How to become a customer services manager
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- training with a professional body
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree then apply for a place on a graduate management trainee scheme. The subject you take will depend on the industry you want to work in, for example:
- business management
- retail management
- tourism and hospitality
- financial services
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
It could be helpful to do a relevant qualification, like a Level 3 or Level 4 Diploma in Customer Services.
Entry requirements
You may need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course
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Apprenticeship
You could do a customer service specialist advanced apprenticeship. After finishing, you could take further training to become a manager.
You may be able to do a specific higher or degree apprenticeship for your industry. For example, management apprenticeships are available in:
- marketing
- retail
- hospitality
- passenger transport
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as a customer service adviser and do training on the job to become a team supervisor, team leader then manager.
There are many customer service training courses, and your employer would suggest the ones most relevant to the industry you work in.
Other Routes
You could choose to do general management qualifications to help you get into this career, for example through the Institute of Leadership & Management or the Chartered Management Institute.
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Professional and industry bodies
You could join The Institute of Customer Service for professional development training.