5 Liberating Benefits of a Career in Retail & eCommerce

Digital technology continues to transform the business landscape, shaping revolutionary trends in consumers' decision-making and purchase behaviours. From the introduction of eCommerce technology to the increasing pervasiveness of mobile shopping, from social media marketing to Amazon Go — the latest retail breakthrough allowing customers to "grab and go" without any checkout lines — there's never been a more exciting time to pursue a career in retail.

This is particularly relevant in Southeast Asia, where the region's online shopping market currently accounts for only 1% of retail transactions. Described as "being on the cusp of an eCommerce golden age", TechCrunch reports that "Southeast Asia is poised to become the third largest eCommerce market in the world". This prediction falls in line with eMarketer's forecast that "each of the six SEA markets will tout double-digit annual growth rates in retail eCommerce sales through at least 2019".

eMarketer further forecasts that "Asia Pacific will remain the world's largest retail eCommerce market through 2020, with sales expected to top US$1 trillion in 2016 and more than double to US$2.725 trillion by 2020."

The retail industry has always offered more flexibility than the typical corporate career, but in our current digital climate, that flexibility has been forcibly amplified in more ways than one. Here are 5 liberating benefits of a career in retail, particularly eCommerce:

1. You Get to Flex those Creative Muscles

If you thrive in environments that welcome and promote creative thinking and problem-solving, the retail industry needs you. Retail businesses are under tremendous pressure to keep up with unconventional advertising formats facilitated by YouTube and social media platforms. Where advertisers once had to fork out exorbitant fees for prime time TV spots, now all they have to do is upload a video on YouTube at no cost and share it on social media.

Granted, it's not easy to produce a viral video ad, but that's where creativity and a different perspective plays an instrumental role. Case in point being Squatty Potty's quirky yet highly entertaining video ad, which amassed 30 million views in a week and generated a 600% increase in online sales and a 400% surge in retail sales. They took a topic/product that most people tend to shy away from, and turned it into the talk of the web by making it colourful, kooky and hilarious.

2. Wow Employers with those Social Media Skills

Are you a "social media butterfly"? If you are, it's high time to utilise your social media savviness for more productive causes, such as working in eCommerce businesses that rely on high consumer engagement via mobile and social marketing campaigns. Your insights would be valuable for the company, as a baseline for typical social media users.

Another example of a viral video ad that eliminates the need for traditional advertising, Dollar Shave Club promoted its inexpensive high-quality razors and blades in a fun, engaging and playful video featuring its CEO, a grizzly bear and other wacky elements. The unconventional ad instantly went viral, securing 12,000 orders within the first two days of the video's release, thanks to widespread social media sharing (perhaps you were one of them?!). The company's roaring success culminated in its sale to Unilever for US$1 billion in July 2016, making it one of the priciest sales to-date of an eCommerce company.

3. Unlimited Opportunities for Career Progression

Not only are retail businesses everywhere, catering for all kinds of products and services, they are now operating in both physical and digital spheres. The opportunities are virtually unlimited where career progression is concerned. The skills and experience you acquire on the job will be highly transferable. Additionally, cross-cultural awareness and communication skills will prove valuable to international brands, which will allow you to work in different countries and continents.

4. Great Stepping Stone to Other Industries & Professions

Once you have mastered the skills in soothing irate customers, meeting sales targets, managing budgets and implementing effective marketing campaigns, you will find doors in almost every industry opening for you. You will also find it easier to transition to other professions such as marketing (digital or conventional), business management, account management and even creative fields.

5. Grow Your Network of Professional and Social Contacts

If there is one inherent perk of working in retail, it is the abundant opportunities to grow your professional and social network. You will be meeting and working with all kinds of people on a daily basis: customers, retail partners, suppliers, creative professionals, event management companies, the list goes on and on. Building an influential network of contacts will undoubtedly pave the way for future career transitions and growth opportunities.

Are you currently considering a career in retail or eCommerce? Get a headstart on your job search by subscribing for job alerts on JobStreet.com today. Your retail/eCommerce career awaits!