How to Become an Account Executive

Becoming an account executive is a popular, sought-after job for the business inclined.

However, further education is required to rise to this position, which raises a dilemma. Is it worthwhile to invest in a course for this role? Consider these points for an informed decision. 

A quick definition of an account executive is a person who exchanges information between a company and client, aiming to fulfil the latter’s needs – like closing a sales deal. If you want a fast-paced full-time job focused on business development, then this would be best suited to you.

Let’s discuss the more pressing matter at hand: the pervasive fear that you’ll do all this work to get yourself qualified, but you won’t find a job by the end of it. But according to the stats, job growth in this area is consistent across the next five years, a 21.7% increase to be exact.

A condensed list of an account executive’s responsibilities is as follows:

Account executives often have a bachelor’s degree under their belt, usually majoring in advertising, marketing, communication or economics. Practical experience in this field, taking the form of an internship or an entry-level position, is particularly sought after. Many account executives start off small, for instance, becoming a sales representative or an administrative assistant, and then subsequently working their way up to the executive position.

However, if you don’t want to dedicate all that time right away, short courses are often an excellent way to get your foot in the door. It can offer you qualifications for entry-level positions mentioned previously, and skills to add to your repertoire, like how to close your sales and how to present your objectives.

Account executives are often promoted to sales managers, sales directors, sales VP and then finally to Chief Revenue Officer, once they have distinguished themselves from the rest of the pack.