A Career in Retail

Introduction to Retail

Retail is the sale of goods and services by a business to people who want them. A retailer is a person, shop,
store or company that buys products from a manufacturer or wholesaler and sells them to end users or
customers in relatively small quantities for use or consumption rather than for resale and makes a profit in
the process.

There are different types of retailers depending upon the sales model they use and the different consumer
types they cater to. They each provide different experiences-sometimes offering direct purchasing from a
manufacturer, or providing a wide range of merchandise.
STORE
Grocery Stores
These retailers sell all types of food and beverage products.

SUPER
MARKET
Supermarkets
The supermarkets sell home products and consumer
electronics as well.

Department Stores
Department stores sell a wide range of merchandise that is
arranged by category into different sections in the physical
retail space. For example, some categories in a ladies'
department store are clothing, beauty products, jewelry,
handbags, shoes and more.
Warehouse Retailers
Warehouse-type facilities such as Hypermart, stock a
large variety of products packaged in large quantities
and sold at prices lower than retail. They generally
sell in bulk or in quantities not otherwise available in
other retail outlets.
Specialty/Outlet Retailers
These specialize in a specific category and brand-name
products. Lenskart and Bata are examples of specialty
retailers, generally selling only merchandise that carries their
brand name.
Discount Retailer

DISCOUNT Discounters sell a wide variety of products that are

often privately labeled or generic brands at below
retail prices.

Internet/Mobile Retailer
Internet shopping websites ship the purchases directly to
customers at their homes or workplaces. They usually sell
merchandise for a lower-than-retail price, using warehouses
ebay
for storage and developing relationships with warehouses,
vendors, and sometimes manufacturers to provide goods at
reduced prices. Luxury Retail
Luxury retail is about building up an "exclusive"
image for the brand being marketed by putting forth
different facets of the product whether that's
heritage, craftmanship, quality, aesthetics, rarity,
extraordinariness or the way it makes the customer
feel.
1
The Indian Retail Industry

Retail industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in India.

Its growth is being driven by healthy economic progress,
changing demographic profile, increasing disposable income
and changing consumer taste and preferences. The total size
of Indian retail industry is forecast to reach US$ 1,200 billion
by 2021and US$ 1,750 billion by 2026.

This makes it one of the largest sectors in the

economy which contributes 10% to GDP and 8% to
employment.

As the sector is flourishing, a career in retail is promising high growth for the aspirational youngsters. The
enormous expansion in the retail sector during the past few years has created a huge demand for skilled
retail professionals in the field. It is an industry looking for people at all levels, from the school pass out with
basic skills, to the wellqualified supply chain and retailmanagement professionals. With rapidly expanding
departmental stores and huge shopping malls, plenty of job opportunities are opening up all over india at all
levels from the entry level retail sales associate to senior managers.
To break into the industry, an aspiring candidate can start off in classes XI and XIl by taking up a skill subject
in Retail which will enable him or her to perform the role of a retail sales associate. Thereafter the aspirant
can go up the education pathway and build up higher level skills that will enable him or her to take up senior
level roles in retail sales.
(Sources: Retail industry Report, ndia Brand Equlty Foundation, Conumer Leads Report by FICC and Deloite)

Sales Associate: Career Pathway The sales associate is the entry-level postion of retail
business. But as every retail shop is completely dependent
Sales Associate upon the sales they get; this is one of the important
After Class XII positions in this profession.

Team Leader The responsibilities of a Sales Associate are

After Class XIl + Experience to:
" Welcome customers to the store and answer
Department their queries.
Manager Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction
After Graduation through excellent sales service.
" Assess customer's needs and provide assistance
and information on product features.
Store Manager " Follow and achieve department's sales goals on
After Graduation + Experience a monthly, quarterly and yearly basis.
Actively seek out customers in store.
Regional Remain knowledgeable on products offered and
discuss available options.
Manager After Graduation+ Experience " Process POS (point of sale) purchases
Handle returns of merchandise.
. Team up with co-workers to ensure proper
Zonal Manager customer service.
Build productive trust relationships with
After Post-Graduation
customers.
Comply with inventory controlprocedures.
Country Manager " Suggest ways to improve sales (e.g.. planning
After Post-Graduation + Experlence marketing activities, changing the store's design).

2
Education Pathway

Undergraduate Post-Graduate i Some Colleges

" Ambedkar University, Delhi
" G.G.D.S.D. College, Chandigarh
Maharshi Dayanand University,
B.Voc. Retail Management Rohtak
8.Voc. Retail Management &IT " Jesus &Mary College, Delhi
MBA Retail Management
B. Voc. Retail and Logistics . College of Vocational Studies, Delhi
MBA " Symbiosis University of Applied
Management
BBA Retail Management MBA (Sales/ Marketing/ HR/ Sciences, Indore
BBA Entrepreneurship IB/ Logistics) St. Joseph's College of Commerce,
Masters in Fashion Mgmt./ Bangalore
BBA General
Brand Mgmt. Bennett University, Noida
B.Des. Fashion Mgmt./ Fashion IIM Indore /Rohtak Jammu/ Bodh
Communication/ Retail Gaya
Christ University, Bangalore
" University of Delhi
. Guru Gobind Singh IP University, Delhi
" National Institute of Fashion
Technology
MITID, Pune
 A Career as an IT Help Desk Assistant
The IT Industry - An ntroduction
Information technology (IT) is the use of computers, software, networks and other computing devices to
create, process, store, retrieve and exchange all kinds of electronic data and information. The IT industry is
comprised of companies that produce software, hardware or semiconductor equipment, or companies that
provide internet or related services. So, there are two major industry groups within the IT sector which are:

1. Software and Services

The software and service industry group is made up of 24/7
companies that provide internet services, as well as
companies that provide software and IT services. Internet
services include companies that provide online databases or
interactive services, such as search engines or social
networks. IT services include companies that provide IT
consultation or data processing services to other companies.
Finally, software consists of any sort of software for
www.
business or consumer use, ranging from enterprise software
and systems software to video games.

2. Technology Hardware and Equipment

(() Technology hardware and equipment is broken down into three industries:
communication equipment, technology hardware, storage and peripherals; and
electronic equipment; instruments and components. Communication
equipment include routers, telephones and switchboards. Technology
hardware, storage and peripherals includes computers, printers and cell
phones. Electronic equipments, instruments and components include
companies that make equipments like barcode scanners, transformers and
security systems.

The Indian IT Industry

The IT industry in India consists of two major components: Manng

1.IT services
2. Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)
dominate the Indian IT industry
In the contemporary world economy, India is the largest exporter of IT. Exports
also significant, with
and constitute about 79% of the industry's total revenue. However, the domestic market is The
US $ 100 bIllion by 2025.
robust revenue growth. The Indian IT sector market is expected to reach
investment (FDI) inflows
computer software and hardware sector in India attracted cumulative foreign direct
2nd in FDI inflows as per the
worth US$ 71.05 billion between April 2000 and March 2021. The sector ranked
According to NASSCOM, the
data released by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). the total
new hires, taking
Indian IT industry is expected to close Financial Year 21 with over 1,38,000 net
that the IT industry provides in India is the
employee base to 4.47 crores. Thus, one of the biggest benefits
employment it can generate.

4
 The IT Help Desk Assistant: Career Pathway

IT Manager

Technical Support Manager

Technical Support Engineer or Network

Administrator or Database Administrator or IT
Security Specialist

A IT Help Desk Executive

IT Help Desk Assistant

The IT Help Desk Assistant is the initial point of contact for internal company customers seeking
assistance and support with the company's intranet, desktop/mobile devices, and other business
applications that are maintained by the support team. The responsibilities of individuals at this position
are:

" installing and configuring computer hardware operating systems and applications.
" monitoring and maintaining computer systems and networks.
" to provide user support and managing customer service desk application.
" responding to all incoming service requests and customer service.
" quickly diagnosing technical issues and arranging solutions.
" ensure smooth running of computer systems so that users get maximum benefits from them.

The IT Help Desk Assistant: Education Pathway

Undergraduate Post-Graduate iY Some Colleges

University of Deihi
B.Voc Christ University, Bangalore
Information Technology Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies &Research, Pune
Hardware Technology &Networking Loyola College (Autonomous), Chennai
Networking &System Administration Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), Delhi
Software Development University of Mumbai
Software Development &System " MCA Fergusson College, Pune
Administration
"MBA Systems St.Joseph's College, Bangalore
BBA
" IT
Stella Maris College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
" Information Systems Visva Bharati University, Shanti Niketan, Bolpur, West
BCA Bengal
B.Sc.(IT) University of Lucknow
Birla Institute of Technology - Jaipur, Ranchi, Noida, Patna
DAV College, Chandigarh
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU),
IMTGhaziabad
 A Career in Web Development
Introduction to Web Development

Web development refers to the building, creating and maintaining of

websites that may be hosted over public internet or internal intranet. It
includes web design, web publishing, web programming, and database
management among other technical activities. It's the work that happens
behind the scenes to make a website look great, work fast and perform
well with a seamless user experience.

In many cases, web development may not necessarily focus on a website's design but rather is majorly
concerned with the programming and coding part, which is the main reason for the functioning of the website.
In fact, web development ranges from creating plain text pages to complex web-based applications, social
network applications and e-business and e-commerce applications. PHE

The web development hierarchy therefore is as follows: HTML

CSS3
Client-side coding.
Server-side coding.
" Database technology.
Java </coDE>
Since the commercialization of the internet, wetb development has been a growing industry. The growth of
this industry is being driven by businesses wishing to use their web site to advertise and sell products and
services to customers.

An ever-growing set of tools and technologies have helped developers

build more dynamic and interactive web sites. Further, web developers
now help to deliver applications as web services which were earlier only
available as applications on a desktop computer. This has allowed for
many opportunities to decentralize information and media distribution.
Examples can be seen with the rise of cloud services such as Microsoft
Azure, Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud. These web services
amazon
web services
allow users to interact with applications from many locations, instead
of being tied to a specific workstation for their application environment.

Web Developers: Career Paths

Web developers have two main career paths to choose from, depending on work style and levels of
experience. They might opt for a stable, salaried position, or enjoy more autonomy as an independent
contractor.

As a salaried professional they start off as a developer and grow in the organisation as follows:
Chief Technology
Officer

General Manager

Delivery Manager

Software Project
Manager
Software Architect

Software Engineer

Web Developer
6
Responsibilities - Web Developer
" Writing well designed, testable, efficient code by using best software development practices.
" Creating website layout/user interface by using standard practices.
Integrating data from various back-end services and databases.
" Gathering and refining specifications and requirements based on technical needs.
Creating and maintaining software documentation.
" Maintaining, expanding, and scaling the website as needed.
Staying plugged into emerging technologies/industry trends and apply them into operations and activities.
" Cooperating with web designers to match visual design intent.

Education Pathway

Undergraduate Post-Graduate Some Colleges

University of Delhi
Christ University, Bangalore
Loyola College (Autonomous),
Bachelor of Computer Application Chennai
Bachelor of Science (Computer Madras Christian College (MOCC),
Science) Chennai
Bachelor of Science (Information Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha
Master of Computer Application University, Delhi
Technology)
Bachelor of Technology (Computer University of Mumbai
Science &Engineering) Fergusson College, Pune
B.Voc (Information Technology) St.Josephs College, Bangalore
GGDSD College, Chandigarh
St.Xavier's College, Kolkata
Jamia Hamdard University, Delhi
University of Lucknow
DAV College, Chandigarh
 ACareer in Beauty Therapy
Introduction to Beauty Therapy
Beauty therapy which forms a large part of the beauty and wellness industry in India includes a variety of skills
from hair-styling, nail and skin care to body massage and make-up expertise.
It consists of three separate areas. They are:

Facial Therapy (also called Beautician)

It generally involves both manual and electrical
treatments on the face and also include manicure,
pedicure and waxing.

Body Therapy (also called Physiatrics or Body

Treatments)
It involves both manual and electrical treatments on
the body.

Electrology (also called Epilation)

It involves both the face and the body, featuring
the removal of hair through electronic means.

The Indian Beauty Therapy Industry

According to a report published in the Economic Times, of
12% Growth September 30, 2020, the Rs 25,000 crore professional beauty
and wellness industry (salons, spas, parlours, barber shops &
clinics) in India has grown at a cumulative annual growth rate
of 12% for the last decade. With nearly 1 million outlets, the
industry employs 15 million people of which 65% are women
and a large majority of them are from lower socio-economic
Last 10 Years backgrounds.

The growth in the professional beauty and wellness industry has been
driven by the rise in the income of the middle-class which has propelled
the demand for beauty products and wellness services. With more
women joining the workforce in tier cities, their purchasing power has
increased. The rise in their disposable incomes has resulted in the
escalating demand for beauty products, and salon and spa services.
Also, in India, people nowadays have become conscious about their
appearance and are constantly spending money to enhance the way they
look. This has allowed for the significant growth of the beauty and
wellness services segment, with consumers paying frequent visits to
salons. Therefore, all in all, the future of the beauty therapy and wellness
industry looks very promising for times to come.
15
The Beauty Therapist

The beauty therapist offers a head-to-toe experience that

improves the client's quality of life by making them look and
feel their best. They work in close contact with their clients
and that relationship is at the heart of the job. In addition to
demonstrating a wide range of beauty treatment the role also
has a therapeutic element which can help the client's sense of
well-being and self-esteem.
Depending on their expertise, their responsibilities may
include:

Removing unwanted hair from the face or body using hot

wax, threading, electrolysis or other techniques.
. Performing manicures and pedicures, including shaping and
painting nails.

Performing facials and body skin treatments that include

cleansing, toning, exfoliating, massaging and applying masks.

Tanning the skin using a spray tan or artificial light

treatments.

" Applying makeup for weddings, birthdays and other special

occasions.

" Advising clients about makeup and beauty products they

can use between treatments, including encouraging clients
to buy salon products.

" Massaging parts of the body for relaxation or pain

relief.

Processing customer payments and making appointments for follow-up treatments as required

16
Education Pathway

Diploma/Undergraduate Some Colleges

" PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Coimbatore
" Dev Samaj College for Women, Ferozepur City
Jiwaji University, Gwalior
Aggarwal College, Ballabgarh
BBK DAV College for Women
Central University of Jammu
Diploma in Cosmetology &Wellness " Devki Devi Jain Memorial College for Women, Ludhiana
B.Voc (Beauty Therapy and Aesthetics) Gopichand Arya Mahila College, Fazilika
" KAANNM Sonawane, Arts Commerce and Science College, Satana, Distt. Nashik
B.Voc. (Beauty and Fitness) " Kanya Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar City
BA in Aesthetics &Beauty Therapy
Presidency College, Manipur
RR Bawa DAV College for Girls, Batala
"Rupahi College, Nagaon
Shri Sachcha Adhyatma Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Allahabad
Delhi Skill &Entrepreneurship University
 A Career in Agriculture

Agriculture - An Introduction
Agriculture is the practice of cultivating plants and raising livestock. It dates back nearly 10,000 years when
nascent farmers began to plant grains after gathering then for millenniums. Pigs, sheep, and cattle were also
domesticated over 10,000 years ago. From this point on, agriculture began its expansion across the world. In
the Middle Ages, the industry experienced higher efficiency with the invention of irrigation, crop rotation, and
the plough. There also was an exchange of crop seeds as part of trading that occurred in the 1400s. Farmers
were no longer restricted to local crops and could trade for more exotic crops. These exotic crops could either
be replanted in the local market in hopes of creating a new local product or used by the farmers for
miscellaneous purposes.

The biggest factor contributing to the highly efficient agriculture

industry that we have today is the advancement of mechanization
in the 1900s. New technology significantly reduced the amount of
working hours needed for crop production and allowed the small,
family farmers to produce a larger yield. Nevertheless, despite all
of the evolution in the industry, the basics remain the same; to
soW and harvest crops for human consumption.

The major agricultural products can be broadly grouped into foods, fibers,
fuels and raw materials (such as rubber). Food classes include cereals
(grains), vegetables, fruits, oils, meat, milk, fungi and eggs. Over one-third
of the world's workers are employed in agriculture, second only to the
service sector, although in recent decades, the global trend of a
decreasing number of agricultural workers continues, especially in
developing countries where smallholding is being overtaken by industrial
agriculture and mechanization.

Agriculture in India

Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for about 58% of India's population. The economic contribution of
agriculture to India's GDP is steadily declining with the country's broad-based economic growth. Still, agriculture is
demographically the broadest economic sector and plays a significant role in the overall socio-economic fabric of
India. In fact, the situation was not always like this. Post-independence, India relied on imports and food aids to
meet domestic requirements.

Howeve, pioneering work by agriculture scientists and the efforts of

farmers, popularly known as the "Green Revolution", helped achieve a
breakthrough in the agriculture sector in the 1960s. The nation that was
frequently plagued by famines and chronic food shortage before green
revolution, today faces surplus. India is among the top three global
producers of many crops, including wheat, rice, pulses, cotton, peanuts,
fruits and vegetables. Worldwide, India had the largest herds of buffalo
and catte, is the largest producer of milk and has one of the largest and
fastest growing poutry industries. However, unlike developed nations,
agriculture still remains the backbone of our country.

18
The Agriculture Extension Worker

Agricultural extension plays a crucial role in boosting agricultural productivity, increasing food security,
improving rural livelihoods, and promoting agriculture as an engine of pro-poor economic growth. The role of
agricultural extension workers while living among rural people is to bring necessary change in individual and
collective behavior and motivating them.
Agricultural extension workers are also the key link between research
and farmers. They operate as facilitators and communicators,
helping farmers in their decision-making and ensuring that
appropriate knowledge is implemented to obtain the best results with
regard to sustainable production and general rural development.
They are responsible for:
. Communicating to farmers agricultural information on natural resources, animals, crops, on how best to
utilise the farmland, how to construct proper irrigation schemes, the economic use and storage of water, how
to combat animal disease, and how to save on the cost of farming equipment and procedures.
" Propagating new farming methods in conjunction with the farmers.
Researching food, fibre and animal products in conjunction with agricultural scientists.
Assisting cattle farmers, and veterinary surgeons in the treatment of different animal diseases.
Encouraging farmers to adopt new, improved methods of farming, using a variety of methods to reach the
farmers i.e., organising study groups for farmers, farmer days, demonstrations, lectures and literature, as
well as informing the media.
" Developing recovery programmes for eroded soil, protect cultivated land against erosion and develop a new
pasture system.

The agricutural extension worker thus is like a mentor, philosopher, leader, guide and colleague for the
community and on the basis of his special qualities he is able to carry out the developmental programme
successfully.

Education &Training

Undergraduate Post-Graduate Some Colleges

Institute of Rural Management, Anand
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)
SRM University Chennai
Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar
Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore
Chandigarh University
MBA (Rural Development) Aligarh Muslim University
B.Sc. (Agriculture) MBA (Rural Management) Integral University, Lucknow
B.Voc.(Agriculture) M.Voc, (Agriculture) Visva Bharati University
Karunya University, Coimbatore
" Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
" Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore
Govind Ballabh Pant Social Science Institute,
Allahabad
" Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla
" lIHMR University, Jaipur
Bangalore University
" Shri Vishwakarma Skill University, Gurugram

19