Switchboard Operator Career Path

How to become an operator

The minimum requirement to become an operator is usually an end of school certificate, a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification. However, attending a course for operators and receptionists can be useful for learning how to communicate efficiently and professionally on the phone and how to use modern virtual exchanges and call management software.

Newly hired employees typically go through a mentoring phase under the supervision of experienced employees or a short training phase to become familiar with the business processes and ensure that they learn all the skills necessary to perform their tasks.

The switchboard operators can also manage emergency call centers (emergency call center operators). Such positions usually require specialist training and support under the supervision of experienced telephone exchange personnel.

Skills and qualifications

The operators need the following knowledge:

• Possibility to use a switchboard
• Telephone communication skills
• Ability to speak clearly and precisely
• Strong listening, interpersonal and mediation skills
• Competence in customer service
• Possibility to use standard office equipment (e.g. printers, fax machines etc.) as well as IT systems and software
• Organizational and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of a second language
• Ability to work without supervision
• Operators must work quickly and precisely even under pressure and be able to make demanding calls calmly, politely and professionally.

Career path of the operator

An Switch Board Operator career usually begins with vocational training in which experienced colleagues help him become familiar with the processes and practices of the company.

By gaining experience, operators can take advantage of a variety of career development opportunities. For example, an operator who works in an office or a specialist or doctor's office can become an administrative assistant or secretary, while an operator who works at the reception or reception in a hotel can take on the role of a receptionist.

Operators working in customer service positions can become team leaders and ultimately customer service managers.

Finally, the skills and experience acquired at a central office can easily be transferred to a number of other telecommunications professions, e.g. ,,,,

Main reasons for working as a companion

As there are no special requirements to operate as an operator, there is easy access to the job.

The work is particularly suitable for people with strong communication skills who wish to make calls. Switchboard operators are often the first point of contact between a company and the outside world. You must therefore offer a fast, efficient and professional service and ensure that incoming calls are made to the appropriate person or department. Although the answering machine mainly includes, operator process and inquiry different on a particular day, meaning that the job is varied and interesting. After all, an operator's job is a great way to start a career in office management, a secretariat or customer service.