What is the career path for an account manager?

The career path for an account manager involves jobs as an account manager, strategic account manager, and principal account manager. There are many entry-level, mid-level, and senior-level account manager positions on this career path.

Most account managers have a college education, the majority have at least a bachelor's degree in fields like business or advertising. This is essential to the job as account managers must have a solid understanding of consumer behavior. Some other bachelor's degrees that can benefit aspiring account managers include;

• Communications

• Public relations

• Business Administration

Those seeking higher-level jobs in account management with better-paying salaries might benefit from a master's degree in the following areas:

• Business

• Marketing

• Public relations

Master's degrees in these areas can provide candidates with advanced knowledge concerning relationship management, managerial economics, and strategic thinking.

After college, most aspiring account managers find entry-level roles in these fields:

• Sales

• Customer service

• Marketing

Account managers also advance along their career path by obtaining certifications. One of the best certifications for an account manager is the Certified Strategic Account Manager (CSAM) certification. It takes between 12 months to 18 months to complete this certification. To gain access to this program you must hold one of the following professional roles:

• Key account manager

• Strategic account manager

• National account manager

• Global account manager

You also must possess at least one active account and gain sponsorship from a corporate leader.

Account managers must possess both technical and workplace skills to move up their career paths. Key technical skills include:

• Computer and records software skills

• An understanding of CRM software

• Recordkeeping

• Spreadsheet skills

Workplace skills for account managers include;

• Adaptability and flexibility

• Collaboration skills

• Communication, both verbal and writing

• Customer service skills

• Leadership

• Negotiation

• Organization

• Self-starter attitude and performance

• Time management