One of the key factors that may enhance or adversely impact the success of any business is the quality of customer service offered. It not only helps in maintaining existing customers, but also plays and integral role in expanding the customer base. Customer service professionals are primarily responsible for ensuring that all matters relating to customers are properly dealt with. They may have to provide information about the company's products and services, deal with consumer complains, take orders and handle customer accounts, maintain a database of customers, and make use of effective marketing techniques to bring in new customers.
Is A Bachelor in Customer Service Degree Right For You?
Before you enroll in a customer service degree program, you should consider if you have or are willing to develop the following skills which will prove valuable in your professional capacity:
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Communication skills
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Interpersonal skills
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Listening skills
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Problem solving skills
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Patience
Program Curriculum
The curriculum is carefully designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge of business concepts such as accounting, finance, management, marketing, and communications. In addition, you'll be provided with specialized knowledge and training pertaining to customer service management. The types of courses that you'll study will essentially depend on the university that you enroll in, but some courses that you may find include:
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Introduction to Business
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Legal Environment of Business
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Introduction to Management
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The Global Marketplace
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Service Operations Management
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Quality Assurance
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Leadership
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Consumer Behavior
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Customer Retention and Service Recovery
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Current Issues in Customer Service
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Customer Service Principles
The above list is a general guide only. You should check the courses you will be taking at your prospective school. You'll typically be required to take up a combination of compulsory and elective classes. In this way, you'll be able to focus on your areas of interest.
Admission Requirements
The requirements may differ at each university or college, but you'll usually be required to submit the following:
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A high school diploma or an associate's degree in customer service, business administration, or a related discipline
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Letters of Recommendation
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Personal Statement
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Official Transcripts
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Application Fee (in some cases)
Online Education
The increasing trend of online education means that you no longer need to worry about traveling to a university to take classes. All you need is a computer and an internet connection. There are many institutes that offer online degrees in customer service. You should look through the details of the different programs, and take into account the accreditation status and credentials of the faculty. Online education will help you cut down on traveling expenses, and help you manage your personal and professional commitments while you pursue your education. You will also be able to study from virtually any location in accordance with your own schedule.
Employment Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2012, the median annual salary for customer service representatives was $30,580, and the employment outlook from 2012 to 2022 appears quite favorable, with as fast as the average job growth rate of 13%. The top industries that employed customer service representatives in 2012 were:
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Administrative and Support Service
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Insurance Carriers and Related Activities
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Credit Intermediation and Related Activities
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Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services