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 Coordinator
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Organisation, scheduling, basic budget tracking, clear communication, managing multiple requests.
You're ready to move on when
- You're the go-to person for making sure things run smoothly in your current role.
- You consistently meet deadlines and pay attention to detail.
- You're looking for a role with more exposure to strategic initiatives and a faster pace.
- 2
Graduate Scheme / Internship (Business/Marketing/Comms)
0-1 yearSkills to master
- Project support, stakeholder communication, data entry, event organisation, learning new systems quickly.
You're ready to move on when
- You've had exposure to corporate environments and understand basic business processes.
- You're eager to apply academic learning in a practical, hands-on role.
- You're actively seeking a career in innovation or programme management.
- 3
Customer Service / Operations Support
1-3 yearsSkills to master
- Problem-solving, communication (especially handling queries), process adherence, managing expectations, attention to detail.
You're ready to move on when
- You excel at helping people and resolving their issues efficiently.
- You're great at following processes but also spot opportunities for improvement.
- You want to transition into a role that's less reactive and more proactive in supporting internal initiatives.