An Industry View of Competencies for Entry-Level Merchandising Jobs

Abstract

University clothing and textile programs must respond to increasing pressure from stakeholders to prepare graduates for successful employment. This challenge calls for educators to connect with employers to identify competencies needed for entry level merchandising positions in order to develop strong curricula to meet industry needs. In this study, the authors explored the merchandising component through a survey of mid-level retail managers’ (n = 109) perceptions of the competencies needed by new graduates to succeed in early career positions. The International Textile and Apparel Association meta-goals served as a framework for assessing retailers’ views on the importance of knowledge, skills, and abilities for new graduates. Retail managers favored soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication, over traditional clothing and textile content knowledge. The authors found support for curricular emphasis on experiential and collaborative learning, and continuing efforts to invigorate core clothing and textiles content knowledge.