Arc’teryx
We’ve all heard of Arc’teryx - they create wicked gear, and enjoy an epic company culture up at their Vancouver, Canada HQ.
But what is it like to work at one of their US-based stores? And how can your application stand out? Watch.
Don’t miss another live conversation with your dream employer
The (Real) Scoop on Retail
Many legendary outdoor industry careers have started in retail. Basecamp is full of stories from creative directors, founders, CEOs, and heads of state agencies who broke into the industry by slingin' gear.
But is this still a good path in 2021?
Actually, yes. Retail is a super viable (and accessible) route to a dream job you've been working toward, and can also be a fulfilling career on its own, with many managers pulling in thriving wages. Here are some of the facts we learned from the Arc'teryx Office Hours session that had even Jenna and Ali intrigued - and there are more gems throughout the chat.
You learn irreplaceable skills that STACK your resume
Understanding not just WHO the outdoor industry customer is and what they want, but how to communicate with them? Uh, that's some cover letter gold right there. Just ask Cooper Gill, current Creative Director for the brand: "I started my career at Urban Outfitters making trash pile art and doing my best Donald Judd impression, hoping to compel people to buy as many cheap tee shirts and panties as possible. I’m making light, but the reality of that experience was learning the value of tangible and authentic creative energy and consumer engagement."
The retail environment is its own ecosystem
Sure, customer service positions (aka product guides) exist, but each store also needs visual merchandisers, community marketing managers, buyers, sustainability pros, and most other jobs you'd find in a corporate environment - but with a more intimate, community-led feel. At Arc'teryx, employees even get to choose which organizations their regional store will serve & support via funding and activations. Consider it a hack to landing a role with your dream employer, even if you don't want to live near their HQ.
Growth opportunities are plentiful
Once you're in, Arc'teryx is ready to invest in you. Their ultimate goal, straight from Chief Commercial Officer Delaney Schweitzer, is to hire 80% of store leadership positions from within. This means nabbing a role at one of their 22 new stores is an immediate investment in your career trajectory. The Arc'teryx ecosystem is actually primed to develop its employees. According to Joel Brideau, Director of Talent Acquisition…it's kind of a perk of the job: "This is what our retail teams are really good at. They are constantly educating team members and giving them opportunities to try out new roles or be part of new store projects. They're psyched to develop you. For instance, If you start as a product guide but then say hey I want to learn visual merchandising or marketing or operations - I want to advance - you are given those opportunities."
Want an ‘In’? Tell ‘em
Basecamp sent you
“A big thing for me is just learning the language of the outdoor space - having been an outdoor enthusiast for my entire life and wanting to align career and passion - I am learning a TON and hoping to make the transition.”
— Levi Wyatt
“This Office Hours was my first Basecamp experience and truly thought it was awesome!”
— Gwylan Miguelez
“Thank y'all so much for hosting this! So incredibly interesting and great to listen in.”