Got an itch for lending a helping hand to customers when they're in peril? Do you believe you can sell ice to an eskimo? Consider yourself a team player? Boy oh boy, sounds like a job advertisement. Well, here's the kicker- working in the retail and customer service industry just may be your calling! Hear us out.

Retail and customer service is all about making things easy and convenient for customers. And whether you're selling shoes face-to-face in a retail store, running your own clothing label or taking orders for wine over the phone, your ability to socialise and connect with customers will be what makes ya a gun at being helpful.

WILL IT SUIT ME?

The retail and customer service industry offers a wide variety of careers and your working life will be very different depending on which job role you choose.

Generally, retail works best when you know a lot about the product you're selling and using it regularly. So if you fancy clothes, make-up or even appreciate the finest crockery sets, you're already more than qualified to sell them.

The industry also offers a whole range of different working schedules. So if you're looking for a side hustle while you're studying, your employers often work around your study commitments. But expect to either be on your feet for a long time or plonked down behind a desk for an extended period of time.

HOW CAN I GET THERE?

Retail and customer service roles don't require any formal education training, but a degree or diploma in business, sales or marketing won't hurt you. Really, all you need is a banging resume and good attitude.

But for progressing your career, it's common to start with a casual job in a retail store, then move up to a more experienced role. As you climb the ranks, you may need to complete some courses to gain qualifications, but it really depends on the job you're going into.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I LEARN?

You can learn a whole bunch from working in the retail and customer service industry. Some key skills include:

• Attention to detail
• Interpersonal skills
• Selling skills
• Ability to prioritise effectively and efficiently
• Working under pressure
• Working in a team environment and maintaining responsibility
• Time management

Retail can be a casual job to make some moolah while you're studying or it may be your it job- the type of job you love because you value the connection to customers and being that helping hand. And while you'll come across some (I really mean a handful) of shocking customers that have the 'can I speak to the manager?' haircut, at the end of the day you'll have a decent income, a social working environment and a good network of contacts.