How to Become a Senior Account Manager?

Whether you have experience in the business world or not, the first step to becoming an account manager is to do your research. There are many different avenues to choose from; you can pursue a position as a global telephone operator from your home office or as a local representative working out in the field. These positions are also available in nearly every industry, including marketing agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and even tech giants like Google.

Start with a search for account management jobs on Glassdoor and pick out a few that sound interesting. Next, make a note of each employer's requirements. This step will help you identify what you already understand about this role and what you need to learn.

As you research job openings, ask yourself what soft skills you bring to the table. You'll have a better chance of thriving in this position if you're:

• A hard worker.
• Determined.
• Sales oriented.
• Self-motivated.
• Energetic.
• A great negotiator.
• An excellent communicator.
• Flexible and adaptable.

Despite a high college GPA, many companies prefer to hire candidates with some relevant, hands-on experience. Learn the ins and outs of this service-oriented position through an internship or entry-level role. Start your job search with keywords such as 'assistant account manager' or 'junior account executive.'

You will not only gain specific training in the industry, but also discover how your company operates, what kind of value its trying to create and the tools that can help you succeed in the industry. In addition, these invaluable training opportunities may offer direct customer interactions that will help prepare you for your new career and will teach you to flex your soft skills, like communication and multitasking.

Professional certifications help you stand out from other applicants and are often a logical next step in an account manager's career development path. These qualifications prove to potential employers that you bring improved business skills to the table and theoretical insights into the main elements of account management.

Administrators may be more likely to award key accounts to certified account managers. Organizations such as The Strategic Account Management Association offer specialized training for anyone looking to develop their skills through certification.