Further training as a retail specialist: Field report by participant Joel Sommerer - advancing professionally, developing personally and building leadership skills

Please tell us about your professional career.

My name is Joel Sommerer. I completed an apprenticeship as an EFZ retail specialist at Interio. After gaining some experience, I moved to the office. However, I was soon drawn back to the sales front as deputy sales manager. Today I've been working as a home consultant at Möbel Pfister for a few years. I have completed further training as a retail specialist and vocational trainer.

What retail courses did you attend at SIU?

At SIU, I completed my further training as a vocational trainer, store manager and retail specialist.

Why did you decide to take the retail specialist course?

I chose the retail specialist course because I wanted to develop my skills in sales after my basic training as a retail specialist.

Why did you choose SIU as your educational institute?

SIU was recommended to me as a place for further education, as this school is known for good further education in the retail sector.

How does this further training support you in your day-to-day work?

Further training as a retail specialist supports me in my work with apprentices. I can manage them better. I also have a better understanding of the big picture in the sales area and the entire management.

Did you gain anything else for life from the course?

Yes, my further training as a retail specialist has certainly helped me personally. Today, I come out of my shell more, have a more self-confident demeanor and what I've learned in the personnel area can certainly also be applied in my private life.

What did you like best about the retail specialist course?

My favorite thing about the retail specialist course was how the class almost developed into a small family over time. We really enjoyed attending the course. The lecturers were very practice-oriented and this inspired us a lot.

What were the challenges for you during this retail training course?

For me, the biggest challenge during my training as a retail specialist was the double burden of everyday work and training. This was very tough, especially at the beginning, but you learn to deal with it over time. Good planning is certainly necessary to manage this better and not neglect your private life completely.

Have you been able to increase your market value with the retail specialist training?

My market value in sales/retail has certainly increased thanks to the retail specialist training. This will certainly give me a better chance of progressing and advancing in the future.

What learning content helped you in particular?

Human resources was my favorite part of the retail specialist course, as it was where I was able to apply the most practical knowledge.

When did you particularly enjoy the lessons?

I particularly enjoyed the group work we were able to do during the retail specialist training course. We had a good exchange between the students.

Who would you recommend the retail specialist course to?

I would recommend the retail specialist course to anyone who has completed an apprenticeship as a retail specialist and would like to progress in the future. You can also develop personally through the course.

What was the atmosphere like during the training?

The atmosphere was very good and we were very friendly with each other. The lecturers were also very open-minded towards us.

Did you have an "aha" moment during your retail specialist training?

Yes, I had an "aha" experience when all the modules came together through the St. Gallen management model. You can see how personnel management, marketing and management belong together and are interlinked. When I saw that, I had my aha moment.

What did you like best about SIU as a school?

What I like best about the SIU school is the good organization. The courses are well planned, which I really appreciated as a student. They are also represented throughout Switzerland.

What was your main motivation for attending this training course?

The decisive factors for me in opting for this further training as a retail specialist were

• Advance professionally in the retail trade
• bear more responsibility
• Taking on management responsibility
• to be able to prove myself in business

I think further training as a retail specialist is certainly a good way to get ahead in the retail sector. After all, retail specialists are always in demand.

Overview of schools for retail trade specialists