Further training as a retail trade specialist: experience report from participant Remo Aragão - gaining the necessary retail trade specialist knowledge to take over and successfully run my parents' wine shop

Please introduce yourself briefly and tell us about your career and your current job.

My name is Remo Aragão, I am 32 years old and live in Bern. At the bsd. Bern, where I completed my apprenticeship as a retail trade specialist and then as a retail trade specialist. I have been the manager of the Casa Lusitania wine shop for seven years. This wine shop is a family business and specializes in Portuguese wines. I currently manage 10 employees and am responsible for payroll accounting, recruitment, purchasing in Portugal and its processing. But often I am also the "girl for everything" - because in a family business it is important to help and support each other.

Which courses were completed at the bsd. Bern completed?

At bsd. Bern, I first completed a three-year apprenticeship as a retail specialist. I then continued my training to become a retail specialist.

Why take the retail specialist course?

It was important for me to complete the retail specialist apprenticeship because it gives you an in-depth insight into the whole business - whether it's marketing, accounting or human resources. Thanks to my in-depth business knowledge and good retail skills, I was able to take over my parents' business.

Why did you choose bsd. Bern?

It was logical for me to complete my further training as a retail specialist at the same school where I had completed my basic training. Because bsd. Bern is centrally located, a great school and has good teachers. So it was an easy decision for me.

How does the Retail Trade Specialist course support your professional activity or life?

During the retail specialist course, I often thought about how I would later use the knowledge I had learned as a manager in our family business. On the very first day I started working in my parents' business, I took out my school folder and consulted it for advice. It's amazing how many little things you look up, think back to the lessons and relive key events you experienced at school. The training and retail specialist folder is always at hand later on for tips and tricks. I use this folder and the knowledge I have learned every day.

Can the theoretical knowledge be put into practice?

For the most part, you can put the theory of the retail specialist course into practice, even if theory and practice are sometimes far apart. Nevertheless, I think it's important to learn the theory first and then see what else practice can contribute to the basic knowledge you've learned. Ultimately, however, I think it's quite clear that I was able to put the theory of the retail specialist training course into practice. For example, when recruiting new employees, I can easily apply the various points from the theory in the recruitment process and job interviews.

If your own market value has been increased by the course

Retail specialist increased?

Unfortunately, I can't say for sure whether my market value has increased as a result of the retail specialist course, as I've stayed in our family business. But I am convinced that the course will certainly be very important for me in the future. Who knows how long our wine shop will be able to survive on the market. Or perhaps I would like to change direction one day. But I'm sure I'll find a good job in another company with the federal certificate as a retail specialist.

What learning content was particularly helpful?

Procurement and logistics was the best and most interesting topic for me in the retail specialist training course. We had a direct insight into Migros' logistics center and saw how things work at a large retailer. We were also able to discuss marketing on a one-to-one basis with a marketing manager from Coop and exchange ideas.

Is there a specific project, a success that was achieved thanks to what you learned?

My final project for the retail specialist training course was market and sales growth in November and December. Since then, we have been holding a stock sale in our wine shop at weekends, generating an additional month's turnover. For me, the retail trade specialist thesis was one of my greatest successes and my personal goal for the future at Casa Lusitania. This was later followed by a self-created wine series "Das isch Läbe" - consisting of a fruity light white wine, rosé and red wine as well as a corresponding PR project with unique shoes.

How much time did you spend on preparation and follow-up work in addition to lessons?

The effort required during the retail specialist course is individual and different for everyone. But it's about adult education and your personal future. So everyone should take themselves by the nose. The most important thing is to develop professionally.

How have you organized yourself in terms of work/personal life/further education?

I think it's easy to juggle everything during the retail specialist course - even if you work full-time. I had enough time for my surroundings, my hobbies and my leisure activities. You simply need to be aware of what is important to you.

What was your favorite part of the retail specialist course?

The most exciting moments for me during the retail specialist course were the discussions with lecturers who deal with this subject matter in practice on a daily basis.

When did you like it the least in class?

What I personally liked least about the retail specialist course was the accounting. I'm not a numbers person. I'm the one who wants to get to the front and make a difference.

Who would you recommend the retail specialist course to?

I would recommend the retail trade specialist course to people who see their future in the retail trade. People who are convinced that online retailing cannot replace the retail trade. But rather people who want to move the retail trade forward with good examples and fresh ideas.

Who would you not recommend the course to?

The retail trade specialist course is certainly not suitable for people who go to work in the morning, make little effort there and go home again in the evening to enjoy their private life. The retail trade specialist course is for committed people who want to move the world and get ahead.

Was there a special "aha" moment during the course?

Many different sectors come together in the retail trade specialist course and you gain an insight into each of them. All participants have the same goal - to develop themselves further. That was my aha moment.

What was the atmosphere like during the training?

The atmosphere in our retail specialist course was very good. Groups naturally formed, which is probably what we need. It's important to get together with people you enjoy working with on joint projects. That makes for an exciting time.

How did you experience the lessons and the collaboration with the lecturers and fellow students?

Working with lecturers or fellow students was very interesting during the retail specialist course. After a certain amount of time, it became clear with whom you worked better or less well.

What did you like best about the school?

At the bsd. Bern, I really appreciate the very central location and the brilliant premises. A must for me as a Bernese. I also appreciate the lasting contact after graduating as a retail specialist and the further joint project realizations.

Overview of retail trade specialist providers