How to Become an Account Manager
Account managers act as the first point of contact for companies and are in charge of overseeing a large portfolio of clients or customers who have purchased a good or service from the business in the past. The role is highly responsible as account managers needs to establish excellent relations with clients; therefore the role incorporates both interpersonal skills and a sharp business acumen.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Be an Account Manager?
Although there are a few different pathways you can take to become an account manager, the most popular route prospective account managers take is to achieve a bachelor’s degree in a discipline such as business administration and business management.
Securing a master’s degree in either or a business or finance discipline can further your career opportunities.
As a Beginner, Where Should I Start in Account Management?
As a beginner hoping to start a career in account management the first necessary step is to achieve a bachelor’s degree in either a business or another financial discipline. This shows employers that you have a solid educational grounding in business.
It is also important to gain relevant work experience when seeking to secure a career in account management. Having experience working within a customer facing role will help to prepare to develop your interpersonal skills. Many account managers have a work background as a sales executive within a sales team because the role requires a similar skill set of selling company products and services to individuals.
Having specific work experience within furthering your business acumen and managing budgets will greatly benefit you in the role of an account manager.
Skill Set Required for an Account Manager
Successful account managers will need to possess the right mix of skills, most often made up of the following:
Sound communication skills; both written and oral
Good numeracy abilities
Good negotiation skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
A passion for delivering a high standard of customer service
Good business judgement
What Does an Account Manager Do?
The job description of an account manager role states that they are responsible for establishing excellent public relations for the business and that they are to produce reports regarding the sales progress of the department to assist in business development.
Typical Duties for an Account Manager
Some daily responsibilities of account managers include:
Popular Career Pathways for Account Managers
There is great opportunity for career progression within account management. With the necessary experience you could have the ability to advance to a senior account management role or even securing a role as an account executive.
