How to become an Account Executive
To begin with, you should have at least a bachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, communication and media, business and management, psychology or statistics. Although you don't necessarily need a special certification to become an account executive, many agencies prefer an advanced degree, such as an MBA.
Secondly, an account executive needs several years of experience in accounting (the number of years needed varies with the company). You should also have basic skills with spreadsheet software such as Excel.
Finally, your background should include customer service, creativity, attention to detail, strategic planning skills and solid sales skills. You should also be creative and able to work under pressure. Be prepared to offer examples from your professional and personal experience that demonstrate as many of these attributes as possible.
What skills help Account Executives find jobs?
- Account management
- Analysis skills
- B2B sales
- Business development
- CRM software
- Communication skills
- Computer skills
- Customer service
- Direct sales
- English
- Enterprise sales
- Forecasting
Career progression for Account Executive
Education levels for Account Executives
| required level of education | percent of job openings |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 54.0% |
| High school diploma or GED | 22.3% |
| Associate's degree | 14.9% |
| Master's degree | 8.1% |
| Bachelor's degree | 0.4% |
| Master's degree | 0.3% |
Expected salary by experience
| Years of experience | Annual salary in USD |
|---|---|
| 0 - 4 | $46,500 |
| 4 - 8 | $55,300 |
| 8 - 12 | $61,800 |
| 12 - 16 | $67,900 |
| 16 - 20 | $71,800 |
| 20 - 24 | $75,500 |
Common qualifications for Account Executives
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Common questions about career advices for an Account Executive
What experience in other fields can help someone to become an account executive?
Experience as an advertiser, sales manager, accountant, or project manager can help with building the skills needed to become an account executive. Basic knowledge in these fields can be supplemented by on-the-job training specific to an industry.
What skills make an account executive successful?
Successful account executives have the following skills:
- Effective communication and organizing skills
- Adaptable to various situations
- Multi-tasking and time management skills
- Empathy
- Strong analytical and decision-making skills
Which software do account executives have to be skilled in?
Account executives should have a basic knowledge of accounting software such as QuickBooks and Sage, as well as Microsoft Office and customer relationship management (CRM) software.
