A lot of people ask the question, “is consumer services a good career path?” To answer that, we need to explain what the consumer services industry is all about. In addition, we should explore the job opportunities it offers and the pros and cons of entering the field.

Choosing a career path is one of the most important decisions you can make. But before jumping into the consumer services industry, it’s essential to know what to expect. The sector encompasses a wide range of fields and corresponding job positions worth pursuing. But it’s also a very competitive industry that requires the right skill set to stand out and succeed.

In this article, we’ll explore what job profiles you unlock by entering consumer services. If you’re looking for top-notch job positions worldwide, do your research through ZipRecruiter. With more than a million jobs and AI-matching technology, you’re bound to find your next consumer service position in no time.

What Is the Consumer Services Industry?

If you’re looking to find great consumer services jobs, start by creating a profile on ZipRecruiter. Once you upload your resume, ZipRecruiter’s AI matching technology will then scan your experience and skills and start matching you with positions you might be interested in. 

Consumer services are offered for household, personal, or domestic use and consumption. For instance, consulting, accounting, education, and tax services are some sectors. So, unlike consumer goods, consumer services are intangible — they can’t be seen, smelled, or touched.

At first glance, politeness might seem like the most critical skill for working in the industry. But you also need strong problem-solving skills to work in consumer services. Additionally, the ability to stay calm under pressure, the willingness to help others, and excellent communication skills become must-haves.

What Are the Job Opportunities in Consumer Services?

To answer the “is consumer services a good career path” question, we need to dig into the available job positions offered by this sector. Depending on the type of consumer service you choose, here are some popular options to consider:

• Customer service representatives — handle customer inquiries and complaints.
• Travel agents — help customers with their travel needs.
• Insurance agents — advise customers on suitable insurance for their needs.
• Accountants — assist customers with their accounting responsibilities.
• Retail Associates — help customers with their retail purchases.

What Are the Benefits of Working in Consumer Services?

So, is consumer services a good career path? Let’s examine the sector’s benefits and find out:

1. Booming Industry

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer services grew by 12% between 2012-2018. As the industry grows, more job positions appear for young professionals, as well as better income opportunities.

2. Low-Entry Requirements

If you’re starting with little experience and low qualifications, you can still find stellar opportunities in the industry. You can also make a lucrative income in the long run. In addition, you don’t need to have a fancy degree. Most employers require a high school diploma and excellent customer service skills.

3. Development of Problem-Solving Skills

This industry allows you to serve many different people every day and develop interpersonal skills. And although most customers are polite and kind, some might not be. As a result, you’ll learn to find different people’s pain points and learn how to find solutions to their problems.

4. Bonuses & Commissions

Most customer service positions offer incentives such as bonuses and commissions for excellent performance. For example, in addition to your regular wave, you might receive extra cash if you hit certain goals, such as selling more goods.

5. Career Progression Opportunities

Unlike other industries, consumer services offer plenty of room for career growth. As long as you exhibit the right skills and deliver stellar results, you can quickly climb up the corporate ladder. As a result, you’ll get better pay and enjoy great benefits.

6. Flexible Work Hours

The career services industry is one of the most flexible in the market. So if you’re still asking the question, “is consumer services a good career path?” you should consider that you can even work from home or freelance. Browse various consumer service positions at ZipRecruiter to spot your next opportunity within a few clicks.

The Final Verdict: Is Consumer Services a Good Career Path?

So, is consumer services a good career path? If you enjoy serving others, have stellar communication skills, and opt for flexibility in your job, this field is for you. You can spot readily available jobs instantly on popular job websites such as ZipRecruiter, arrange interviews, and get hired immediately. It doesn’t get easier than that!