How to Become an Assistant Manager at Walgreens

Walgreens has more than 8,000 stores across the United States

Walgreens assistant managers start out as retail management trainees. The support and resources you receive during the management training prepare you for running a successful Walgreens store. Walgreens places emphasis on filling positions from within the company; so if you excel as an assistant manager, you have opportunities for advancement. An assistant manager may rise through the ranks and become store manager. Once you succeed as a store manager, you may be hired as a district manager who oversees the daily operations of several Walgreens stores.

Instructions

1. Take high school classes in English, business writing, business math, accounting and business administration. Participate in extracurricular activities and organizations that allow you to develop your communication and leadership skills, such as the Future Business Leaders of America. Earn a high school diploma or GED.

2. Apply for the retail manager trainee program. Complete the online application. Enter your zip code, language preference and Social Security number. Follow the prompts and provide the requested information, such as name, address, education level, prior work experience and references. Once your application is approved, a Walgreens representative will contact you and provide you with the date, time and store location for your training.

3. Participate in the training program. This is an on-the-job training program. You will work one-on-one with an experienced store manager. You'll learn about inventory, merchandising, advertising, bookkeeping and human resources. The program will also cover basics such as employee benefits, policies and procedures, as well Walgreen's history and mission.

Tips & Warnings

• Although a college degree is not required, people with college degrees usually move through the training program more quickly.

• The length of your training depends on how quickly you learn duties and responsibilities of being an assistant manager and handling the daily store operations.

References

• Walgreens: In-store Opportunities
• Purdue: Retail Management Trainee