On 23rd August 2025, Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS), Rohini organized an engaging guest session on “Retail Roles That Are Shaping the Future: Where Should You Focus?” for the PGDM–Retail Management (2025–27) batch. The session aimed to provide students with practical exposure to retail operations and career opportunities within the fast-paced retail sector.
The session was led by Mr. Shreyash Srivastava, Senior Manager – Retail Operations at Cashify, who has also worked previously with Oppo. Drawing from his professional journey, Mr. Srivastava shared practical insights into the functioning of the retail industry and highlighted how young professionals can shape their careers in this evolving domain.
Mr. Srivastava began by redefining the essence of retail, explaining that it is not merely about selling but about understanding customer needs, solving problems, and ensuring seamless experiences. He emphasized that retail is a dynamic field where rapid change is the norm—performance and consistency can accelerate career growth, while complacency can be equally detrimental.
Highlighting the diverse career avenues in retail, he spoke about opportunities in sales, backend operations, supply chain, and customer service. He encouraged students to remain observant, continuously upskill, and seize opportunities as they arise. Confidence and consistency, he noted, are the twin drivers of success in retail.
Offering career guidance, Mr. Srivastava advised students to focus on building a strong foundation during the early years of their career. While the effort may seem demanding at first, the long-term rewards are significant, as every learning experience contributes to future growth.
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A round, where students raised queries on career advancement, challenges in retail operations, and strategies to thrive in the sector.
Overall, the session was highly motivating and equipped students with real-world perspectives on retail careers, inspiring them to embrace opportunities and prepare themselves for leadership in this fast-evolving industry.
Key Takeaways from the Session:
- Retail is about solving customer problems and delivering smooth experiences
- The industry is dynamic—growth depends on performance and consistency
- Opportunities exist across sales, operations, supply chain, and customer service
- Confidence and continuous learning are critical for career growth
- Early career effort lays the foundation for long-term success