Retail is one profession that still offers graduates the chance to live out the American Dream by working their way up to the upper echelons of management. Gregg Steinhafel, the new chief executive officer of retailer Target, is an example of the phenomenon, About.com stated. After graduating from college, he started off in the industry in a merchandising post before moving up to be named president and eventually taking on the company's top job. During this rise, he developed the values needed for leadership roles such as "stability, loyalty and a depth of understanding" gained through practical experience, the site said. According to the Department of Labor, a career in retail management can include responsibilities such as interviewing, hiring and training employees; dealing with customer enquiries and complaints; and ensuring a high quality of goods and service. Managerial roles in the sector can also cover purchasing, budgeting and accounting duties, it said. Around 2.2 million retail and sales managers were working in the US in 2006, earning an average wage of $33,960, with variations for commission payments, location and job type.  |