Career Profile: Account Management
 Account Management is a profession that encompasses sales, delivery of a product or service and management of the process from beginning to end. Whether in advertising, manufacturing, or public relations, or another similar industry, each of these sectors have account managers who are responsible for ensuring client satisfaction. The account management function exists in a broad range of companies in order to provide clients with a point of contact to communicate with when a question or problem arises. Depending on the industry, account managers may oversee anything from proper delivery of a service to a client, such as consulting, to delivery of a product, such as in a manufacturing environment.
Account managers primary duties are to evaluate a clients needs, determine what service and/or product will best meet their needs and manage the process in providing them. In any account management position, sales are a key responsibility and require solicitation of new clients and cultivating current and past accounts. Similar to other sales jobs, account management may require travel to client sites, odd hours, and in some cases working on the weekends to meet the needs of the client.
Most account manager positions require a college degree or significant experience, especially for more senior roles within a company. Professionals who have pursued a career in account management are often skilled at juggling multiple projects with the different clients they serve. They are especially talented working well under pressure and under strict deadlines, all the while making certain to provide their client with excellent service.
As with any position, account management will differ from organization to organization and responsibilities vary across industries. Overall, however, account management involves selling, client management, and most importantly, ensuring client satisfaction.
To learn more about account management job market trends, projected growth and average earnings, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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