How to become an Account Executive

There are a number of ways to become an account executive, though most applicants will take the following steps:

• Earn a bachelor's degree, usually in business administration, communications, marketing, or a related field
• Work in sales to gain experience
• Develop key skills
• Get management experience

Most account executive roles require at least 3 years of experience in sales. It helps to be in a sales representative job as this allows aspiring account executives to learn the skills required.

Successful account executives are:

• Competitively optimistic
• Personable
• Responsive
• Follow up effectively

Individuals looking to begin a career as an account executive need to have at least a bachelor's degree in business administration, advertising, journalism, or marketing. Some larger companies may prefer that an applicant graduate with a master's of business administration (MBA) degree.

Account executives can improve their account management skills by:

• Researching the company and its competitors
• Building a relationship with clients
• Providing efficient, effective and sound recommendations
• Looking at results and staying knowledgeable by reviewing any metrics, stats, and analytics

When writing a resume, account executives should reference the job description and highlight any skills, awards and certifications they have that match the requirements. Including a headline or summary statement that communicates goals and qualifications can enhance a resume.

Good keywords to include on an account executive resume are Sales Support, Sales Experience, B2B Sales, Sales and Marketing, Recruiting, Deal Closing, Inside Sales, Public Relations, CRM and Account Management.

Those without account executive experience should:

• Research the responsibilities and skills employers are looking for
• Analyze their skill gap by comparing what skills they have against what employers are looking for
• Find a mentor
• Learn about or take courses on account management
• Update their CV to tailor experience to account executive jobs

Yes, account management is one of the most important skills for an account executive.

An account executive can earn a certification through the National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP). The Certified Professional Salesperson designation consists of three levels. Each level includes a multi-week training session followed by a test that must be passed in order to reach the next level.

An account executive will need a good work ethic if they want to advance their career, especially in industries that attract significant competition. They should always work hard, absorbing all the information they can from others and listen to learn, not to respond.