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
Recent Graduate (any discipline)
0-1 year of post-grad experienceSkills to master
- Organisational skills, professional communication, attention to detail, basic data entry and analysis.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivers accurate work on time.
- Proactively seeks to understand processes and asks thoughtful questions.
- Demonstrates a strong work ethic and a positive attitude towards learning.
- 2
Administrative Assistant / Office Support
1-2 years of relevant experienceSkills to master
- Document management, scheduling, stakeholder communication (internal and external), managing multiple priorities.
You're ready to move on when
- Manages complex administrative tasks with minimal supervision.
- Excellent track record of organising information and supporting teams.
- Shows initiative in improving administrative processes.
- 3
Customer Service Representative
1-2 years of relevant experienceSkills to master
- Problem-solving, clear and empathetic communication, managing difficult conversations, data entry and record-keeping.
You're ready to move on when
- Handles customer queries effectively and resolves issues professionally.
- Maintains accurate customer records and follows up diligently.
- Demonstrates patience and persistence in communication.
- 4
Supply Chain / Procurement Intern
6-12 months internship experienceSkills to master
- Basic procurement processes, supplier interaction, industry terminology, data analysis within a business context.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully completed assigned projects during the internship.
- Received positive feedback from managers and mentors.
- Expressed a clear desire to pursue a career in ethical sourcing or procurement.