Marshall McCallExecutive Director, Retail Programs

NorthWest Arkansas Community College

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Marketing Analyst Program History• Purpose

– To develop trained marketing analysts to support the needs of Suppliers & Wal-Mart in NW Arkansas

• Origin– Developed by a partnership between Wal-

Mart, Supplier Community & the Shewmaker Center

• Why?– Conditions in Northwest Arkansas…

• low unemployment• labor shortage• need for trained analysts

• Who benefits?– The entire business community

*Shewmaker Center Center for Workforce Technologies

Marketing Analyst Advisory BoardAdvisory Board has been very active in all

aspects of the Marketing Analyst ProgramInternship CommitteeCategory Management CommitteeSupply Chain Management Committee

Board consists of representatives from Wal-Mart, Johnson & Johnson, Kimberly-Clark, SC Johnson, Playtex, Fujifilm, Timex, Del Monte, Pactiv, American Safety Razor, Knouse Foods and HR Factor

Board members are Senior Analysts to VP level Retail Professionals

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NWACC PARTNERSNWACC PARTNERS

WALMART

Wright’s LLCWhistler

Marketing Analyst Program Benefits

Data Analysis, emphasis on retail data

Build skill sets, both technical and soft skills

Networking Opportunities

Entry Level Position in NW Arkansas Retail Community

High Success Rate

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Marketing Analyst Program Benefits (continued)

High demand /transferable job skills.Experienced industry professionals as

instructors.Retail Link Student UseridsCareer guidance and course development.

“Home of RLUG”/Intactix User Group Meetings.Seminars. Networking*.Internship Program. Interview Skills and Resume Building.Open Door Policy.Advisory Board.

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OpportunitiesWal-Mart

Wal-Mart’s growth.Long term career objectives. Breadth of opportunity.

SuppliersGrowth of market.New “niche” jobs.

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Typical Marketing Analyst Student

Marketing Analyst students are not typical Community College students…

Over 93% of incoming MAP students have 4-year degree or higher!

An increasing number have Master’s degree

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Marketing Analyst CoursesPractical Retailing Solutions

(Prerequisite for all other classes).Computer Skills I-Excel/DSS.Computer Skills II-Access/DSSRetail Fundamentals.Business Communications in a

Retail Environment.Merchandising and Data Analysis.

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Typical Schedule -2 semester 8 Months and approx. $2,800

Practical Retail Solutions (4 Fridays)Computer Skills I-Excel/DSSBusiness CommunicationRetailing Fundamentals ---------------------------------------Computer Skills II-Access/DSSMerchandising and Data Analysis

Classes can be spread out over more than two semesters

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Expenditures

Course fees.Textbooks.Three Ring Binder.Jump Drive/External Drive –

USB.

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ProfessionalismMaturityProfessional Expectations.

Professional attitude.Ethical responsibility.Handling Issues/Concerns.

Attendance and Participation.High Expectations of Students.High Expectations of Instructors.High Expectations of Program.

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Student’s Big Questions

How much money can I expect starting out?What opportunities exist after I get my job?Am I guaranteed a job after graduation?Can I work from home?How much outside work is there?

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Student Must-Haves for Registration

Computer skills test scores.College Transcript or copy of Degree orProof of English/Math competency

Compass TestRecent SAT/ACT accepted

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Internship RequirementsCompleted 6 required courses for Marketing

Analyst certification.Must complete an interest form, application,

and submit updated resume.Must be able to complete 80 hours work time

in a 12 week period.Successfully promote enthusiasm and ability at

interview selection.

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Internship ProgramInternship Program is not part of the MA

Program.Organized and run by Advisory Board.Interns must interview for position.No guarantee of an Internship.No guarantee of a job.Internship placement rate.Most are paid Internships but not mandatory

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Intern Sponsors To Date

WALMART

Wright’s LLCWhistler

US Nutrition

Danera

Richard Leeds International

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Upcoming CurriculaIn close cooperation with the Advisory Board,

the following courses are under development:Category Management; developed with the

express goal of training advanced Analysts for upward or lateral career moves. The Board has received permission from Wal-Mart to teach their CDP model of Category Management.

Supply Chain Management; another advanced course for senior Analysts.

Advanced Decision Science is an extremely robust course teaching very advanced computer techniques designed to enhance the senior Analyst’s “toolbox”.

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Transferrable Process?Is this situation portable? Can it benefit

other Community Colleges?What makes this opportunity possible?

Geographical Location?Relationships!

Who could benefit?Any college with an active, involved industry or

business sector with whom you now partner for training opportunities.

Active advisory group is a must---the program must belong to them.

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Questions/Follow Up

Contact Information:Marshall McCallExecutive Director Retail Programs(479) 936-5171mmccall@nwacc.edu

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NWACC PARTNERSNWACC PARTNERS

WALMART

Wright’s LLCWhistler