This program will prepare students for careers in a variety of retail, call-center and business settings. An understanding of the retail and call center environment is covered, along with the general principles of customer relationship management. The program will introduce students to customer behaviors, interpersonal communication and listening, understanding products and services, working with challenging customers, telephone techniques, proven sales tactics and pricing strategies, inventory and merchandising, loss prevention and public speaking for professionals. The Customer Service Specialist Marketable Skills Award will prepare students for entry level employment in a variety retail, call-center and business settings. Appropriate preparation for these occupations is ensured by the curriculum design and instruction methods used in the customer service industry.