1. Understand the role
1.1 Account management is an exciting adventure, a path that opens up great opportunities for self-development and benefits others; it is a great responsibility, but also a great contribution to the development of the company. Do you dream of starting a career in this direction? I understand you and shake your hand!
1.2 An account specialist is the face of the company, an ambassador, a key point of communication between the client and the company, a wise advisor, an authoritative person who resolves issues. Deep expertise in their niche, multitasking, decision-making, communication, negotiations are only part of the tools of the account specialist.
1.3 Honesty, respect, care, confidence, gratitude are the friends of account specialists.
2. Get the right education
2.1 Proper education is really important, but it is only part of the big picture. In my experience of many years of communication with employers, in addition to formal education, real practical skills and a certain format of thinking are essential.
2.2 Account management is a balance of theory, practice and real action. It is important that first of all there is a great desire to perform the action. Without real action, change does not happen.
2.3 An important skill that employers are looking for is the ability of an account specialist to quickly integrate into the work, the team, and quickly connect to real tasks.
3. Gain relevant experience
3.1 Practice, practice and practice. Experience and practice, successful and unsuccessful cases, mistakes and victories - what helps you become relevant in the labor market.
3.2 Of course, we mean a wise approach to gaining experience (it is better to learn from other people's mistakes than from your own), but there is nothing terrible about mistakes and unsuccessful cases. Mature businessmen appreciate a lively approach to gaining experience and creating value. And they understand that without mistakes it is impossible to develop. The main thing is not to be lazy and afraid to act. Don't be afraid of mistakes, be afraid of inaction.
4. Build your network
4.1 It's a good habit to surround yourself with people you want to look up to. Account Management is no exception. It's important to be surrounded by both wise, experienced mentors and people who, like you, are embarking on a career as an account specialist.
4.2 Be proactive, make introductions, offer value and help. Yes, you don’t have a career track record yet, but the main thing is that your eyes sparkle.
4.3 Do not be shy about your "official small experience" - the main thing is what kind of energy you are now ready to invest in order to gain experience and provide value.
5. Showcase your skills
5.1 Focusing on real experience and skills (and the ability to demonstrate them correctly) is an important factor in building a career as an account specialist.
5.2 A good way to demonstrate your abilities and skills is to get testimonials from those you have already worked with.
5.3 The skills and abilities of an account specialist must be relevant to the chosen niche. Good results are often achieved by account specialists who choose their field/niche consciously and from the heart.
5.4 Remember, one of the important skills of an account specialist is the ability to be helpful and provide value. Most often, this means not being afraid to take responsibility and solve problems.
6. Keep learning
6.1 Keep learning: only growth, only continuous development. You should clearly understand that if there is no development, then degradation begins. Account management is an opportunity to always be in the fresh stream.
6.2 Keep your skills and knowledge up to date, follow the news and trends in your field.
6.3 Please do not gain knowledge, undergo training, etc. just for the sake of certificates - be honest with yourself and others, you need full sincere immersion in the learning process and the formation of real skills.
Key points
1. Becoming a good account specialist is an important decision that requires careful preparation, a lot of work and courage, but it is worth it. This is what will allow you to always be in the flow, be relevant and bring great value to your team.
2. An account specialist is the face of the team, he is the key participant in communication with the client, and the success of both teams largely depends on him. If you are ready to take on such responsibility, I admire you and shake your hand!
3. Account management is a journey of continuous development, learning, discipline, ups and downs - but it is a fascinating and wonderful path. If you dream of following this path - I understand you and wish you all the best,
Good luck!