RCS Alumni Careers
"Having a career in retail buying is a job for the individual seeking a fast paced and ever-changing working environment. As an assistant buyer, I have never seen two days that are alike, which is what gets me up every morning for work. Checking daily sales, figuring out best sellers, entering price changes, advertising, entering and maintaining orders, tracking selling, and communicating with vendors and stores are just a few of the many opportunities that I am given while at work. I really feel that my education at the University of Tennessee and my experience in retail during my college years have both contributed to the position I am in today."
Sarah Fillingim - Assistant Buyer, Proffitt's
"Having an internship with Walgreen's during my senior year at the University of Tennessee is what led me to my present career. I am currently the assistant manager for a Walgreen's store in Knoxville, Tennessee. I strongly believe that I owe part of my success to the close relationship between UT's Retail and Consumer Sciences department and Walgreen's. This relationship is what led me to the Walgreen's internship, thus being hired when I graduated. Currently, I oversee twenty-five people in the pharmacy and front of the store. Ordering and managing the inventory and planning the activities for the next day and week are just a couple of the major tasks that I am responsible for. While both of these tasks are vital to the everyday operations of my store, I find that being a motivator to my employees is the utmost task that I must fulfill everyday on the job."
Heath Lowe- Manager, Walgreens
"After my internship with Levi's, I really felt that I had been prepared to manage and own my own retail store. Upon graduating from the University of Tennessee, I opened my own store called Ironic in Knoxville, Tennessee. Although many informed me of the failure that so many new businesses encounter, I was hopeful that my passion and lifelong dream of owning my own store would surpass any obstacles I may encounter. A normal day as owner of Ironic consists of helping customers with their shopping needs, pricing inventory, keeping the book in order, and working on the displays throughout the store."
Ashley Lampkins - Owner of Ironic
"As a fashion assistant, this job consists of working under three fashion stylists. It is their job to dress all of the MTV talent, hosts, actors/actresses for pilot shows, and steam/prep clothes for celebrity talent. The daily activities include invoicing incoming clothes and accessories, returning used merchandise back to vendors, taking photos of all talent, ordering all supplies for the wardrobe room and special productions, and maintain all dressing rooms for VJ's and celebrities."
Lauren Gillespie - MTV, Fashion Assistant
Contact the Department of Retail, Hospitality,
and Tourism Management
1215 W. Cumberland Ave.
110 Jessie Harris Building
Knoxville, TN 37996-1911
Email: rhtm@utk.edu
Fax: 865-974-5236
Hotel, Restaurant, & Tourism
Phone: 865-974-2141
Retail & Consumer Sciences
Phone: 865-974-2141