Becoming an Account Executive Requires Personality and Drive
As with most sales jobs, an account executive position requires one to speak clearly, think creatively, and, most importantly, be personable. Those interested in a career in sales also need to be driven and stay positive, even when, as an account executive, you might not land every client you’re after. Fostering any negativity may not only harm your morale, but your company’s goals as well.
Another requirement for would-be account executives is training — make sure you get it. Sales jobs often require salespeople to make cold calls and persuade customers to purchase their products or, in the case of account managers, become their companies’ clients. While these things might come naturally to some, training can help perfect these skills.
Experience and Education Needed to Become an Account Executive Include a Bachelor’s Degree and Three Years of Experience in the Sales Field
Typically, a bachelor’s degree and three years of experience in the sales field are required to become an account executive. And according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those interested in pursuing a career in sales should major in business administration, with an emphasis on marketing. Now, that may sound like a lot of education, but ultimately, all that hard work will pay off. Reports have shown that over 50% of account executives earn between $50,929 and $67,912 per year.
But, where should one begin? Again, companies seeking account executives will require potential candidates to have experience in the sales field. So how, then, should you go about getting such sales experience?
While account executives don’t typically make cold calls as much as people in other sales jobs, they still need experience in relating with clients, selling products, and remaining upbeat. You might begin, then, as a sales assistant in retail. Such a sales job will introduce you to interacting with clients, knowing what they want, and how to sell to them in person. You might also consider working as a sales rep, selling products from store to store.
In Order to Be an Account Executive, You Must Love What You Sell
But however you make your start, make sure to find a sales job in a field that interests you. This will not only help you sell more products (after all, you will understand the product), but it will also allow you to enjoy what you’re selling! The more you believe in a product, the more motivated you will be to sell that product — and ultimately, the more profit you and your company will make.
Conclusion
So if a sales job as an account executive interests you, what are you waiting for? Get selling today!
