Course Information
Retail Management
Why study Retail Management?
The retail industry is one defined by change and innovation in markets, products, store formats, technologies and supply chain. The critical challenges for retailers in this highly competitive and dynamic landscape are to leverage brand, optimise operations and develop customer loyalty, exceeding stakeholder and shareholder expectations as a result. Talented, experienced and qualified people are central to strategic retail success, however the industry is experiencing an unprecedented management skills shortage in key areas of retail operation. For employers this emphasises the need to retain and develop key staff and for employees it signals the right time to consolidate experience and attain the qualifications necessary for career advancement.
Graduate Certificate of Retail Management
Deakin University - a leading global research and education institution - is proud to introduce a new option for 2012, the Graduate Certificate of Retail Management. This innovative qualification aims to develop the skills and knowledge of retail professionals and introduce a new standard of retail professionalism to the industry through leading edge resources, expert faculty and dynamic and flexible learning methods.
More about Graduate Certificate of Retail Management
Retail specialisations
In addition to the Graduate Certificate of Retail Management, the Deakin Graduate School of Business offers MBA, MBA International and Master of Commerce qualifications with retail specialisation options. This gives retail professionals the opportunity to gain postgraduate qualifications which are both sector-specific and career-focused.
Retail Mentors
Graduate School of Business would like to hear from retail industry professionals who would like to act as a mentor to postgraduate students who are studying retail.
Become a Postgraduate Retail Mentor [142KB]
Who should study Retail Management
The Graduate Certificate of Retail Management, together with business qualifications that offer a retail specialisation present an ideal development path for retail professionals in a broad range of roles, sectors and organisations. The qualifications are designed to consolidate experience and leverage ability and are therefore ideal for:
- Experienced retail managers seeking to gain industry specific qualifications
- Graduate recruits seeking to learn more about retailing
- Support function managers seeking to gain a holistic insight into retail operations
- Suppliers seeking to achieve greater synergy with retail clients
- Consultancies and agencies seeking to grow retail knowledge and credibility
- Franchise managers and operators seeking to develop franchisee skills
- Independent business owners seeking to develop market insight and competitive advantage
- Business professionals with a desire to develop retail industry credentials as part of their professional qualifications
Career opportunities
The Graduate Certificate of Retail Management develops within students a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices essential for a successful career in the dynamic and rapidly evolving retail industry. The sector has recently experienced a critical skills shortage in key disciplines like merchandise management, category management, buying planning and shopper marketing and the Graduate Certificate of Retail Management provides a solid and competitive foundation from which to succeed in these challenging and rewarding professions.
Diverse retail career opportunities also exist in areas like store development, store management, HR, marketing, property, supply chain, CRM and business consulting both nationally and internationally. For qualified and competent students of retailing in these fields, career advancement can be rapid and the remuneration excellent.
The retail industry is increasingly recognising the need for qualified managers and executives and possessing a formal academic qualification in retail will help students capitalise upon their full potential as a true retail professional in a wide variety of roles and organisations.
