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 / Coordinator
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Organisation, scheduling, basic reporting, clear communication, managing multiple small tasks.
You're ready to move on when
- You're consistently reliable with administrative tasks and often anticipate needs.
- You've shown initiative in improving small processes or taking on extra responsibilities.
- You've expressed a clear interest in moving into project-based work or innovation.
- 2
Graduate Scheme (Business/Design/Tech)
0-1 year (post-scheme)Skills to master
- Structured problem-solving, presentation skills, cross-functional exposure, foundational business acumen.
You're ready to move on when
- You've rotated through different departments and have a broad understanding of how a business works.
- You've successfully completed projects during your scheme, demonstrating organisational and communication skills.
- Your final project or thesis showed an interest in innovation or new product development.
- 3
Startup Operations / Support
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Adaptability, resourcefulness, wearing multiple hats, understanding of lean operations, customer empathy.
You're ready to move on when
- You're comfortable with ambiguity and fast-paced environments.
- You've had to figure things out on your own and get creative with limited resources.
- You've seen how new products or services are built and launched, even if on a small scale.