Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Client Success Managers
Daniel, a Client Success Manager at Watermark Insights, suggests that undergraduate students interested in educational technology consider entry-level client support roles, "getting their feet wet with customer service," which can evolve into product consultant, project management, and ultimately, customer success management positions. This career path provides a progression from initial client interaction to strategic partnerships with high-level institutional leaders.
Client Support, Product Consultant, Project Management, Customer Success Management, Communication
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Daniel Zarazua
Client Success Manager
Watermark Insights
The University of Texas at Austin, 2012
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas - Masters in Education, Curriculum and Instruction
Legal & Policy, Anthropology, Sociology
Education
Sales and Client Management
Honors Student
Video Highlights
1. Client support roles offer valuable customer service experience and initial client interaction.
2. Transitioning from client support to product consultant roles allows for skill development in teaching and using specific tools.
3. Project management positions offer opportunities to interact with high-level stakeholders such as deans and vice provosts, eventually leading to customer success management roles.
Transcript
What are some entry-level positions that an undergraduate student may consider in industry?
That's a good question. When we think about the education tech industry, there are some good entry-level positions.
From my company's perspective, we often see recent undergraduate interns go into client support roles. They might get their feet wet with customer service in the tech space by answering support tickets, emails, and phone calls.
They don't necessarily need to be technical initially. They are the first point of contact for issues and can relay them to more technical team members. This is a good way to start speaking with clients.
After an entry-level support job, you might move into a product consultant role. This involves teaching clients how to use the tools after you've gained some tech experience.
Then, you could move into project management. This role involves helping with overall implementations, scheduling, and speaking with Vice Provosts or Deans.
Currently, that evolution leads to a customer success management role. In this position, you work with many institutions and speak strategically with Deans, Vice Provosts, and sometimes even presidents to ensure everything is going well. I believe the initial client support role would be a great entry-level position in this field.