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Smiling man wearing glasses and working on IT training on his laptop so he can escape cranky customers in retail and enjoy an IT career

How to Get Out of Retail

Alternatives to Retail Jobs

There are a variety of options of jobs to get out of retail. While you may wonder if tech is a possible alternative, we’re here to reassure you that there are good job opportunities out there to transition into.

Retail managers dip their toes in a little bit of everything which is why they have plenty of potential in the IT industry. Leaving retail management won’t require you to leave behind your skills. In fact, we encourage you to bring them with you to our IT training program and into your future role.

A career in information technology can be in your future. Here are a few entry level roles we recommend looking into:

  • Cybersecurity Specialist
  • IT Support Specialist
  • Computer Technician
  • Technical Support Technician
  • Help Desk Technician
  • Desktop Support Technician
  • Service Desk Analyst
  • NOC Technician

Cybersecurity Specialist

Security support specialists are essential to any organization, as they are responsible for overseeing and managing the company’s security. They must be highly skilled in safeguarding information from cyber threats and in monitoring for any suspicious activity. Learn more about Cybersecurity Specialists.

IT Support Specialist 

IT Support Specialists play a core role in organizations by providing information technology support. This can look like answering questions and resolving technical issues, troubleshooting problems and maintaining software, and improving IT systems. Learn more about IT Support Specialists. 

Computer Technician 

Computer Technicians help set companies up for success. A regular day may look like installing computers, printers, or software and working on managing the organization’s network and equipment. Learn more about Computer Technicians. 

Technical Support Technician 

Technical Support Specialists get their hands metaphorically dirty by getting down to the nitty-gritty of computer support and troubleshooting. They provide end-users with assistance in technical, software, and hardware problems. Learn more about Technical Support Specialist. 

Help Desk Technician 

Help Desk Technicians help keep the system running smoothly by managing communications between the end user and the rest of the IT team. Sorting support tickets, diagnosing problems, and guiding customers to where they need to go is a glimpse into their day-to-day. Learn more about Help Desk Technicians.

Desktop Support Technician 

Desktop Support Technicians develop strong understandings of the system and its hardware and software. They are all about supporting and maintaining the organization’s technology to ensure optimal workspace performance. Learn more about Desktop Support Technicians 

Service Desk Analyst 

Service Desk Analysts are IT professionals who help monitor inquiries, problems, and IT issues as well as responding to and supporting end users who request help. Learn more about Service Desk Analysts. 

NOC Technician 

NOC Technicians also known as Network Operations Center Technicians keep operations up and going by keeping an eye on user incident and outage reporting and then providing resolutions as needed. This could look like direct support to the customer or implementing or repairing firewalls, routing, or remote access protocols. Learn more about NOC Technicians. 

Transitioning From Retail to Office

Training is critical for any professional job. Just imagine a day managing a retail business without any of it. That sounds overwhelming. Training helps you build the skills needed to become efficient in your new role and gives you hands-on opportunities to learn about the field before starting. We know that your skills in management, communication, and customer service will be a great match with our personalized training, hands-on activities, and expert teachers. Our program prepares every Centriq student for a lifelong IT career.

Retail Transferable Skills That Will Help You in Your IT Career Shift

Retail managers develop a variety of skills in their line of work. From being leaders and problem solvers to having great attention to detail and communication abilities, they are equipped with a set of traits needed to transition from retail to office. A career change into information technology is just the alternative for those who don’t want to work in retail anymore.

There are several transferable skills you’ll find fit well within the IT world. For example, your customer-facing experiences would make you excellent at solving issues and handling queries as a help desk technician. Being detailed-oriented on the sales floor will be helpful when you’re setting up protocols as a NOC technician. And, being able to work well under pressure and manage stress levels is just what an IT support specialist needs when troubleshooting the system.  

Below are just a few of those transferable skills: 

  • Communication: Clearly conveying information and troubleshooting issues.
  • Customer Service: Helping users with their technical problems professionally and patiently.
  • Problem Solving: Efficiently identifying and resolving technical issues.
  • Multitasking: Juggling multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
  • Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in diagnosing and configuring systems.
  • Team Collaboration: Working well with colleagues to achieve shared goals.

Online IT Training Program

A few months is all it takes to step into a new industry. Our curriculum is focused on networking, systems, and security to provide optimal IT network support. This is a strategic path towards your first day at your dream job.

Cybersecurity Specialist Program (CSSP)

Learn more about our Cybersecurity Training Program.

Full Stack Coding Program

Learn more about our Full Stack Developer Training Program.

Conclusion

Making the shift from retail to IT is not only possible but can also be incredibly rewarding. With the right training and a clear understanding of how your existing skills transfer, you can embark on a successful career in information technology. At Centriq, we’re here to support you every step of the way as you transition into this exciting new field.

Thinking About Changing Careers?

Take this short quiz to discover if a career in IT is the right move for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! Many tech jobs value hands-on experience and relevant skills over formal degrees. IT training programs such as Centriq give you the training you would need to get your first IT role, plus you'll get practical experience and the opportunity to take relevant certifications to boost your resume.
Centriq specializes in cybersecurity training that gets people like you ready for a career in IT in 4 to 6 months. There are in-person course options as well as virtual and Flex.
You can get out of your industry and into an IT career in as little as 4 months through Centriq's IT Career Program. It's amazing, honestly.

For additional questions visit our FAQ page or give us a call!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Start Date
End Date
Day/Eve
Break Weeks
Track
Jan 23, 2023
Jul 27, 2023
Eve
4/3/23-4/7/23
5/22/23-5/26/23
7/3/23-7/7/23
CSSP-V
Jan 30, 2023
May 5, 2023
Day
3/6/23-3/10/23
4/10/23-4/14/23
CSSP-V
Feb 6, 2023
May 19, 2023
Day
3/27/23-3/31/23
FSCP-V
Mar 20, 2023
Jun 23, 2023
Day
4/24/23-4/28/23
5/22/23-5/26/23
CSSP-V
Apr 10, 2023
Jul 28, 2023
Day
5/29/23-6/2/23
7/3/23-7/7/23
FSCP-V
Apr 24, 2023
Oct 19, 2023
Eve
7/3/23-7/7/23
8/21/23-8/25/23
CSSP-V
May 15, 2023
Dec 14, 2023
Eve
7/3/23-7/7/23
9/4/23-9/8/23
11/20/23-11/24/23
FSCP-V
Jun 5, 2023
Sep 8, 2023
Day
7/3/23-7/7/23
8/7/23-8/11/23
CSSP-V
Jun 19, 2023
Oct 6, 2023
Day
7/3/23-7/7/23
9/4/23-9/8/23
FSCP-V
Jul 24, 2023
Jan 25, 2024
Eve
10/2/23-10/6/23
11/20/23-11/24/23
12/25/23-12/29/23
CSSP-V
Aug 14, 2023
Nov 17, 2023
Day
9/5/23-9/8/23
10/16/23-10/2/23
CSSP-V
Aug 28, 2023
Dec 15, 2023
Day
9/4/23-9/8/23
11/20/23-11/24/23
FSCP-V
Oct 30, 2023
Feb 2, 2024
Day
11/20/23-11/24/23
12/25/23-12/29/23
CSSP-V
Oct 30, 2023
May 2, 2024
Eve
11/20/23-11/23/23
3/4/23-3/7/23
CSSP-V
Nov 6, 2023
Mar 1, 2024
Day
11/20/23-11/24/23
12/25/23-12/29/23
1/29/24-2/2/24
FSCP-V
If you don't see the Cohort Start date you are looking for don't forget to check out our campus calendars.
CSSP-I: Cybersecurity Specialist Program (In-Person Modality)
CSSP-V: Cybersecurity Specialist Program (Live Virtual Modality)
FSCP-I: Full Stack Coding Program (In-Person Modality)
FSCP-V: Full Stack Coding Program (Live Virtual Modality)
Please note that Centriq will be closed on the following observed holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day following Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Start Date
End Date
Day/Eve
Break Weeks
Track
Feb 29, 2024
Mar 24, 2024
Day
3/25/24-3/29/24
4/22/24-4/26/24
CSSP-I
May 13, 2024
Aug 16, 2024
Day
5/27/24-5/31/24
7/1/24-7/5/24
CSSP-I
Aug 19, 2024
Nov 22, 2024
Day
9/2/24-9/6/24
10/21/24-10/25/24
CSSP-I
Dec 2, 2024
Mar 14, 2025
Day
12/23/24-12/27/24
12/30/24-1/3/25
2/10/25-2/14/25
CSSP-I
If you don't see the Cohort Start date you are looking for don't forget to check out our online instructor-led calendar.
CSSP-I: Cybersecurity Specialist Program (In-Person Modality)
CSSP-V: Cybersecurity Specialist Program (Live Virtual Modality)
FSCP-I: Full Stack Coding Program (In-Person Modality)
FSCP-V: Full Stack Coding Program (Live Virtual Modality)
Please note that Centriq will be closed on the following observed holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day following Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Start Date
End Date
Day/Eve
Break Weeks
Track
Jan 15, 2024
Apr 19, 2024
Day
2/19/24-2/23/24
3/18/24-3/22/24
CSSP-I
Feb 26, 2024
May 24, 2024
Day
4/1/24-4/5/24
CSSP-I
Apr 08, 2024
Jul 12, 2024
Day
5/27/24-5/31/24
7/1/24-7/5/24
CSSP-I
May 20, 2024
Aug 23, 2024
Day
5/27/24-5/31/24
7/1/24-7/5/24
CSSP-I
Jun 24, 2024
Sep 27, 2024
Day
7/1/24-7/5/24
9/2/24-9/6/24
CSSP-I
Jul 29, 2024
Feb 6, 2025
Eve
9/2/24-9/5/24
11/25/24-11/28/24
12/23/24-12/27/24
12/30/24-1/3/25
CSSP-I
Aug 5, 2024
Nov 8, 2024
Day
9/2/24-9/6/24
10/7/24-10/11/24
CSSP-I
Sep 9, 2024
Dec 13, 2024
Day
10/14/24-10/18/24
11/25/24-11/29/24
CSSP-I
Oct 21, 2024
Jan 31, 2025
Day
11/25/24-11/29/24
12/23/24-12/27/24
12/30/24-1/3/25
CSSP-I
Dec 2, 2024
Mar 14, 2025
Day
12/23/24-12/27/24
12/30/24-1/3/25
2/10/25-2/14/25
CSSP-I
If you don't see the Cohort Start date you are looking for don't forget to check out our online instructor-led calendar.
CSSP-I: Cybersecurity Specialist Program (In-Person Modality)
CSSP-V: Cybersecurity Specialist Program (Live Virtual Modality)
FSCP-I: Full Stack Coding Program (In-Person Modality)
FSCP-V: Full Stack Coding Program (Live Virtual Modality)
Please note that Centriq will be closed on the following observed holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day following Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.