Become aVirtual Store Sherpa

Becoming a Virtual Store Sherpa is a chance to work in one of the fastest-growing industries. You’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of online shopping, using your creativity and tech skills to make shopping fun and easy for everyone. Plus, you would get to interact with people from all over the world and help them find what they need. It’s a job that’s always exciting and never boring!

• Help customers navigate online shopping experiences.
• Blend retail with emerging digital technology.
• Offer personalised product recommendations and support.
• Work in the booming e-commerce industry.

As a Virtual Store Sherpa, your main job is to assist customers in navigating online stores. This involves recommending products, providing information, and ensuring they have a smooth shopping experience. 

You might also design virtual store layouts, manage online inventories, and use data to improve the shopping experience. Your role is a mix of customer service, technology, and creativity.

Virtual Store Sherpas are also employed to share information about products they use often and that they enjoy. They can sell any range of products, from craft supplies and cooking appliances to technology, recreation equipment or even cars. They also get the freedom and flexibility to work from any location.

Virtual store Sherpas share recommendations and in-depth product knowledge to customers through online platforms. Video-links connect Sherpas and shoppers, providing a personal experience from the comfort of home.

Virtual Store Sherpas could be needed in almost every industry that sells products or services online. They would have the flexibility to work in a variety of industries like:

Fashion

Guide customers to the latest trends and help them find their perfect style.

Electronics

Assist shoppers in choosing the best gadgets and tech gear.

Healthcare

Help people find medical supplies and health products.

Food & Beverage

Make online grocery shopping a breeze and recommend delicious products.

Travel

Assist customers in booking their dream holidays and travel essentials.

Education

Guide students and parents in finding the right educational materials and supplies.

To be a successful Virtual Store Sherpa, you’ll need a mix of technical and personal skills. These are the key skills that will help you excel in this exciting career:

Tech-Savvy

Comfortable with digital tools and platforms.

Communication

Excellent at talking to and helping people.

Creativity

Able to think of new and fun ways to improve shopping experiences.

Problem-Solving

Quick at finding solutions to any issues that come up.

Customer Service

Passionate about helping others and making them happy.

Your STEM subjects can play a big role in preparing you for a career as a Virtual Store Sherpa. Here are some subjects that will give you a great start:

Information Technology

Learn about computers, software, and digital tools.

Business Studies

Understand how businesses operate and succeed.

Art and Design

Develop your creativity and design skills.

English

Improve your communication skills for better customer interactions.

Maths

Use numbers to analyse shopping trends and data.

Guide shoppers through virtual store experiences
Help customers navigate immersive virtual shops, offering real-time advice and product recommendations as they explore digital stores.

Use AI tools to personalise shopping journeys
Utilise artificial intelligence to suggest personalised products based on a customer’s preferences, creating a tailored online shopping experience.

Assist with virtual fittings and product demos
Guide customers through virtual clothing try-ons or product demonstrations, ensuring they find the right fit or see how a product works in real-time.

Collaborate with brands to improve virtual retail
Work alongside brands and tech developers to optimise virtual shopping experiences, making the digital store environment more engaging and user-friendly.

Curate interactive shopping experiences for events
Design and host virtual pop-up shops or online shopping events, where customers can explore limited-time offers and exclusive products in a digital setting.

Offer instant support via chat and video
Provide real-time assistance to online shoppers through live chat or video calls, helping with questions, product details, and troubleshooting during their shopping journey.

Not that we know of just yet, but there might be some soon – or who knows – the first famous VR sherpa could be you!

To be an amazing Virtual Store Sherpa, certain personality traits can really help you stand out. These are the traits that will make you great at this job:

Creative

Always thinking of new and innovative ideas.

Friendly

Making customers feel welcome and valued.

Patient

Taking the time to help each customer with their needs.

Flexible

Adapting to new challenges and changes easily.

Empathetic

Understanding and caring about what customers need.

A university degree in digital marketing, retail management, or business with a focus on e-commerce is a great way to start. These degrees offer a balance of customer experience, digital tools, and business skills.

Bachelor of Commerce (Digital Marketing Focus)
This degree combines business principles with digital marketing strategies, teaching students how to design and manage online retail experiences. Curtin University offers a programme that focuses on e-commerce and digital technologies, preparing students for careers in virtual retail.

Bachelor of Information Technology (Retail Systems)
For students who want to explore the technical side of virtual stores, this degree provides skills in developing digital retail systems and platforms. Edith Cowan University (ECU) offers a detailed course on IT systems for retail, focusing on both customer experience and back-end technology.

Bachelor of Business (Retail and Customer Experience Management)
This degree covers retail management with a focus on customer service and experience design, preparing students to manage both physical and virtual store environments. Murdoch University offers a programme that teaches students how to blend retail management with new technologies.

• Bachelor of Information Technology
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Bachelor of Design
• Bachelor of Marketing
• Bachelor of E-Commerce
• Bachelor of Data Analytics

Combining degrees or studying across disciplines can give you a unique edge in the field of Virtual Store Sherpa. For instance, pairing a degree in Information Technology with a minor in Design can help you create more visually appealing and user-friendly virtual stores. This mix of technical skills and creative flair is highly valued in the industry.

Another great combination is Business Administration and Marketing. This pairing equips you with the knowledge to understand both the operational side of running an online store and the strategies needed to attract and retain customers. You’ll learn how to make data-driven decisions and craft compelling marketing campaigns that make your virtual store stand out.

Lastly, consider combining a degree in E-Commerce with Data Analytics. Understanding how to interpret and use data effectively can transform the way you manage online shopping experiences. You’ll be able to predict trends, personalise customer experiences, and make informed decisions that drive success.

Studying to become a Virtual Store Sherpa involves learning a diverse range of skills and knowledge areas. You’ll delve into subjects like digital marketing, user experience design, data analysis, and customer service. You’ll also learn about the latest e-commerce technologies and platforms, how to manage online inventories, and the best practices for creating engaging virtual store environments. These studies prepare you to be a well-rounded professional capable of tackling the various challenges in the world of online retail.

Gaining practical work experience is an essential part of becoming a Virtual Store Sherpa. Internships with online retailers, participating in e-commerce projects, and even running your own online shop can provide valuable hands-on experience. You’ll get to apply what you’ve learned in real-world settings, develop your problem-solving skills, and build a portfolio that showcases your talents. Work experience helps you understand the day-to-day operations of virtual stores and prepares you for a successful career.

If university isn’t the right path for you, there are still plenty of ways to become a Virtual Store Sherpa. Here are two main alternative pathways:

Vocational Training and Certifications

For those seeking more practical, hands-on training, vocational courses offer an entry route into virtual retail.

• Diploma of E-Commerce
  This diploma focuses on the tools and strategies required to manage and operate online stores, including virtual retail platforms.
• Certificate IV in Digital Media and Retail
  Focused on both digital marketing and retail management, this certification teaches students how to create engaging online shopping experiences and use digital tools to support customers.

Micro-Learning and Online Courses

Micro learning involves taking short, focused courses that teach specific skills needed for the job. Online platforms offer flexible learning options, focusing on virtual retail, customer experience, and e-commerce.

• Virtual Store Experience Design
  Learn how to design virtual store layouts and customer journeys, making digital shopping more interactive and enjoyable.

AI and Customer Personalisation for E-Commerce
This course covers the basics of AI-powered personalisation in virtual retail, teaching students how to use data to enhance customer journeys.

Western Australia

Western Australia offers numerous opportunities for aspiring Virtual Store Sherpas. The state is home to a growing number of online retailers and tech companies, particularly in Perth. You can find roles in fashion e-commerce, tech startups, and digital marketing agencies. Western Australia’s vibrant economy and support for innovation make it an exciting place to start your career.

Virtual Retail Projects in Australia
Australia’s e-commerce industry is growing rapidly, and virtual retail is becoming a key part of how brands connect with customers. Companies like Ksubi are exploring virtual store experiences, offering opportunities for Virtual Store Sherpas to work with fashion brands in creating immersive, online shopping environments.

National Growth in E-Commerce and Digital Retail
As the e-commerce market expands across Australia, companies such as Catch Group are looking for ways to enhance customer service in online shopping. Virtual Store Sherpas are in demand to help guide customers through these digital retail platforms, ensuring a seamless and engaging shopping experience.