Past Scholarship Winners

Kristy Wong, 2018 Retail Education Scholarship Winner

What advice do you have for somebody considering a career in retail?

My advice to anyone considering a career in retail is get ready to learn and be adaptable to change. You will pick up many skills, only to learn that some of them will become less important as this industry advances. That’s what’s exciting about this industry–and you will find working in retail is more than just a part-time job.

Kelsey McHugh, 2018 Retail Education Scholarship Top Winner

Kelsey McHugh, 2018 Retail Education Scholarship Top Winner (Canadian Retail Hall of Fame)

What goals are you achieving since your Scholarship win?

Since achieving my scholarship win, I have started business school at Queen’s University and have been challenged by incredible peers and professors and have joined some valuable organizations. Essentially, I am really focused on professional and personal development, and the scholarship has helped extensively in terms of support. I also have continued to work at my previous retail job during my school breaks.

Brandon Ngo, 2018 Retail Education Scholarship Winner

Why have you chosen a career in retail?

Retail is changing rapidly. Customers are always looking for a good experience rather than finding the best value for their bucks. This makes a career in retail so much more exciting. Don’t expect a mundane career!

Lisa Nguyen, 2018 Retail Education Scholarship Winner

What goals are you achieving since your Scholarship win?

Since winning the scholarship, I have taken on a new exciting role within the eCommerce team at Mark’s.  I am now the eCommerce Optimization Specialist where I am responsible for our online testing program and conversion optimization.

Alison Schouten

Alison Schouten, 2018 Retail Education Scholarship Winner

Why have you chosen a career in retail?

I have chosen a career in retail since it is an industry where you can connect with people whether it be customers, coworkers or management. The shared passion for a good or service links all the people in this network creating a community; which is a pleasure to be a part of. Working at a sports retail store has deepened my knowledge and already strong passion for running.

Taylor Bryson, 2018 Retail Education Scholarship Winner

What advice do you have for someone considering a career in retail?

The best advice I could give to someone considering a career in retail is to value each day. Not everyday is going to be a good day but learn to take the not-so-good days in stride and learn from them. Do your best to always look on the bright side and be kind and friendly. You could be the reason someone wants to come back to your company, or vice versa.

Morgan Miller, 2017 Retail Education Scholarship Winner

Morgan Miller, 2017 Retail Education Scholarship Winner

Why have you chosen a career in retail?

Retail is a fast-moving industry that’s fascinating to be involved in. The reason I chose a career in retail is because I enjoy helping customers seamlessly, conducting their transactions and enjoy conversing with many different people throughout the work day.

Katelin Mowder, 2016 Retail Education Scholarship Winner

Why have you chosen a career in retail?

Retail offers a wide variety of opportunities and experiences, along with its challenges as the industry evolves. It helps develop unique skills that allow individuals to make a difference in the market, whether its through assisting in front line services or considering management decisions. All opportunities in the field are critical to the success of a retail business, and it is exciting to see how companies develop and adapt to the market trends.

Nicole McLean, 2015 Retail Education Scholarship Winner

Why have you chosen a career in retail?

I chose retail as a career because I love the opportunity for growth and constant education. No two days are the same, there are challenges and obstacles that test your knowledge and skill-set consistently. There is constant growth in various sectors which create new opportunities and challenges with each innovation. Retail as a career is an exciting career path that allows you to learn and grow throughout your entire career.