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
Business Analyst / Process Analyst
2-3 years as an AnalystSkills to master
- Deep dive into process mapping ('as-is' and 'to-be'), requirements gathering, data analysis, and stakeholder interviewing. You'll need to show you can translate business needs into clear specifications.
You're ready to move on when
- You've independently delivered several detailed process maps that were actually used.
- You've successfully gathered requirements for a small system enhancement.
- Your colleagues consistently come to you for help understanding complex processes.
- 2
Junior Project Manager / Project Coordinator
2-4 years in project support rolesSkills to master
- Mastering project planning basics, risk and dependency management, stakeholder communication, and keeping projects on track. You'll need to show you can manage small project components end-to-end.
You're ready to move on when
- You've successfully managed a small project or a significant workstream within a larger programme.
- You're known for your ability to anticipate and resolve minor project issues.
- You're comfortable leading project meetings and driving actions.
- 3
Consultant (Junior/Associate)
2-3 years in a consulting firmSkills to master
- Client engagement, problem structuring, presentation skills, and delivering recommendations. You'll need to show you can adapt quickly to new business contexts and deliver value under pressure.
You're ready to move on when
- You've worked on multiple client engagements, delivering tangible outputs.
- You're skilled at presenting complex information clearly and concisely.
- You've gained experience across different industries or business functions.