Customer Service Specialist Leadership Path

If you like connecting with people, staying calm under pressure, and making things right, customer service could be the career for you!

The field has a range of job types, so there is a place for many different skill sets and backgrounds.

Local Customer Service Employees
Scott Pummill, Central Bank
Gabrielle McGowan, Veterans United
Khija Roberts, City of Columbia

Watch this video to learn more about a career in Customer Service.

With a strong work ethic and a commitment to exceptional service, you have the potential to advance in a customer service career and rise into impactful leadership roles.

Employers often seek transferable skills such as staying calm under pressure, strong communication abilities, multitasking in fast-paced settings, and building positive relationships with others.

Salary range:
$36,400-$53,102

Possible Job Positions:

• Call center representative
• Retail associate
• Customer care email/chat agent

Advancing in a customer service career typically requires a blend of technical skills, soft skills, experience, and handling escalations effectively.

Salary range:
$48,401-$67,787

Possible Job Positions:

• Office Manager
• Customer Service Training Specialist
• Retail Associate Manager
• Logistics Specialist
• Quality Assurance Analyst

Establish a history of inspiring and empowering teams. Demonstrate a strong understanding of how customer service supports overall business objectives. Effectively analyze performance data to guide decision-making.

Salary range:
$60,000-$112,503

Possible Job Positions:

• Customer Service Supervisor
• Vice President of Customer Service
• Chief Customer Officer

* Data Sources: Salary and progression information is based on input from HR staff at Columbia businesses, statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and local job market listings found on Indeed, Glassdoor, and Zip Recruiter.

Frequently asked questions about how to excel in a customer service career

Click a path number for more information.

Stacye Smith, Vice President of People Resources,
Shelter Insurance
Began as a mail clerk, sorting and delivering mail. Progressed through various roles in the Underwriting and Training Departments before moving into Management. Served in leadership positions in Training and People Resources prior to being selected as VP of People Resources.

Brian Waller, Vice President,
Shelter Insurance
Started as a janitor while in college, later worked as a part-time law clerk, and eventually became a full-time Litigation Attorney. Now Vice President of Shelter Insurance Companies, leading External Relations (Government Relations, Public Relations, Customer Services, Vendor Management, and the Shelter Foundation).

Vicki Kemna, Assistant General Manager, Boone Electric Cooperative
A three-decade career began as a communications/marketing intern while attending Mizzou’s J-School. Promoted into leading the Communications Department and then transitioned into a Joint Communications and Human Resource Management role before becoming the cooperative’s Assistant GM in 2013.

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