The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Change Analyst
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Data gathering and analysis (e.g., survey results), drafting initial communications, supporting training logistics, stakeholder list management, basic project documentation.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivers high-quality support tasks on time.
- Proactively identifies opportunities to improve existing processes.
- Receives positive feedback from senior colleagues for reliability and attention to detail.
- Shows initiative in learning new change management concepts and tools.
- 2
Project Coordinator (with Change Focus)
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Project planning and scheduling, risk and issue tracking, coordinating cross-functional teams, managing small communication plans, organising events and workshops.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully manages small, self-contained project elements end-to-end.
- Demonstrates strong organisational skills and ability to keep multiple plates spinning.
- Is trusted to communicate effectively with various project stakeholders.
- Shows a keen interest in the 'people' side of project delivery beyond just timelines and budgets.
- 3
Communications Specialist (Internal)
2-4 yearsSkills to master
- Crafting clear and engaging internal messages, understanding different audience needs, using various communication channels, managing content calendars, measuring communication effectiveness.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently produces high-quality, impactful internal communications.
- Understands how to tailor messages for different employee groups.
- Shows an ability to influence behaviour through effective communication.
- Is curious about how communications impact broader organisational change.