Insights for Students: Spring 2026 Recruiting for Retail

Retail recruiting has become more focused this year, with smaller recruiting classes focused on specific functional areas of need. Leveraging your network can be an incredibly impactful way to succeed in this industry this recruiting cycle.

What is a recruiting trend that I should keep in mind as I conduct my internship/job search?

Retail employers love to hear from students who showcase their enthusiasm for merchandising, customer engagement, and brand building. Retail recruiters continue to hire MBA/Master’s students for internship roles, with functional areas like Human Resources and Finance being particularly popular. Just-in-time experienced hire roles can be a crucial opportunity for those seeking full-time employment.

What is the recruiting approach that I should keep in mind as I conduct my internship/job search?

Many employers in this industry, regardless of size, implement a regional recruiting strategy where they focus on institutions within geographic proximity to their corporate headquarters. This is typically for convenience and by preference of upper management. Recruiters will absolutely consider all applications, but it is strategic to develop a strong and robust network prior to applying and to be sure that your application materials allow you to stand out.

How important is networking in this industry?

Networking in this industry is strongly recommended. Networking is warmly received across alumni, hiring managers, and recruiters. SOM alumni in Retail note that outreach to alumni is immensely impactful, as they can make recommendations on behalf of applicants where they have ties to that team. Recruiters, while willing to network, may be less likely to respond to outreach, due to small recruiting teams managing large swaths of the employer’s recruiting processes.

What should international students keep in mind going into their job/internship search?

As of Spring 2026, U.S. retail companies who have historically offered sponsorship continue to do so, while those employers who have limited applicants to those with permanent U.S. work authorization continue to do so as well. International students looking to stand out should make sure their skillset and relevant experiences stand out, while their enthusiasm for the industry shows through their cover letters and interviews. International students set on retail as an industry should also consider either retail employers based outside of the U.S. or U.S. retail employers with opportunities abroad.

Is there anything unique about the interviewing process?

Interviews typically offer behavioral questions throughout. Most interviews will involve an initial phone/virtual screening interview with a recruiter, followed by one or more virtual rounds. In some cases, an assessment may be required, although this is typically function-dependent.

What does full-time recruiting look like? Are internships the best path to a full-time role?

Full-time recruiting primarily exists as ‘just-in-time’ recruiting, which are those available due to the departure of a team member. Employers are typically interested in filling these roles right away, so graduating students may want to consider applying to these roles starting in March, so that the timing of the application/interviewing process aligns with your having graduated from SOM. Negotiation on start date is typically not an option for just-in-time hiring. In both instances, roles are likely to be filled on a rolling basis.

What does internship recruiting look like?

While most employers that host Leadership Development internship programs will have already completed their recruiting, retail employers (particularly those employers with less structured recruiting models) are likely to still be seeking internship applicants for various roles. These internship roles will be fulfilled on a rolling basis, meaning that leveraging your network to learn of potential opportunities and applying to open roles promptly is essential. This recruiting process is best characterized as being on a rolling basis.

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