Retail industry II
8th Sep 2005, 01:58 GMT
'I knew that I wanted a career, not a job, and one that offered early responsibility and the chance to progress. That's exactly what I've got,'says Shona Findley, a 24 year old department manager at John Lewis, who joined its graduate recruitment scheme in July 2000. 'My first management responsibility was just 12 weeks into the scheme.'For too long, the retail sector has been misunderstood as offering little more than a life of shelf-stacking and till tapping. But this is far from the truth. Findley was lured in by the promise of respect and responsibility and, being a 'people person'she was also attracted by a career that offers customer contact and variety. Had Shona needed further encouragement, she would have found it in the innovative training in management that many stores are now known for.