Customer service is simply the assistance provided to a customer (which could be an individual or another company) who buys, requires, or uses its products and services. A customer service representative is a professional who handles complaints, process orders and inquiries made about an organizations products and services.
Customer service representatives are required to have several skills which include communication skills, problem-solving skills, and computer skills. In some organizations, analytical and math skills might be an added or required advantage to work in this field.
In this article, we are going to list the professional courses that will qualify you for customer service jobs in Nigeria.
Top 20 Best Professional Courses For Customer Service Executives In Nigeria
English Language
English language is one of the marketable arts courses in Nigeria and most of the graduates of these courses opt for jobs in media organizations. English language builds the communication skills of the student which is one of the skills required when hoping to work as a customer service representative.
Mass Communication
Mass communication is another course which builds the communication skills of a graduate. However a graduate of mass communication might have more opportunities or regarded above one with an English Language degree.
Business Administration
Business Administration prepares the graduate for administrative roles in companies and organizations. This course provides students with analytical and communication skills required to operate as a customer service representative.
Business Management
Business Management is another course similar to business administration that prepares the student for managerial roles in a company or organization.
Public Relations
A public relations officer is likely a spokesperson that communicates an idea with the customers of a company or to the general public. Public relations officers are required to uphold a certain image of a company or organization and are required to have great communication and interpersonal skills.
Marketing
Marketing is simply promoting and selling of products or services. While customer service representatives are mostly required to handle complaints, process orders and inquiries made about an organizations products and services, they might also be required to encourage customers to make buy more products and services which is one of the qualities of a marketer.
International Relations
A degree in international relations provides you with analytical, communication and problem-solving skills which are required for you to operate as a customer service representative. Other job opportunities could include Diplomatic service officer, government service officer, intelligence analyst, international and development worker and public affairs consultant. You can also opt for a Public relations officer for companies, organizations, government agencies.
Public Administration
Although public administration is directed at government agencies and policies, graduates who possess a degree in this field would also apply for customer service jobs if they possess the necessary skills.
Communication Studies
Communications studies involve the study of the process of human communication and behavior. Graduates of this course are quite versatile working in almost every company and media houses as the course provides them with tools and techniques that are inexistent in other disciplines. The course prepares students with the analytical and communication skills needed to handle customer service duties.
Economics
Economics is a top-level course that deals with the study of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Economics is one of the most versatile courses offering many opportunities for graduates who seek to work in almost every industry. Economics graduates are highly intellectual and posses most of the skills required to handle customer service duties which makes it a great course to go for if you wish to consider customer service jobs in the future.
International Studies
International Studies deals with the study of economic, social and cultural issues that dominate the globe. A degree in this course would prepare you for many high-level job opportunities such as a Diplomat, Intelligence specialist, political analyst, lobbyist etc. You can also opt for customer service jobs.
Media Studies
Media studies relate to media and journalism with several areas of employment in the television and radio, film, digital media, writing and publishing, and public relations practice. This course is also versatile and provides the graduate with the skills necessary to handle customer service duties.
Sociology
Sociology is the study of society patterns of social relationships. It focuses more on social interaction, culture and the structure and functioning of human society. This course is also a great choice for those who look forward to working as a customer service representative.
Hospitality Management
Hospitality management relates to the overseeing of the administrative tasks of a hotel or casino. It involves servicing and satisfying guests and requires a high level of communications skills to excel. You can also opt for customer service jobs if you are a graduate of this course as it prepares with the necessary skills needed to handle customer service duties.
Social Work
Social work involves enhancing social functioning and overall well-being. It is a profession that deals with individuals, families, groups, and communities. Graduates of this course are recognized both locally and internationally and can work in almost every field.
How To Apply For Professional Courses For Customer Executive Programmes
The courses listed above can be studied in almost every University in Nigeria except Universities of technology. The most reputable universities to study the courses listed above which will also prepare you with the right skills required to handle customer service jobs include;
List of Universities In Nigeria That Offer Customer Service Related Course
1) Delta State University, Abraka
2) University of Nigeria, Nsukka
3) Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma;
4) University of Lagos, Yaba
5) Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye
6) Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko
7) Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
8) Covenant University, Ota
9) American University of Nigeria, Yola
10) Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
11) Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port-Harcourt
12) Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso
13) Ahmadu Bello University Zaria
14) University of Ibadan, Ibadan
15) Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri
16) University of Benin, Ugbowo
Top Polytechnics to Study Customer Service Jobs in Nigeria
Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri
Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State
Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe – Oghara
Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku
Federal Polytechnic, Oko
Federal Polytechnic Ekowe Bayelsa State
Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro
Federal Polytechnic, Ede
Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti
Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic
It is important to study in a reputable university or polytechnic as studying in such reputable tetra institutions provides with you more opportunities and better chances of getting employment.
