Discover: Client & People-Facing Careers

There are plenty of opportunities for interns and new grads to work directly with people on a daily basis — such as in a customer success or consulting role, or even internally in a human resources (HR) position.

In fact, customer success roles have become increasingly popular as companies look to build more authentic relationships with their customers and provide a positive experience for them. You’d also be surprised at how companies value early career professionals’ opinions to drive consulting efforts, and how rewarding you might find working on a company’s HR team.

Why is an internship or job in a client or people-facing role a great way to kickstart and grow your career?

Interning or working in a client or people-facing role early on allows you to gain the in-demand soft skills that can propel your career, such as those related to problem-solving, communication, and relationship management. Plus, working with a variety of clients allows you to learn about different industries and opportunities first-hand, and network with industry leaders. You might even find yourself pursuing a full-time role in the future at a company you formed a connection with during your time as a consultant or customer success manager.

What can you expect while working in a client or people-facing role?

When working in a client or people-facing role or internship, you can expect to be in constant communication with other professionals — both internally and outside the company — as well as to work collaboratively with a team in house. You may find yourself handling inquiries and complaints, and coming up with plans to troubleshoot issues. Additionally, client-facing roles often require you to stay up-to-date on industry trends and continuously look for ways to improve the customer experience.

With today's remote and hybrid working environment, customer-facing roles may also include virtual components such as video conferencing and social media interaction. It's essential to stay organized and learn how to use different tools effectively in order to provide a positive virtual experience for your customers.