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
Administrative Assistant / Office Manager
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Organisation, scheduling, document management, supporting multiple stakeholders, basic software proficiency.
You're ready to move on when
- You're the go-to person for keeping things running smoothly in your current role.
- You've successfully managed complex calendars and travel arrangements.
- You're known for your attention to detail and ability to anticipate needs.
- 2
Customer Service Representative / Support Specialist
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Communication (written and verbal), problem-solving, active listening, managing customer expectations, using CRM systems.
You're ready to move on when
- You're great at de-escalating situations and finding solutions for customers.
- You're comfortable using a CRM to log interactions and manage cases.
- You enjoy helping people and can communicate complex information clearly.
- 3
Sales Development Representative (SDR) / Business Development Representative (BDR)
0-1 year (if focused on admin/research)Skills to master
- Prospecting, lead qualification, initial outreach, CRM usage, understanding sales cycles, market research.
You're ready to move on when
- You're good at finding new leads and qualifying them against a profile.
- You're comfortable with initial outreach and setting up meetings.
- You have a basic understanding of sales metrics and pipeline management.