Have you ever wondered — is consumer services a good career path?
Services purchased for domestic, household, or personal use or consumption are referred to as “consumer services.”
The experience, process, or result are examples of intangible components that contribute significantly to the worth of these services.
Consumer services are intangible — contrasting to consumer products, which can be seen, touched, and smelled. This includes the following:
- computer software
- Consulting
- Accounting
- Education
- Health care
- Insurance
- Investment banking
Compared with customer service, which is giving clients services prior to, during, and after a transaction — Customers purchase the item but consumers are the ones who actually utilize it.
Many consumer services businesses are now working to create alternatives for increasing international markets.
The McKinsey Global Institute claims that rising consumption is being driven by developing countries and demographic changes.
About half of the increase in worldwide urban consumption between 2020 and 2030 will be brought on by the senior populations in industrialized nations and the working-age individuals in North America and China.
There are over 450,000 companies in the consumer services sector alone in the US — and their total profit margin exceeds 12%.
Job Opportunities in Consumer Services
One of the major economic sectors in the world is consumer services. As consumer services account for about half of all occupations in the US.
However, because there are so many distinct job types in this category e.g. brain surgeons and dry cleaners — it is quite challenging to determine the precise number of open employment.
Professions in education — range from tutoring elementary school children or Ph.D. students, college counseling and repayments of student loans.
Other significant industry includes retail and wholesale — which covers positions such as accountants, sales attendants, and logistics specialists.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the two most sought-after jobs in consumer services are retail salesperson and customer service agent as they account for over 6.9 million employment.
In addition, Office clerks, receptionists, customer service managers, technical support engineers, and marketing research analysts are other prevalent employment in this industry.
What skills are needed to excel in Consumer Service
Do you want to establish yourself as a strong prospect for a job in consumer services? — You may begin by acquiring some of the aforementioned certifications and academic experience listed below:
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Soft skills such as listening, interpersonal communication, and empathy are not explicitly taught — however they are highly appreciated in customer service.
Although, for some colleges, you can attain this communication course — which will be excellent for future career-hunting purposes.
ON-THE-JOB TRAINING
Each customer service position will have some type of on-the-job training to educate you on how to use their equipment or about their rules — in order to react according to the public.
HIGH SCHOOL DEGREE
Whereas several consumer service careers are entry-level posts — businesses prefer to verify that candidates have a high school diploma.
INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC DEGREE
Some consumer service occupations demand further education, such as a complete degree or an industry credential.
A master’s degree may indeed be necessary for the highest ranks, such as Chief Consumer Officer.
Is consumer service a good career path in 2022?
Logically, the answer is definitely a yes! Consumer services is a viable career option — as there are several opportunities in the sphere of consumer service that the versatility cannot be matched.
Most individuals use consumer service employment as a stepping stone to other occupations. Others, enjoy pursuing a career out of assisting anybody in the same sense. Some consider it a valuable talent to be in when individuals need to augment their salary.
