Choosing The Best Career Path: Is Consumer Service a Good Choice?

By Moon Harper

Apr 19, 2024 05:03 AM EDT

Career Path — (Photo : Unsplash/ Igor Omilaev)

The consumer services industry is the biggest in the job market, with nearly every company having a department that deals directly with consumers.

What Is A Consumer Service?

Consumer services encompass services sold or offered for the benefit of consumers rather than businesses. Essentially, if a company provides a service that consumers can utilize, it is typically classified within the consumer service industry. This sector offers numerous career opportunities, from entry-level customer service roles to advanced positions like nurse practitioners. Common fields within consumer services include education, leisure and hospitality, consulting, legal services, healthcare, and banking.

Weighing The Pros and Cons of the Consumer Services Career

Before applying for a role in the consumer services industry, carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

Pool of Opportunities - If you are looking for a career with excellent growth opportunities, consider the consumer services industry. According to Christian Lovell, founder of Careers by Chris and a certified human resources professional, jobs in consumer services are limitless as long as there are consumers, and the soft skills acquired in consumer services are often transferable to other industries.

Opportunity to Work with People - Many roles in this field require extensive face-to-face interaction and building relationships. If you excel at communication, a career in consumer services will leverage your strengths.

Opportunity to Grow Along with the Industry - The consumer services field is dynamic, offering opportunities for learning and growth. According to Lovell, the economy and industry will pose various challenges, but rising to meet these challenges can lead to long-term success in your career.

Cons

Dealing with Difficult Customers - If you dislike working with people or find dealing with challenging customers unpleasant, a consumer service career may not suit you. According to Lovell, being compelled to interact with people when it is not enjoyable can lead to resentment, which may affect the quality of your work.

Dealing with Physical Demands - Consumer services careers like taxi driving or nursing may involve physical demands that do not align with one's lifestyle.

Dealing with Irregular Hours - While not all consumer services roles entail irregular hours, some do. According to Lovell, many industries experience fluctuations in demand throughout the year, resulting in varying work hours, particularly for entry-level positions.

Skills to Possess for a Consumer Services Career

Here are the essential skills that will distinguish you in the consumer services industry:

Soft Skills

Given that most consumer services careers involve direct customer interaction, possessing the following soft skills can enhance your performance and ensure a positive consumer experience.

Communication
Empathy
Active listening
Problem-solving
Adaptability
Patience
Interpersonal skills
Time management
Conflict resolution
Positivity
Teamwork
Attention to detail
Persuasion
Cultural sensitivity
Resilience

Hard Skills

The hard skills required for a consumer services career vary based on the specific role. For instance, an orthodontist would need knowledge of teeth alignment techniques and treatments. On the other hand, a financial advisor would require hard skills such as financial analysis. Additionally, passing a certification examination may be necessary for specific roles.

Determining whether a career in consumer services suits you hinges on your priorities. Persephone Hall, executive director of the Hale Center for Career Development at Connecticut College, suggests flipping the question to consider what skills, abilities, and values are critical to you and which industries align with those aspects. For instance, if spending quality time with family and friends is a priority, a role in the consumer goods industry may not be ideal unless it offers a more traditional schedule, such as in a corporate setting.