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OVERVIEW

What IsÌýan Account Manager?


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An account manager is typically a business representative that deals with customers the most. They regularly interact with customers and handle all customer inquiries by addressing concerns and maintaining account transactions and activities.

This is typically a mid-level position within an organization. Most recruiters for this role want to see a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field. If the position is a higher level, they may require you to have an advanced degree, certain certifications, or more years of experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES

What DoesÌýan Account Manager Do?

The exact responsibilities of an account manager will vary from company to company, but there are some generalÌýÌýin any organization. The most important thing that an account manager does is communicate with their delegated base of customers.

Here are a few responsibilities that you can expect to have as an account manager in any industry or organization:

  • Customer contact:ÌýThe account manager is the main point of contact for any new and existing customers. They field calls and address concerns directly with the customer. An account manager has the most one-on-one contact with customers.
  • Create long-lasting relationships:ÌýBecause the account manager has so much contact with the customer, it is their job to ensure the relationships are maintained and that the customer is reasonably satisfied.
  • Meet sales and/or business goals:ÌýA big part of an account manager’s job is to meet their business goals. The goals of an account manager are often a reflection of the company's strategy and overall direction of growth.
  • Reporting:ÌýAs an account manager, you will be responsible for reporting on your accounts and the results you're providing them.
  • Develop new business: Account managers are often tasked with outbound calls or taking lead calls from prospective customers to bring in new business and revenues.

EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES

How Do I Become an Account Manager?

Almost every organization needs account managers in some capacity. This role is vital in maintaining relationships with customers and addressing any concerns or questions they may have. In this role, you will most likely wear many hats, serving as a salesperson, customer service representative, technical specialist, and financial advisor to your customers.Ìý

When you choose a career as an account manager, you will have many opportunities to work in many different industries. An account manager career path is great for stability, as this is a position that is expected to continue growing in the next several years.Ìý

The role of an account manager is challenging and ever-changing. There is also a lot of room for growth in this career path. As you become a more experienced account manager, you will have opportunities to manage more accounts and work your way up to leadership positions within your organization.

What Education DoesÌýan Account Manager Manager Need?

Account manager education requirements are pretty standard across industries. AÌýbachelor’s degree in business management or business administrationÌýis a great starting point for those who want to pursue account management. In this type of degree program students will learn all the fundamentals of business they will need to be successful in a career. Students will learn about finances, budgets, management strategies, and other key areas of business that are important for account managers.

Similarly aÌýbachelor’s degree in marketingÌýcan be a great option for those who want to become account managers. This type of degree program branches into sales management, consumer behavior, fostering relationships, and more. Marketing can be ideal for account managers as it will help them be able to promote themselves and their products to new clients, as well as continue to foster positive relationships with their customers.

Best Degrees for an Account Manager

Business
COMPARE

Business Management – B.S. Business Administration

Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:...

Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:

  • Time: 61%Ìýof graduates finish within 19 months
  • Tuition:Ìý$3,755 per 6-month term
  • Courses: 40 total courses in this program

Skills for your résumé this program will teach you include:Ìý

  • Business communication
  • Product development
  • Decision making models
  • Project management strategies
  • Budgeting for business

This online degree program is an excellent choice for kick-starting your organizational management career.

Business
COMPARE

Leadership Certificate – School of Business

Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the...

Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the help of a leadership certificate from the School of Business.

  • Time: 4Ìýmonths from start to finish.
  • Cost:Ìý$2,250 for the certificate.
  • Courses: 3 courses total in this program.

This program is for emerging leaders, however this program does not require a bachelor’s degree, and provides transferable credit towards a ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ degree program.

Whether you aspire to work for a Fortune 500 organization, a government agency, a non-profit organization, or a fast-paced start-up, this certificate can give you the keys to success in a variety of industries, including:

  • Finance and Banking
  • Healthcare
  • Manufacturing
  • IT
  • Consulting
  • Nonprofit
  • Government
Business
COMPARE

Master of Business Administration

The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management,...

The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management, strategy, and leading teams:

  • Time:ÌýGraduates can finish in 12 months
  • Tuition:Ìý$4,755 per 6-month term
  • Courses: 11 total courses in this program

Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:Ìý

  • Leadership strategies
  • Talent management
  • Communication
  • Data collection and interpretation
  • Financial statements

Our competency-based model gives you an innovative learning experience you won't find anywhere else—and our MBA grads tell us they loved accelerating their program to see a faster ROI.

Business
COMPARE

Accounting Fundamentals Certificate – School of Business

Enhance your résumé and showcase your skills with an accounting...

Enhance your résumé and showcase your skills with an accounting fundamentals certificate from the School of Business.

  • Time: 6 months from start to finish.
  • Cost: $2,000 for the certificate.
  • Courses: 5 courses total in this program.

This program is designed for individuals who want to boost their résumé with the help of an accounting fundamentals certificate from ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ’s School of Business.

Whether you want to advance your career in this field, or you're just getting started, an accounting fundamentals certificate can help you be ready for your next career step. You'll be prepared to work in a variety of industries including:Ìý

  • Startups
  • Healthcare
  • Manufacturing
  • IT
  • Retail
  • E-Commerce

How Much DoesÌýan Account Manager Make?

$138,730

TheÌýÌýin 2022 was $138,7300. TheÌýÌýin 2022 was $130,600. It is important to note that managers who make these incomes are most likely leaders in their organization and are most likely managing multiple teams of account managers.

These numbers are based on national data. Your specific income level will be dependent on your education, experience, and where you live. The more experience and education you have, the more likely it is that your salary will be closer to the median income.

What Is the Projected Job Growth?

6%

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, theÌýÌýby 6% between 2022 and 2032. This means that the account manager will continue to be an essential role within any organization.

SKILLS

What Skills Does an Account Manager Need?

There are certain skills that every account manager should have. These are the qualities that will help you to be successful in your role and effectively work with your customers. There will be some jobs that require you to have a specific skill set, but these are a few of the most common skills that you should have as an account manager in any industry:

  • Communication.ÌýThe ability to effectively converse and problem-solve with your customers.
  • CRM experience.ÌýExperience with HubSpot, Salesforce, etc.
  • Negotiation skills.ÌýBeing able to effectively negotiate on behalf of your organization with your customers.
  • Ability to handle multiple accounts.ÌýYou should be comfortable managing multiple customer accounts as well as the individual expectations of each.
  • Strong presentation skills.ÌýYou should be able to comfortably present one-on-one or in a group setting to others.
  • Strong sales skills.ÌýFinally, you should have a knack for closing deals and providing value to others in exchange for contract signatures.

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Interested in Becoming an Account Manager?

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