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
Junior Change Analyst / Associate
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Project coordination, basic data collection, drafting communications, understanding stakeholder basics, learning core change methodologies.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivers assigned tasks on time and to a high standard.
- Proactively identifies minor issues and suggests solutions.
- Demonstrates a solid grasp of foundational change management principles.
- Can work independently on well-defined tasks with minimal supervision.
- 2
HR Generalist / HR Advisor
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Employee relations, HR policy application, basic talent management, understanding organisational structures, communicating with diverse employee groups.
You're ready to move on when
- Has managed specific HR projects or initiatives (e.g., a new onboarding programme).
- Shows a keen interest in the 'why' behind people's reactions to change.
- Is skilled at handling sensitive employee conversations with empathy.
- Can connect HR activities to broader business objectives.
- 3
Internal Communications Specialist
2-4 yearsSkills to master
- Crafting messages for different audiences, channel management, campaign planning, understanding employee sentiment through feedback mechanisms.
You're ready to move on when
- Has led internal communication campaigns for significant company news or initiatives.
- Demonstrates an ability to translate complex information into engaging content.
- Understands how communication impacts employee behaviour and morale.
- Is proactive in gathering feedback on communication effectiveness.