Did you know that department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom offer more than just jobs? They also have opportunities for retail internships, which are paid, structured positions that allow students to explore the industry and learn more about aspects of running a major retail business. Internships in retail focus on the areas of store management, buying and planning, product development, and design, so you have your choice of what kind of experience you want to gain. Many programs operate on a rotational basis, during which you are able to test out each of the different departments within the company and find out which you like best. There are also specialized programs for MBA retail interns, so if you’re a grad student, you can find a position that is tailored to your goals. An advantage of interning in retail is that students tend to get hired on at the company after successful completion of their retail internship. And of course, you’ll get perks like discounts on store merchandise. Some companies, such as JCPenney, will even reimburse you for your travel expenses and provide you with housing and a rental car, among other things. With all of those benefits, you’d be crazy not to apply for one of the many retail internships.