If it is a very large multi-national company there could even be a global account manager above the national account managers. Account managers basically function as the contact persons between a business establishment and its clients and depending on his/her level or size of the company an account manager could handle just one client or multiple clients. Account managers identify the needs, and the best ways to address these, from both sides to maintain and develop the relationship between the business and its clients so they continue to do business with the company. Account managers also help in trying to find new clients and persuade them to place their business with the company.
To qualify for national account manager jobs you begin by earning an undergraduate degree or a bachelor’s degree with emphasis in advertising, communications, or public relations. These types of courses cover the theory and practice of advertising and public relations and their effects on consumers and give the necessary practice in problem solving and critical thinking as well as necessary experience in writing and speaking. Students here encounter subjects that could be useful later in this field such as advertising, business writing, communications, crisis management, media planning, and public relations.
After earning a bachelor’s degree, graduates should enter internship programs in public relations or advertising firms that are excellent opportunities for practical experience, networking, and professional growth. Other organizations they can apply for internships in this field are radio stations, television stations, movie studios, marketing agencies, non-profit organizations, and other types of media companies. Now that you have some needed experience you can now apply for regular jobs with backgrounds in advertising, marketing or sales and while you’re on the job, and if the job allows it, you can enroll for a master’s degree in public relations which will help improve your career opportunities because here you will learn about more advanced techniques, topics and processes like client relations management, communication law, ethical responsibility, creative processes, integrated campaigns, media relations, strategic communication and thinking, strategic advertising, and politics in public relations.
After accomplishing a master’s degree you can now qualify for a junior account manager position which could also be equivalent to a local account manager or assistant account manager. Soon afterwards with good performance and experience you could be promoted to a senior account manager position which can be equivalent to regional account manager. After five years of work experience you can now try to acquire additional industry credentials by taking an accreditation exam given by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). If you pass this exam you can then submit an application, go through an interview and have your portfolio reviewed where if you are successful will garner you the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential. This is now enough to qualify you for national account manager careers, although, you can also be promoted to this level if you have extensive experience or if you have shown to be capable. Available also after five years work experience is accreditation from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) which after going through a similar procedure as the PRSA accreditation will reward you with the Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) designation which will help to qualify as a global account manager.
Outlook for national account manager employment is expected to grow by 13 percent which is a bit higher than average for all occupations for the period 2008 to 2018. Job growth is expected due to an increasing number of goods and services in the markets from local and foreign producers and the need to promote these. The median annual wage for national account managers varies widely according to industry and geographical location and ranges from about $70,000 to $125,000.
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