The career of an account executive tends to follow some interesting paths and can be one where management aspirations are rewarded through time.  With customer interaction being the primary focus, account executive jobs are similar to most sales and marketing careers in that they are highly sought after and very competitive, with the rewards often matching the expectations.

Account executive jobs can be found in just about any industry but are most prevalent in advertising, marketing, telecommunications, information technology and public relations.  Similar to careers such as sales or marketing management, account executives lean toward the creative with a customer-centric focus.  Some requirements commonly found in account executive jobs:

• Bachelors degree in business, marketing, advertising or other related fields.  Industry specific training may be required with on-going educational components, as well.

• Prior experience in public speaking and/or presentations to large audiences

• Computer skills in basic office applications.  Experience in graphic design or media production may also be required along with internet applications and social media

Along with these components, account executive jobs will also require a person to be socially perceptive and out-going, with customer entertainment being a primary task.  

Duties

The duties involved in account executive job focus on the development and maintenance of favorable client relationships.  Account executives may be responsible for meeting new sales quotas as well as renewing existing customer business.  Some other associated duties:

• Assembling and presenting product or service demonstrations

• Facilitating communication between clients and production staff

• Travel within a territory or region to meet with clients

• Keep up on industry news and related events through trade publications, and other professional literature

• Work in tandem with creative and production staff to plan campaigns 

As account executive jobs are mostly found in creative fields, some duties involving planning and pre-production of ad’s, campaigns, or collateral materials may also be required.  

Compensation and Benefits

• The median salary for account executive jobs is $60,460 with bonuses totaling as much as 30% more in additional income.  Top performers can reach as high as $125,000 in total compensation

• Benefits are typical of the sales and marketing sector and typically include paid health insurance, a generous vacation allotment and employer retirement contributions.  

Account executive jobs, like most sales-related positions, involve high expectations and very competitive environments.  But the payoffs equal the work as account executives are among the highest paid in the field.  With a customer focus and work in one of any number of creative fields, an good account executive is a people person with extroverted qualities.