Students
The Center for Education and Research in Retail offers multiple opportunities for students to connect with retailers in the classroom and during events and visits to retail headquarters.
Business majors who are interested in pursuing careers in the industry have the option of applying for the Retail Workshop during their first year or sophomore year.
The Center for Education and Research in Retail offers multiple opportunities for students to connect with retailers in the classroom and during events and visits to retail headquarters.
“The Retail Workshop was the best decision I have made here at Kelley. The workshop provided me with extensive retail knowledge courtesy of one of the most passionate professors I have met here, John Talbott. I was able to network with companies and gain connections that ultimately secured me an internship for this summer.”
Anna Banyard, BS’26
“Through the Retail Workshop, not only was I able to network with different companies, but I actively learned by sharing ideas with them in engaging projects. Surrounding myself with peers who are also passionate about retail was motivating and expanded my network within Kelley.”
Gabriella Mak, BS’26
“The Retail Workshop has been one of the best learning and growth experiences during my academic journey. It helped me dive deep into various areas of the retail world including marketing, finance, supply chain, and operations. It also provided me with exclusive opportunities to network and learn from team members of retail giants like Macy's, American Eagle, Home Depot, etc. The field trips to Indy and NYC were a great exposure to the corporate world and an opportunity to get to know fellow workshoppers. Overall, I am glad I was selected to become a part of the Retail Workshop and learn under the guidance of Professor Talbott.”
Dharmil Budhelia, BS’24
“The Retail Workshop provided me with the skills and confidence to enter the retail industry in my upcoming internship. It has allowed me a deep dive into the retail industry to further understand the fundamentals, how to interpret necessary data, and practice with case assignments.”
Brooklyn Mosley, BS’22
“As a member of the Kelley Retail Workshop, I gained industry knowledge and networking opportunities to become a competitive and confident student. My interest in the retail industry is more focused and I am able to effectively speak about future trends.”
Maggie Bedore, BS’21
“Joining the Retail Workshop was one of my best decisions in college. It allowed me to gain comprehensive retail knowledge while networking with industry leaders. The workshop enabled me to secure a summer internship leading to a full-time job after school.”
Joseph Bergren, BS’21
The Department of Marketing and the Center for Education and Research in Retail offer a number of different courses for both majors and minors. For majors, the retail track consists of three courses that begin in the fall semester of the sophomore year with the Retail Workshop. The student can take two additional retail courses to complete the Retail Leadership Track, which perfectly prepares students for beginning their retail career.
Fall Sophomore Year | Spring Sophomore or Junior Year | Junior Year | Senior Year |
M349 Retail Workshop | Marketing Analytics for Retail (New Course) | M419 Retail Strategy | M419 Retail Strategy |
Application and limited enrollment. Introduction to the retail industry and multi-level engagement with many of the world’s greatest retailers. On-site visits to retailer headquarters. | Full semester course that immerses students in the analytics of retail marketing for product, price, place and promotion. Includes analysis for both brick and mortar and ecommerce distribution. | Learn marketing strategy by working with an early stage retailer or a project for a major retailer. | Continue with internship or find support for a student led start-up and take the concept to actual product launch. |
Sophomore Year | Junior Year | Senior Year |
M300 Introduction to Marketing | M312 Retail Marketing Management | M419 Retail Strategy |
Basics of marketing. Required for the marketing minor in business. | Relates marketing activities to financial outcomes for retailers. Students study financial documents of publicly traded retailers to understand these relationships. Includes many opportunities for Zoom-based interactions with retail professionals. | Work for an early stage retailer as an intern or engage in competition to have the center and other students support a student start-up in retail. |