Junior Merchant Program Academic Paths & Careers | NorthWest Arkansas Community College
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High School Concurrent

Academic Paths & Careers

The Junior Merchant Program (JMP) is designed to point high school students in the direction of potential career paths in the retail and supplier industry. The journey to get there can vary.  

The below are a few academic paths that you can follow to break into the retail and supplier industry, as well as potential career paths. 

Academic Paths & Careers

JMP → Entry Level Work

Complete JMP courses and with the skills gained, pursue entry level work after high school. Skills translate to other industries, not just retail. JMP outcomes include:

  • Excel and computer skills – translatable to many different industries
  • Understand supply chain and some problem solving skills
  • Learn how to sell products on Amazon

JMP → Associate Degree & CRA Program

Options:

  • Complete the AAS Business Management – Retail degree, complete the Certified Retail Analyst (CRA) program at NWACC and pursue entry level jobs in Sales, Replenishment or Category Analyst roles in the Walmart Supplier Community or at Walmart.
  • Complete the AAS Business Management – Retail degree, transfer associate credits to a four year college and earn a Bachelor's degree.

JMP → Bachelor’s Degree & CRA Program

Earn a Bachelor’s degree and complete the Certified Retail Analyst (CRA) program at NWACC and pursue entry level jobs in Sales, Replenishment or Category Analyst roles in the Walmart Supplier Community or at Walmart.

Options:

  • Stay in an analyst role
  • Continue to move into careers such as a Buyer, Replenishment Manager, National Account Manager, Product Development and others.

 

JMP → Bachelor’s Degree → MBA & CRA Program

Complete an MBA and the Certified Retail Analyst (CRA) program at NWACC and pursue jobs in Sales, Replenishment or Category Analyst roles in the Walmart supplier community or at Walmart.

Options:

  • Stay in an analyst role
  • Can continue to move into careers such as a Buyer, Replenishment Manager, National Account Manager, Product Development and others.

Supplier:

  • Sales Analyst
  • Replenishment Manager / Analyst
  • Category Advisor/ Analyst
  • National Account Manager
  • Marketing Manager
  • Product Development
  • Business Development Manager

Retailer:

  • Financial Planner
  • Replenishment Manager
  • Modular Planner
  • Buyer
  • Sourcing Manager
  • Private Label Development
  • Product Development