You didn’t work this hard to wait your turn.
If you’re graduating (or recently graduated) and want more than an “entry-level” role, Kohl’s Store Leadership Trainee (SLT) Program is your chance to step into leadership — fast.
This isn’t a traditional internship.
And it’s not a “maybe someday” management path.It’s an 8-week paid leadership accelerator designed to prepare you for an Assistant Store Manager role at Kohl’s.
What You’ll Actually Do
From day one, you’re in the business.
You’ll learn how a Kohl’s store runs — from people leadership and operations to merchandising, payroll, customer experience and performance metrics.
You won’t just observe.
You’ll lead.
By the end of the program, you’ll be:
- Leading daily store routines
- Coaching and developing associates
- Making real business decisions
- Balancing sales, service and team priorities
This is hands-on leadership — with support, mentorship and real accountability.
Why It’s Different
- 8 weeks. Paid. Immersive.
- More leadership training than external Assistant Manager hires
- Real-time feedback and mentorship
- A clear path to an Assistant Store Manager offer at the end of the program
We call it mutual evaluation — but here’s what that really means:
You get to test-drive leadership.
We get to see your potential.
And if it’s the right fit, your career as an Assistant Store Manager can start right away. That transparency creates stronger, more intentional career decisions. And if you’re not ready for an Assistant Store Manager position by the end of the program, we’re still here to provide constructive feedback to help you grow and explore other opportunities available that could be a better fit.
“Kohl’s values a diverse workforce and is confident that part of this includes a pipeline of Early Career talent. These individuals bring fresh perspectives, timely skills and knowledge, and an eagerness to make an impact. Kohl’s has reimagined our Store Leadership Trainee program over the past year and is excited to give candidates the opportunity to learn about Kohl’s and immerse themselves as a Retail Management leader. Your career as an Assistant Store manager could start right here!”
— Tori Hoffman, Manager, Early Talent Acquisition, Kohl’s
Who Thrives Here
This program is built for recent grads who:
- Want responsibility early
- Are energized by fast-paced environments
- Love working with people
- Think analytically and act decisively
- Want to grow into real store leadership
No long résumé required.
Just leadership potential.
Why Kohl’s?
At Kohl’s, we take care of families in life’s realest moments — from first apartments to back-to-school to new beginnings
That purpose shows up in how we run our stores — and how we develop our people.
Early talent isn’t an afterthought here. It’s part of our future. We’ve reimagined this program because we believe the next generation of retail leaders deserves clarity, support and a real runway to grow.
Your first eight weeks could shape your entire career.
If you’re ready to lead sooner, grow faster and build a future in retail management, the Store Leadership Trainee Program is your starting line.
Ready to step up? Explore open SLT opportunities at Kohl’s.
