Customer Service is a great way to start your career if you are not sure about the water industry. It allows you to dip your toes a little bit without having to break your back out in the field. It also gives you the opportunity to consider whether getting certifications is the right course of action for you. However, please be aware that there are drawbacks. This role is customer service. That means you are dealing with customers directly. There could be some nasty and upset people out there. A lot of the calls that come in are not thanking anyone. They are concerns and complaints about their bills. This position usually gets the brunt for mistakes done by others. Whether that is due to a misread or a bill sent incorrectly. You are probably going to deal with those customers.
The good news is you are going to learn a lot. It will give you the opportunity to learn about water agencies. It will allow you to apply internally. That is a big leg up on the competition. You will know the ins and outs. This is an edge in your competition. The possible moves include billing, accounting, public affairs, and operations. This role could open so many doors. It could also help with other nontraditional roles. Information technology and human resources are possible roles. The important part is making sure you are ready when these roles open.
How do you stay ready? Talk to other people in other departments. Be friendly to them and ask questions and express your interest. This will allow you to learn and figure out if moving to those departments makes sense. Make sure you look at the requirements. There are roles you may not qualify for due to needing a degree. It is important that you know that up front. Make sure to look at the job descriptions. Should you still be interested, work towards getting those degrees to ensure you qualify. Ask the human resources department to see if they offer any educational support. Check to see if there are other ways you may qualify outside of those requirements. If you have the education, then apply to the roles. The only reason you shouldn’t apply is if you absolutely do not have the experience. Please do not apply for a role that requires more than three years of experience, and you do not have any.
Lastly, get to know your organization’s culture. Culture is important because some agencies are more ridged. While others are more open minded and flexible. The more ridged they are means you need to meet their requirements, no questions asked. The flexible ones will work with you and possibly groom you to take on other roles. These open-minded agencies will work with staff to help them grow.