Pros
For a first job I do not think it could be beat. New FT sales hires are trained extensively in most aspects of the business world, given a lot of autonomy and responsibility and good supervision, and any job in sales will give you a skill set that will help you the rest of your life. Store leadership cares about employees and retention and are flexible in scheduling, both FT and PT. Above average performers are quickly identified and coached towards advancement, although the funnel narrows quickly above entry-level, so it is tough competition for advancement. The company is growing and there is always an opportunity for proven employees to move to new markets. More corporate level buying positions are being added every year, and are a great for the right 'company person.' Scheels buying power and brand offerings are tough to beat, so it is a great feeling to sell the best stuff. The store emphasis on customer service is real and tough to match in any retail environment. ESOP growth is out of this world and you are vested after 5 years.
Cons
It's retail, and that means evenings, weekends, and holidays. Turnover is also high, but lower than the average retailer for FT'ers. I think the company hangs onto sub-par people too long and that affects the whole crew. Store management teams are large, so as in any work environment you have people of varying skill and ability there. 401(k) does exist, but is not matching, so what's the point? Any advancement requires you to really buy into the Scheels systems, and any corporate advancement requires you to live in Fargo, ND, and travel 80+ nights a year, and really be 'on the team.' Your co-workers end up being your only friends. Company board of directors are mostly 'old school' store managers who do a good job of adapting to the changing retail environment and guiding the company in a successful direction, and can produce numbers in their own stores, but are not effective managers. CEO and President are son and father, and are not very nice people. Retired store managers still receive significant bonuses from stores they led or managers they trained, which seems like a huge drain on profits. No vision plan, and health/dental are on the high side of price, regardless of what they say.