What Skills Do You Need to Start a Career in RPA?

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is changing how companies handle repetitive tasks and data-heavy processes. As demand grows across industries, many professionals are asking: what do I actually need to get started in this field? Whether you come from IT, business analysis, or process management, RPA offers a pathway into future-focused careers.

Core Technical Skills

Even though some RPA jobs don’t require deep coding knowledge, a technical foundation can make a big difference. The most important skills include:

• RPA tools – Familiarity with platforms like UiPath, Blue Prism, or Power Automate is essential. Many of these tools offer free learning resources and certifications.

• Scripting basics – Understanding how to write or modify scripts in languages like Python, JavaScript, or VB .NET helps when dealing with more advanced bots.

• Workflow logic – Knowing how to break down and structure business processes is key to building effective automations.

• APIs and integrations – Many RPA roles benefit from understanding how systems communicate, especially when integrating bots with CRMs, ERPs, or cloud services.

Business and Process Knowledge

Not all RPA professionals are developers. Some work in planning, coordination, or analysis. For these roles, business and process knowledge is just as important:

• Process mapping – Ability to analyze and document how a task is performed step-by-step.

• Stakeholder communication – RPA often involves working across departments; strong communication skills are critical.

• Compliance awareness – Understanding regulations like GDPR or SOX helps ensure automations follow legal standards.

• Continuous improvement – RPA is tied to operational efficiency, so experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or Agile is a plus.

Where to Look for RPA Jobs

Once you’ve built your skillset, the next step is to find roles that match your strengths. Job boards that focus on automation and tech roles are a good place to start. You can explore current listings and role types on allrpajobs.com, where positions range from junior developers to automation managers and architects across various European cities.

Whether you're aiming for your first RPA role or looking to transition from another tech or business function, having the right mix of tools, logic, and collaboration skills can open the door to a growing career field.