To become a technical account manager, a bachelor’s degree in computer science and 3-5 years of experience in client account management, product management, and technical knowledge are required. Aspiring managers should gain experience in software development, technical support, and customer service through internships, work study programs, volunteer work, or part-time jobs. Effective communication, presentation, problem-solving, and sales skills are essential for this position. Technical account managers must be able to advocate for the customer and explain technical issues in detail.
Generally, a bachelor’s degree in computer science is required to become a technical account manager. It is advised that those interested in this position acquire three to five years of experience in client account management, product management, and technical knowledge of software and computer systems. Experience in software development and technical language is also important for anyone wanting to become a technical account manager.
Aspiring technical account managers should plan for post-secondary education. The most successful candidates earn a degree in computer science or a closely related subject if they decide to become a technical account manager. While studying, it’s a good idea to gain paid and unpaid experience in software development, technical support, and customer service. Experience can be gained through internships, work study programs, volunteer work or part-time jobs.
To become a technical account manager, a person will likely need to start at a lower level position. Jobs that involve some sort of project management of customer orders and service issues will help build customer service and problem-solving skills. It is equally important to gain some sort of sales and presentation experience.
Presentation skills are important for anyone wanting to become a technical account manager. This position often involves preparing reports and formal presentations to clients regarding order history, billing and potential product offerings. An account manager is in frequent contact with their customer base and must manage all verbal and written communication that keeps the customer informed about changes and important service milestones.
Technical Account Managers are usually responsible for ensuring the customer is satisfied. Part of that responsibility is knowing how to sell and promote the company’s products and services. Those who want to become a Technical Account Manager must be effective and persuasive communicators. They must be able to demonstrate specific technical knowledge and translate it into a language that customers from all backgrounds can understand.
Successful account managers have first-hand knowledge of the products and services they represent. They must be able to answer customers’ queries and queries intelligently. As part of their project management roles, account managers may need to proactively escalate a variety of issues. This requires the ability to determine what type of situation needs to be escalated.
The escalation process often requires technical account managers to be able to advocate for the customer. They need to be able to explain to other internal departments the importance of resolving the issue and regularly follow up until resolution is achieved. Technical expertise comes into play with escalation, as the account manager often needs to explain the issue in detail, describe the steps already taken, and communicate resolution progress to the customer.
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