Services that are provided or sold to households or individuals are called consumer services. Consumer services encompass a variety of industries and jobs, but they all provide services to customers rather than tangible goods.
Consumer services include education, healthcare, and insurance. It also includes restaurants.
Is consumer services a good career choice?
You need to possess certain skills to succeed in a career as a consumer services professional. This article will highlight the 7 most important skills that you need to have if you’re considering a career as a consumer services professional:
Careers in Consumer Services
Understanding the differences between consumer service careers and their different types is essential. Consumer service careers include positions in banking, retail, education, healthcare, and hospitality.
Consumer services encompasses a wide range of industries and careers, so it is impossible to list them all. Here are some examples of consumer service jobs:
- Banking – Tellers, loan officers and personal banking representatives
- Hospitality – Managers of hotels and restaurants, chefs, concierge
- Retail – Store clerks and sales associates
- Health– Nurses and physical therapists
- Education – Teachers, tutors
You should look into a career in Finance if you want to find a job that pays well. But , is finance consumer service a good career path?
Overview of the Job Outlook in the Sector
Understanding the expected growth and job outlook in this sector is important in determining if consumer services are the right career for you. According to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, it is estimated that between 2021-2031, the U.S. will add 8,3 million jobs.
The number of total jobs will increase from 158.1 to 166.5 million, which is a growth rate of 0.5 percent per year. This is a slower growth rate than the 1.0 percent yearly rate of growth recorded in the prior decade (2011-2021). Is other consumer services the right career for you?
Fast Growth
The leisure and hospitality industry will still see the largest increase in employment despite the slower rate of growth. This is because the sector had very few workers in 2021. The healthcare and social assistance sectors will be the ones to create the most jobs between 2021-31, due to an aging population. The demand for healthcare jobs will rise, particularly those in elderly care and team-based health care.
Top Skills to Success in Consumer Services Careers
After you’ve learned about the job outlook for consumer services and the expected growth in the industry, it’s now time to examine the skills required for success.
Consumer service is a highly competitive field. You need the following skills to succeed:
Communication
Communication with customers is a must for all jobs in the consumer sector. Listening and understanding the needs of customers is essential, as is being able explain products and services in a clear manner.
Problem-Solving
Success in careers in consumer services is dependent on the ability to think critically and find solutions to problems. This skill requires analyzing data, making informed decisions, and implementing the solutions.
Empathy
For excellent customer service, it is important to understand how customers think, feel and act. For careers in consumer services, it is important to put yourself in the shoes of your customers.
Resourcefulness
Success in careers in consumer services requires the ability to work with limited resources. It requires you to be able to prioritize tasks and make quick decisions.
Flexibility
Working in consumer services requires the ability to adapt to new situations and work with different people. Success in consumer services jobs is dependent on being open to change, and adapting quickly.
Organization
For careers in consumer services, having strong organizational skills are essential. It is important to be able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
Time management
It is important to manage your time and resources well, particularly in jobs that involve customer service. You can stay on track and complete your tasks faster if you have good time management skills.
Tips to Develop and Improve These Skills
To improve your skills in the consumer services career, you should practice, reflect, and get feedback.
- Consider how you might use these skills at your current or future job. Consider taking a class or joining an organization to learn new skills.
- Use the skills that you have learned in your daily tasks. You will gain confidence and be able to demonstrate your skills to employers.
- Ask for feedback from your colleagues or supervisors in order to identify areas where you can improve. Ask them for constructive criticism and suggestions on how to be more successful in your consumer services role.
Education and Training
Understanding the education and training required for jobs in consumer services is essential.
The education background needed for consumer service positions can vary based on the role. A banking position may require at least a bachelor degree in finance while a customer service role may not.
Some consumer service positions require additional training in addition to formal education. It could be certifications from professional associations or additional courses relating to a specific field of employment.
Educational Pathways for Consumer Service Careers
There are many paths to take if you want to start a career in consumer services.
Entry Level Position
A common way to get started is by taking a position at the entry level, like a banker or shopper. You will gain valuable experience in the field and learn more.
Relevant Courses
Consider taking courses that will help you develop your knowledge and skills about consumer services. Many online and campus courses are geared toward customer service, marketing, or other related fields.
Specialized Certificate
You can also pursue a certification through an industry association such as the Customer Service Institute of America. You will be able to demonstrate your expertise in customer service, giving you an advantage over other applicants.
Advanced Degrees
Consider a Master’s or Doctorate of Business Administration (MBA/DBA), focusing on Consumer Services, to take your career the next step. You will gain the skills and knowledge needed to be a leader in your field.
Job Outlook and Salary
After you’ve figured out the education requirements to succeed in consumer services, the next step is to consider the job outlook and salary.
Customer Service Representatives
In May 2021 the average hourly wage of customer service representatives will be $17.75. This adds up to a salary of $36,920 per year. The employment of customer service agents is projected to decline by 4 percent between 2021 and 2031. However, there are expected to be 389.400 job openings for customer service reps each year. These vacancies are due to the replacement of workers who leave their current jobs to take up other positions or retire.
Retail Salespersons
In May 2021 the average retail salesperson’s hourly wage was $14. This is equivalent to a salary of $29180 per year. The number of retail sales workers will remain the same between 2021 and 2031. However, 594,400 jobs are expected to open each year. The majority of these openings are due to workers retiring or changing careers, which leaves positions open.
Different Factors that Affect Salary and Job Opportunity in Consumer Services
It is important to take into consideration the factors that affect your salary and employment opportunities when considering a career as a consumer services professional. Understanding these factors will help you to make an informed decision about your career and set realistic goals.
Education
Your education and your experience are two of the biggest factors that affect your salary and your job prospects in consumer services. In general, the more education you have and the more work experience you possess, the better your salary will be and the greater the number of job opportunities you’ll have.
Location
Location is another important factor. Where you live will have a huge impact on the cost of living, and also demand for jobs in consumer services. Jobs in consumer services in metropolitan areas, for example, may be more lucrative than jobs in rural areas.
Industry
The industry you work in can also affect your salary and employment opportunities. The finance industry, as mentioned above, pays higher salaries than the other consumer service industries. The healthcare and social assistance sector is also expected to create more jobs in the next few years due to the increasing demand for healthcare as the population grows older.
Certifications and Skills
Certifications and specialized skills can improve your job prospects and salary in consumer services. In today’s social-media-driven world, a customer services representative who has experience managing social media accounts could command a higher wage and be in high demand.
Career Advancement and Growth
Consider the possibility of career advancement and growth in consumer services. You can increase your career opportunities by developing skills and gaining a thorough understanding of the consumer services sector. You may improve your chances of landing a job by taking on leadership roles and pursuing higher education.
Tips on Career Advancement in the Sector
You should develop your skills and expand your network to pursue career advancement in the consumer service sector. You can stay on top of the latest customer service trends by taking courses in the industry and joining professional associations.
Participating in conferences and events can also help you to meet industry leaders and develop relationships that will benefit your career.
It’s important to pursue advancement opportunities. Look for positions that match your interests and skills if you do not see any advancement opportunities within your company.
Challenges & Considerations
Providing consumer services can be challenging, especially when dealing with angry or upset customers. There will always be some customers who are difficult to please, even though most are reasonable. Some people find this frustrating, but others enjoy the challenge.
Standing For Extended Periods
Working in customer service can be challenging because you have to stand for long periods of time. It can be challenging to adapt to the demands of a job if you are not used to standing for long periods. As these jobs are often based on different shifts, it can be difficult to maintain a good work-life balance. Before pursuing a consumer services career, it’s important to weigh both the pros and cons.
High turnover rates
Jobs in consumer service are often characterized by high turnover, frequent job openings, and lots of competition. It can be difficult to stay employed or move up the ladder in this field. It’s important to stay current with industry trends and develop your skills in order to stand out among other candidates.
For those who want to have a positive impact on the customer service sector, consumer services can be a rewarding career. This career requires excellent communication skills and the ability to solve problems. It also requires empathy and resourcefulness. With the right education and training, you can develop the skills necessary for success in this area.
It’s also important to know the factors that will affect your job and salary, including location, industry, certifications or specialized skills, and potential for advancement. You can achieve long-term career success by considering these factors when planning your consumer services career path.