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 Coordinator (L2)
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Independently managing specific workstreams (e.g., training logistics, champion network coordination), taking ownership of deliverables, identifying issues and proposing solutions.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivering assigned change deliverables on time and to a high standard.
- Proactively identifying and solving routine problems without constant supervision.
- Building good working relationships with cross-functional peers.
- Successfully managing stakeholder expectations for your assigned tasks.
- 2
Project Manager (with Change Focus)
3-5 yearsSkills to master
- Understanding project lifecycle, risk management, budget tracking, and stakeholder management from a project delivery perspective, with a strong emphasis on the human element of project success.
You're ready to move on when
- Demonstrable experience leading small projects or significant project phases.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Effective communication with project sponsors and teams.
- A clear understanding of how change management integrates with project delivery.
- 3
Internal Communications Specialist
3-4 yearsSkills to master
- Expertise in crafting compelling internal messages, channel management, audience segmentation, and measuring communication effectiveness, specifically within a corporate environment.
You're ready to move on when
- A portfolio of successful internal communication campaigns.
- Strong writing and editing skills, with an eye for detail.
- Ability to tailor messages to different employee groups.
- Understanding of communication strategy and impact measurement.