Hello! I’m transitioning into an Account Director role soon. I feel ready, but any tips or words of advice? Looking to gain as much advice as possible before I move to this role. Thank you!

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Hope you’re already doing this but before you discuss or agree to any timelines with the client, talk to the folks who will be creating the deliverable first! Form an opinion, and be ready to assert yourself and defend it, while also being open to new information or ideas that might be different. The client is coming to you/your agency for expertise (even if at times it feels like they’re looking for a yes-man/woman).

like

First off, congrats!

I’ve been through this transition myself and watched many people on my team go through it. It’s the hardest step up in an account person’s career. So many things I could raise; here are a few...

Biggest difference is that you despite the title, as an AM you are still largely an individual contributor. As an AD you need to start to define your success as that of a team. You can’t get ahead any more as an island and need to delegate, empower and coach others.

You’re also going to need to be ready to advocate with clients for your opinions and those of the team. You’ll hopefully have air cover from leadership on key discussions but will be expected to stand strongly on a day-to-day basis.

Lastly, it’s time (if you aren’t already) to make sure you’re looking at the big picture constantly. Respond to daily situations but keep your head up and look at the connecting threads - on a client relationship, on a client brief or on an internal thing. Systems thinking becomes important, as does operating within a context where everything is shades of grey - there’s little black & white.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

like

Related Posts

Best books about product management for a good exit to industry? I already have an MBA and PMP but looking for a refreshed perspective since it’s been years since my formal education.

Currently reading “Product Managements Sacred Seven” but it’s geared toward the startup world. I am in healthcare and not looking for a startup role. TIA!!!

like

Anyone move over to a portco role at a more senior level? Positive or negative experience?

like

Anyone ever quit a job 5 months in without having another one lined up?

like

Hi, I'm getting lot of interview calls for SAP SD Consultant but they want someone experienced 2 to 3 years of experience, 1 or 2 implementation done, support or rollout etc, Relevant experience of sap is zero I have, for BFSI industry is 3+ years I've, so what would u suggest??I'm not getting any work, 5 months gap already now in doing SAP course, hana certifications etc,any fresher in SAP, how u made it in SAP? I'll start working anywhere now, in SAP I'm not getting anything, tired or have i

like

Hi Salesforce 🐠! I am interested in pursuing a AE role particularly in the healthcare and life sciences vertical. Anyone open to chat and/ or Referral? I just earned my MBA and have 10 years of Sales/ Bus. development experience.

like

Hi Fishes,

I am a software specialist having 8+ yoe, currently working at Mastek with a CTC of 17lpa. Can anyone help me with the current market CTC considering the below:
Current Role: Tech Lead
Tech Stack: Full Stack in Java, Springboot, Angular, Mobility, AWS beginner.
Your responses will be much appreciated.

like

Hey, what are the future scopes for DAACs. what are the general roles DAACs apply to/get after ZS?

like

If you completed all rounds of interviews with Google for a L5/6 role, what should you expect next?

like

Hello everyone, I work with GM as Production Group Leader/ Production Supervisor. I am looking to switch. I have masters in manufacturing engineering. With my profile which roles I should be aiming at ?

like

Is it a mistake to leave PA before I make senior? I’m constantly stressed and don’t think I can make it through another busy season

like

Cognizant Hi Everyone I want to do SAP FICO Certification Y.O.E-1.5. Can anyone suggest me which institute to join. Thanks in advance SAP

like

I am about to give my two week notice for Deloitte. Someone told me I should download my CPE report. Where should I get it? I am going to another big 4, how does the transfer of CPE credits work?

like

Hey team! So I was laid off from my SDR position about a week ago. A couple months back, I had an offer for a BDR position that I ended up turning down but I really liked and connected with the manager. Is it worth it to reach out? I applied to other positions in the same company. What about reaching out to previous co workers at a different company? Not sure how to navigate this… please help. Also I’m sorry if this is the wrong bowl to post in.

like

Hi Fishes, wondering if someone can help with referral. I have 7+ years of Data Analytics, Product Analytics and Business Intelligence experience. I am currently serving notice period. Thanks!

like

Hi Fishes.
Hope all is well. This is my first time asking for refferal. Please help.

I have around 6 years and 2 months of total work experience in TCS , I am currently serving notice period and it's now 45 more days to go . My last working day is on 4th August.

I have worked with pharma, FMCG and currently with Manufacturing client as BA, more on supply chain.

I am looking for Business Analyst, Consultant role . Please refer me for all the opening in your organization.

like

Tenured Ms that have gone from tier 2/big 4/ACN to MBB laterally (yes this is happening now) - have you noticed any significantly better exit opps coming through or differences in what recruiters are reaching out for? Curious about this.

like

Is it possible to switch from testing to RPA?
What is the learning path that i need to follow?

like

Does anyone need a referral for KPMG UK, send me the job id and your details.

like

More Posts

Is Operations paid the least at your respective firms? I was hired to a Client Service Delivery role with a heavy focus on project management. I regularly interface with leadership internally and at the client. But, I am aligned to the “Operations” capability and make the least of my teammates who perform seemingly identical work but are aligned to “Strategy and Consulting.” I worry I’m on a career path to being paid the least wherever I go, because Operations is in my title and background.

like

Anyone know what number to give for employment verification for ex-AFS employees?

like

What is the average pay for tech strategy senior consultant at D with an mba?

like

Can anyone please share working experiences till now working with Deloitte India? Deloitte Deloitte India

like

Hello Fishes,

Yesterday i received salary breakup letter, I accepted it. When can i expect my offer letter from TCS. Any Idea?

What is B3 band in Wipro? Roles and responsibilities and the salary expectation for B3.

like

Hi Fishes,
Need suggestions on informatica interview.
What type of questions panel ask?
Anyone gave interview recently?

like

What is the relocation allowance at Natwest ? Thanks

Currently at Strategy& and thinking about MBA in 1-2 yrs. I went to an HYPSM for undergrad but have a 3.4 GPA due to mental health issues senior year. If I hit average GMAT, is M7 realistic? cont..

like

This meeting could be an email 🙄

Post Photo
likefunny

Thanks Julius, very helpful

Post Photo
likeupliftingfunny

Does anybody have a good guide or resource they can point to in regards to show clients how to organize their documents for our firm? A lot of time is wasted here going through discovery documents we receive from clients because the docs are disorganized and not annotated - it just becomes a whole scavenger hunt and it’s eating into our time like crazy.

like

Hi Team,

What will be the inhand monthly salary for below.
Please revert.

Post Photo

Anyone know a good degree evaluation service?

like

Hello everyone. I just accepted a position with TNAA as a Client Liaison. Anyone have any experience working with them and can share any insights, tips or any relative information? I would truly appreciate it.

like

Hey everyone, I have my first interview coming for Project Management role at Meta. Any tips or recommendations? Does anyone know the layout of the interview?

likehelpful

Regarding insane working hours: what if creatives unionized?

Just curious what y’all think.

like

Corporate associates — do you feel it’s harder to meet hours vs your litigation counterparts? Billing in increments of 0.10 vs driving to the courthouse that can be billed in large chunks, as an example (pre-covid obvi)

like

Hi fishes, I got 5+ years of work ex of which 2 years was in domain non IT job. While joining Accenture I was offered level 11 (As SAP functional CONSULTANT) while I believe I should be at level 10. What can I do? Is it that just your IT work ex they consider? Suggest things I could do. Completed 8 months in Accenture now as SAP Functional consultant.

like

Hi folks, can anyone provide lights on what will be yearly hike for java tech lead position in Accenture. And what is average variable pay payout percentage

like

Additional Posts in Account Management

Any account management processes/docs that are worth sharing?

Sometimes it feels half my day is spent jumping through hoops to schedule and then reschedule meetings around senior managements’ calendars...only for them to be so late they miss the meeting anyways🙄

likefunny

Account executive here, who has about 5 years of agency experience. Who else is completely over working in advertising and what steps are you taking/planning to make a career move?

Not looking to make a move anytime soon due to covid but am curious to what everyone else is thinking.

like

Any advice on how someone can make the shift from pharma to consumer goods?

like

What vendor do you use for cold direct mail lists?

like

How easy is it to work in account management in a foreign country? which countries are the easiest to go to? what agencies are likely to transfer you abroad?

I got a promotion a year and 3 months ago, and got a pay raise 5 months ago. Could I still ask for a promotion to SAE if I have been supporting a team more as one? Promotions are hard to stab with.

Does anyone work/has worked as an AM in the field of Architecture or in store planning? I’m currently in eCommerce/advertising but am speaking with a recruiter for an architecture which would be totally new for me.

Overall I’d like to know how you like the field, the pros and cons etc.

like

How often do scopes change? I thought it was normally on an annual basis with some exceptions but my CD is telling me they change constantly. Someone educate me…

funny

Any Type B people in account? The teams I’ve worked with have primarily been Type A people. As a Type B person, it’s stressful for me and makes me feel bad for being Type B.

like

For those of you in healthcare related account management, what is your healthcare background? I am clinical and getting ready to hire a higher level account manager. I am really biased toward people with clinical/in hospital experience because, quite frankly, healthcare is a different beast - lots of hand holding and change management. I don’t want to miss the right person because of my bias, so im wondering how many healthcare related AMs have healthcare/clinical experience… thanks in advance!

like

I am looking for an account executive with production experience to work on a fun national beverage account. 3-5 years experience. Located in nyc. Dm me for more info.

like

I’m a seasoned AD and am considering an VP Account Supervisor position but feel like I am losing earned value without having Director in my title even though it’s a VP position. Am I overreacting?

like

Anyone ever just quit a job? Hate my clients, don't care about the agency/coworkers, all references are elsewhere and I have a better job waiting. Worth putting in 2 weeks anyways?

like

Who else started with small businesses and moved up to medium and large at agencies structured to handle it? I handle 40 clients and some 60 Content managers, ad managers, designers, developers, and a smattering of other positions.

Which was better? I have almost complete autonomy over what happens with small biz, but getting to focus on projects for more than an hour/month sounds nice.

like

How long were you an SAE before promoting to AS?

like

Just moved up to SMB AM and I’m curious to the enterprise reps— what’s the quickest way to move up segment? A lot of people I see it’s 5+ YOE just curious if you can segment hop or if it’s a time situation.

like

What are key questions to ask a sitting account team during an interview to better assess how great or terrible their current clients and/or projects are?

likehelpful

To the clients scheduling meetings over the inauguration: get over yourself.

like

Is there such thing as a true account role at major branding agencies? Ex. Interbrand, Landor, Pentagram...Sounds like in many cases it’s actually just PM under a different name.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal