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 Adoption Specialist (L2)
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Owning specific workstreams (like comms or training), conducting initial impact assessments, and managing smaller project change plans.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivering high-quality change deliverables on time.
- Proactively identifying and solving problems within your workstream.
- Receiving positive feedback from project managers and business stakeholders.
- 2
Project Manager with Change Focus
3-5 yearsSkills to master
- Understanding project lifecycles, managing scope and timelines, and developing a stronger focus on the human impact of technical deliveries.
You're ready to move on when
- Demonstrating a keen interest in the 'people' side of projects, beyond just technical delivery.
- Successfully managing project risks related to user adoption or resistance.
- Seeking out opportunities to lead change-related activities within your projects.
- 3
HR Business Partner or Learning & Development Specialist
4-6 yearsSkills to master
- Translating HR/L&D expertise into broader organisational change strategies, understanding business drivers, and developing influencing skills beyond your core function.
You're ready to move on when
- Leading significant HR/L&D initiatives that involve behaviour change.
- Demonstrating strong stakeholder management and communication skills across different business units.
- A desire to move beyond purely HR/L&D into broader business transformation.