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Associate Merchant

Location: United States
Experience Type: Forage: Employer Projects & Challenges
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Step into the fast-paced world of retail merchandising and help shape what millions of customers see and buy every day.

In this short program, you’ll step into the role of a Walmart merchant and experience what it’s like to make real-time decisions that shape the customer experience. You’ll practice key tasks, like analyzing product performance, identifying sales opportunities, and preparing a supplier strategy recommendation.

You’ll complete two tasks at your own pace, gaining insight into the daily responsibilities, fast decision-making, and cross-functional thinking involved in merchandising. Along the way, you’ll build skills in data analysis, business communication, and customer-focused strategy—skills that are essential in retail and transferable across industries.

Whether you’re exploring retail careers or are already interested in merchandising, this simulation will help you understand what it’s like to help drive growth in one of the world’s largest businesses.

This program is self-paced. It takes approximately 30-60 mins to complete.

Skills Learned:

  • Intro & Scenario
    Background context and your project team
  • Identifying and scaling a strong performer
    Spot the win. Scale the opportunity.

    • Data Interpretation
    • Strategic Thinking
    • Business Communication
    • Customer Analytics
  • Preparing for a supplier conversation
    Spot the issue. Make the call.

    • Analytical Thinking
    • Problem Solving
    • Business Judgment
    • Decision Making
  • Finish Line

Experience Information

Sponsor
Walmart USA
Learn More
Ashlee ChicoineForage logo
Forage Showcase your skills. Find your career fit.
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Contact & Location

Phone
301-405-2301
Email
smithocsquestions@umd.edu
Address

Robert H. Smith School of Business
2570 Van Munching Hall
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742-1815

Career Service Hours

M Monday 8:30am - 5:00pm
T Tuesday 8:30am - 5:00pm
W Wednesday 8:30am - 5:00pm
TH Thursday 8:30am - 5:00pm
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