Wharton Retail Club is a student club at the University of Pennsylvania, facilitating the personal and career development of students interested in retail by building a network of exceptional undergraduates, faculty, and retail professionals.
Mission/Vision
The Wharton Retail Club, a dynamic student organization at the University of Pennsylvania, is dedicated to nurturing the personal and professional growth of students passionate about the retail industry. Our mission is to create a strong network that connects undergraduates, faculty, and accomplished retail professionals, fostering a community of collaboration and shared expertise.
Through our diverse range of programs and initiatives, we aim to provide our members with opportunities to immerse themselves in the fast-paced world of retail. From speaker events featuring industry leaders to personalized mentorship programs, exclusive industry treks, and hands-on projects, we offer a comprehensive platform for students to gain both invaluable insights and practical experience.
Our Overarching Goal
To expose students to the wide array of opportunities within the retail industry through engaging events such as speaker sessions, informational meetings, panels, and participation in our seven specialized committees.
When people think of retail, they often think of fashion or customer service roles. However, the retail industry encompasses much more, including exciting and dynamic careers in areas such as finance, marketing, supply chain management, and technology. We aim to broaden our members' perspectives on the retail sector by showcasing diverse career paths.
Our Eight Committees
Internal Operations: The Internal Operations Committee oversees the General Body Membership (GBM) program, plans social events, and coordinates internal meetings. The bi-weekly GBM program combines social activities with a learning component, featuring Penn professors, alumni, or skill-building workshops. This committee plays a vital role in creating a welcoming and connected environment for all club members.
Research: The Research Committee will focus on rundowns of retail news, global retail trends, analysis of successful retail strategies, retail hacks, retail recruitment opportunities, and more. They also create educational video series highlighting these topics. These will be compiled as a newsletter, blog, and videos series for our website and social media.
Consulting: The Consulting Committee of the Wharton Retail Club is dedicated to providing strategic advisory services to retail companies. Each semester, the committee is divided into project teams, with each team assigned to collaborate with a specific retail company. Teams work on tailored projects addressing key areas identified by the client, such as social media marketing, search engine optimization, influencer partnerships, B2B opportunities, and distribution strategies. Guided by a Project Lead, each team develops actionable recommendations, delivering valuable insights to enhance the client’s operations and growth. This committee provides WRC members with real-world consulting experience while forging impactful partnerships with retail businesses.
Corporate Outreach: The Corporate Outreach Committee fosters partnerships with retail companies to host engaging events, including panels, recruiting sessions, speaker series, and our signature annual career treks to Philadelphia and New York City.
Professional Development: The Professional Development Committee organizes a variety of events designed to equip members with the skills and connections needed to succeed in the retail industry. These events include guest lectures from professors specializing in retail or related fields, panels featuring alumni and upperclassmen with internship experience, networking opportunities with alumni working in retail, and educational workshops on topics like building your professional network and navigating the retail recruitment process.
Marketing: The Marketing Committee plays a key role in enhancing WRC's visibility on campus, establishing it as the go-to resource for Penn students interested in retail. Responsibilities include creating and designing engaging posts and reels, generating innovative content ideas, and collaborating closely with team members to drive impactful marketing initiatives.
Finance: The Finance Committee is responsible for planning, budgeting, and allocating our semesterly club budget, planning and organizing fundraisers, and developing corporate sponsorships.
Tech: The Tech Committee is responsible for maintaining and enhancing WRC’s digital presence and ensuring smooth operations across various platforms. This includes managing and updating the club website, overseeing data entry and organization in Wharton Groups, and troubleshooting technical issues related to social media (e.g., Instagram). The committee also takes charge of managing the weekly newsletter—compiling updates from the President, VPs, and other leadership members, formatting content, and ensuring its timely distribution. Additionally, they support the upkeep and uploading of blog articles, playing a vital role in keeping the club connected and informed.
Our GBM Program
All undergraduate students are invited to join our General Body Membership (GBM) program! This program includes participation in monthly GBMs meetings, info sessions, recruiting events, panels, and club socials.
Our monthly GBMs will feature engaging speakers, interactive social events, and activities designed to provide insights into the retail industry. Members will have the opportunity to network, build connections, and bond with fellow WRC members in a supportive community.
This program is perfect for students interested in exploring the retail industry but seeking a lower time commitment than joining a committee.