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
Associate Support Specialist (L1)
1.5 - 2.5 yearsSkills to master
- Mastering basic troubleshooting, consistently achieving high CSAT scores, efficient use of help desk tools, and clear communication of standard solutions.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently exceeds L1 performance metrics (CSAT, FCR, volume).
- Proactively identifies and flags recurring issues.
- Demonstrates initiative in learning new product areas.
- Trusted by peers for informal advice on common issues.
- 2
Retail / Hospitality Customer Service
2 - 4 yearsSkills to master
- Transferring strong interpersonal skills, de-escalation techniques, and problem-solving abilities from a face-to-face environment to digital channels. Learning specific product knowledge and technical troubleshooting.
You're ready to move on when
- Proven track record of resolving complex customer complaints in a previous role.
- Excellent verbal communication and empathy skills.
- Quick learner of new systems and processes.
- Demonstrates a genuine desire to understand technical products.
- 3
Contact Centre Agent (Non-Tech)
2 - 3 yearsSkills to master
- Adapting to a tech-specific product, learning the nuances of SaaS customer issues, and developing more in-depth troubleshooting skills beyond general enquiries.
You're ready to move on when
- High performance in a previous contact centre role, particularly on resolution metrics.
- Strong ability to follow processes and document interactions accurately.
- Shows initiative in self-learning about technology or our specific industry.
- Can demonstrate strong written communication skills for email/chat support.