled in an associate or bachelor's degree program
- Expect to receive their degree (associate or bachelor) between May 2027 and May 2028
- Available to work 35 hours per week for the full 10-week program
- Available to work a flexible schedule including days, evenings, and weekends
- 1-3 years of customer service experience in a fast-paced work environment such as retail, food service, hospitality etc.
- Effective communication, problem solving, and relationship-building skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast paced, customer focused environment
- Must be interested in pursuing a career in retail store management
Nice To Haves
- Desired majors are Business Management/Administration, Hospitality, Entrepreneurship, Retail Studies, General Business
- Previous leadership, supervisory, or managerial experience is highly desired
Responsibilities
- Gain hands-on experience leading a retail team
- Engage directly with customers
- Learn the day-to-day operations of a successful store
- Develop leadership skills
- Learn retail management best practices
- Gain exposure to the broader organization through market travel experiences
- Complete a business-focused project that addresses a real business opportunity
- Present findings and recommendations to leadership
- Learn how to motivate and manage a store team
- Analyze business performance
- Understand how operational and strategic decisions impact both customer satisfaction and store results
- Support a range of operational activities, including merchandise handling, inventory management, and stocking
- Help the store meet the needs of customers during busy shopping periods, including evenings and weekends
- Partner with Store Managers and retail leaders to learn leadership best practices
- Gain exposure to staffing, talent development, customer engagement, and operational excellence
- Develop an understanding of how business decisions impact store performance and customer satisfaction
- Participate in leadership development through engagement with field leaders and other retail leaders
- Complete a business-focused project that addresses an opportunity within your assigned store and present your recommendations to leadership
Benefits
- Paid 10-week internship
- Medical coverage
- Dental coverage
- Vision coverage
- Paid time off
- Retirement savings options
- Wellness programs
- Other resources, based on eligibility
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
Associate degree
