Information technology (IT)
Information technology (IT) plays a huge role in the retail industry. IT professionals in a retail organisation are responsible for providing, operating and supporting the systems that enable the business to trade. Examples include electronic point-of-sale systems and supply chain systems that monitor, replenish and distribute its stock effectively. Management information systems generate and interpret sales data, which will help analyse trends and support business information systems. HR and financial systems are also involved. Every retail business also has a physical network and computer infrastructure that must be supported by the IT function.
Information technologists tend to be office based, for the most part working alongside other IT staff in the retailer's IT department. Business analysts spend more time out of the office, travelling to meetings to find out what IT systems the business needs. They will also discuss and implement development strategies with technologists.
The work/life balance is good: a 9.00 am to 5.00 pm working day is common, although as you progress through the ranks you would probably stay later on occasion to meet business needs. Depending upon your job, you might need to provide out-of-hours IT support on a rota basis.
Starting out as a graduate IT trainee in the retail sector
The majority of graduates working in IT in the retail industry come from IT or science degree backgrounds. New graduates often start out as junior programmers. You might start off making small changes to a system (for example fixing bugs) and would gradually progress to larger pieces of work.
'IT professionals are responsible for providing, operating and supporting the systems that enable retail businesses to trade.'
Within six to 12 months you could be taking on your own projects, including designing systems from scratch. As you move up the scale you could also take on responsibility for mentoring recent starters.
Skills for graduate IT jobs in retail
You need to be an analytical and logical thinker, but working in the retail sector isn’t only about logical and mathematical ability. It’s also vital to be a good communicator, as you will need to approach people throughout the business, listen to their requirements and be able to explain technological issues to people who may not be from computing backgrounds.
If you want to take on managerial responsibility you’ll need to develop your leadership skills. Finally, no matter where you are in the business, good organisational and time planning skills are essential.
Ben Coleman is a systems manager for House of Fraser. He has a degree in business information technology from Staffordshire University.
