As a college student, balancing school, work, and a personal life can be overwhelming.

Working in retail can offer a solution. 

Owner of Scent Workshop, Brianne Van Hemert, hires students and has seen firsthand how retail work allows them to have a successful work-life balance while learning professional skills along the way.

Here are 7 reasons why you should consider retail as a college student. 

1. You’ll Have a Flexible Work Schedule

Part-time employees make up most of Brianne’s team, with college students being a large part of it. You may have sports, clubs, or other commitments that sometimes take time away from work. Brianne understands this and remains flexible because, as she puts it, “When they’re committed, they’re committed. And if you show them that flexibility, they’re going to always show up.” Her approach supports a busy schedule and creates a loyal and hardworking team. Many other retailer owners do the same. 

One of the biggest reasons why you should be considering retail as a college student is the flexibility it offers. Unlike traditional office jobs requiring a strict 9-to-5 commitment, retail provides shift options that fit your lifestyle, including evenings, weekends, holidays, or seasonal roles. This makes balancing work with school, extracurriculars, and personal time much easier without feeling overwhelmed. Not to mention, you will learn valuable skills while you work.

2. You’ll Gain Valuable Work Experience

At Scent Workshop, employees teach customers about the art of French perfuming, helping them craft their own unique scent. This requires a high level of creativity and communication, qualities that employers across all industries value. Retail is also a great starting point if you’re unsure what your future looks like. It can equip you with the skills necessary to make you a strong candidate in the job market, or you can grow to love it, working your way up through the ranks to have a satisfying and reliable career – especially in Illinois!

Everyday retail tasks such as stocking inventory, hosting large parties, and handling customer requests can help you hone your skills in organization, time management, and multitasking, all within a professional setting. Additionally, you’ll build your communication skills as you interact with people daily and work closely with coworkers. The added plus – everything you learn can be easily transferred to other part-time jobs or your future career, making retail a great stepping stone for anything you choose to pursue. 

3. You’ll Be An Expert in People Skills  

Retail is all about people. No matter who comes through the door, as a student-employee, it’s your job to communicate with them effectively, address their concerns, and help them navigate the retail space. This means being adept in active listening, conflict resolution, patience, and empathy. 

Working with a diverse customer base and experiencing ever-changing customer concerns can help you develop some of these skills. Scent Workshop has seen everyone, from 4-year-olds to 100-year-olds. Men and women alike have participated in the Scent Workshop experience, highlighting why this expertise is so important. You’ll quickly learn and see that interacting with people with different backgrounds and perspectives can benefit you both in and out of the classroom. 

4. You’ll Earn While You Learn 

College is the perfect time to start building your resume. You might be looking for internships at large companies, overlooking nearby small businesses, like Scent Workshop. Unlike unpaid internships, retail positions can give you immediate financial support and necessary work experience. The ability to earn income and complete school simultaneously will give you ease if you’re struggling financially, need to supplement financial aid, or are just looking for extra money. 

Some retail jobs even offer extra monetary perks for their employees. For example, many retailers offer employee discounts, which can be a bonus if you’re looking to save on gifts or personal items. With a little research, you can also find stores that may provide tuition assistance or scholarship opportunities, making retail a smart choice that can aid in funding your education.  

5. You’ll Learn Financial Responsibility 

As a college student, you know how hard it is to manage tuition, rent, and daily expenses. A good retail job can provide you with financial independence. Earning a steady income can push you to develop money management skills and learn how to save, budget, and manage your spending.  

At retail spaces like Scent Workshop, you can learn about pricing, sales strategies, and financial transactions, all while working behind the counter. These hands-on experiences will help you understand the value of money and how small financial decisions can add up over time. By working in retail, you’ll gain real-world financial literacy that will benefit you long after graduation.

6. You’ll Have Fun! 

Retail jobs are fun, fast-paced, and interactive, making them far more enjoyable than traditional desk jobs. Instead of sitting at a computer all day, you’ll be able to talk with customers and actively contribute to the team. This dynamic work environment keeps things interesting and allows you to develop multitasking skills while staying active. 

Scent Workshop is a perfect example of this. It focuses on creating an immersive experience where customers participate in fragrance-making workshops for candles, colognes, and perfumes. Parties and special events happen often, creating an energetic and lively space. If you’re considering working retail as a college student, choosing a place that encourages creativity and customer engagement is key to making your job feel less like work and more rewarding.

7. You Don’t Need Prior Work Experience

One of the biggest advantages of working in retail as a college student is that you don’t need any prior job experience to get started. Many retail employers welcome students eager to learn and provide on-the-job training to help them develop essential skills. At Scent Workshop, employees are hired based on their passion for the business and expressed interest, proving that you don’t have to have a work background or a resume to go far in the hiring process.  

After you are  hired, most employers will immerse you gradually into the world of retail. You’ll start slow, eventually taking on more and more responsibilities, such as managing employees and helping with workshops. This supportive environment allows you to grow at your own pace and gain confidence in a professional setting. Whether you plan to stay in retail or move on, learning on the job provides a valuable opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Conclusion

Retail jobs have so much to offer. If you’re still considering retail as a college student, consider how the right retail position can provide financial support, real-world experience, career growth, and life skills. 

Beyond earning a paycheck, retail gives you valuable experience that will benefit you in any future career. Plus, the connections you make with customers, coworkers, and business owners can open unexpected doors down the line. If you’re in school and considering your next job, the answer is simple: choose retail. 

If you loved learning about Scent Workshop’s story and know a retailer who deserves recognition, Nominate A Retailer to submit your nomination!