• Unit 4: The Customer Service Career

    A customer service position may only require job candidates to have earned a high school diploma, in addition to having solid communication and problem-solving skills. On-the-job training, that may last two- to three- weeks, is typically necessary to learn about the needs of the customers your particular company serves. There are roughly 2.2 million customer service jobs in the United States, and job growth looks strong through the immediate future.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 3 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • describe opportunities in the customer service profession;
      • list required skillsets and traits for successful applicants; and
      • identify employment resources and professional networks.

    • 4.1: The Customer Service Profession

      • Careers in Customer Services Page

        Read this article for information on employment trends in the 21st century, requisite skills to compete in the customer service job market, and tips from the world's top CEOs on how to fit in. Also explore the embedded links to other resources that you may find useful.

    • 4.2: Developing Your Career in Customer Service

      • Customer Service Career Development Page

        Read this article for information on employment resources, the benefits of internships, and tips to find a position in customer service. Also, explore the links to resources embedded in this text.

    • 4.3: Resources for Career Development

      • Professional Social Networks Page

        Read this article, which explores resources for career connections and professional development. Visit, sign-up, and search the websites linked here for employment and networking opportunities.

    • Unit 4 Activities

      • Unit 4 Discussion URL

        After reviewing the unit materials, please post and respond to the following topics on the community Discourse forum. Feel free to start your own related posts, and respond to other students' posts as well.

        1. What resources have you used for finding past employment, or might you use for finding future positions? Why did/would you choose those particular resources?
        2. What steps would be most beneficial in preparing for a job interview?
        3. In what social networks have you participated? How might you use those networks for advancing your employment and professional growth opportunities?
      • Short Writing Exercise: The Customer Service Career URL

        Prepare a 300-500 word document as if you were advising a student on how to find a job in customer service and advance in career development. Based on this unit's readings, what are the key suggestions you would offer the student? Once you are done with the document, please post it to the discussion forum for classmate comments.

      • Unit 4 Assessment Quiz
        Receive a grade

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.