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Customer Service Representative

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AVG. SALARY

$42,200

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EDUCATION

High school (GED) +

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JOB OUTLOOK

Decreasing

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Business Management and Administration cluster Administrative Services pathway.

Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

High school (GED), plus on-the-job training

Customer service representatives typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and receive on-the-job training to learn the specific skills needed for the job. They should be good at communicating and interacting with people. Customer service representatives who provide information about finance and insurance may need a state license.

Insider Info

Additional Information

The minimum is usually a high school diploma. Most places will train their CSRs. However, as the workplace gets more complex, and with most companies relying on computers, it's important to have some computer training.

Training or knowledge related to the nature of the business is also very important. For instance, someone seeking work as a CSR in the oil industry should take geography and at least one science, either physics or chemistry, before investigating this field.

For example, CSR Steve Wallace won't hire someone unless they have an above-average and up-to-date knowledge of computers. Other examples are car dealerships or hotels. "You must know cars to do what I do, period," says CSR Sean Mahr.

Most CSRs will say math and computer skills are the biggest educational requirement.

Many larger firms and organizations offer in-house customer training seminars and courses as part of their professional development programs. These are usually presented by consultants who provide these courses to the host company for a fee. Check with the company you are applying to and see if this is available.

Some colleges and universities offer courses and certificates in customer service. These are usually done through their continuing education department. Community colleges often have short (often under a week or two) courses focusing on customer service. They often emphasize service in the hospitality industry.

An education in marketing or public relations is also valuable. Most universities' business or economic departments have marketing programs. Check with your guidance counselor or career prep department for what's available locally.

For customer service and salespeople who work at Whirlpool, the home appliance giant, their training can take them to quite a few unusual places.

Eight of them get to live for two months in a house outfitted with Whirlpool appliances. They don't come home at the end of the day, either. They do all the things their customers would do. They bake, wash, cook, clean and live with the products the company sells.

The aim is to ensure that when you walk into a Whirlpool retailer or call the help desk, you are more likely to speak with someone who has shared the challenges you are facing. They can give you genuine advice and answers because of that.

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

Support