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How to become a Technical Account Manager

PLUS: This Month’s Top AWS Learning Resources

Author

Lucy Wang
February 03, 2024

In Today’s Cloudbites:

👷‍♂️ How to Become a Technical Account Manager

📚 5 Non-Technical Skills to add to your Cloud Resume

👩‍💻 PLUS: This Month’s Top AWS Learning Resources

Read time: 5 minutes

Hi friends, welcome back to Cloudbites. Today, I’ll be sharing how you can land a Technical Account Manager role in 2024. I’ll also be sharing some of the most useful AWS learning resources & opportunities for this month.

👷‍♂️ How to Become a Technical Account Manager

  1. Learn the IT fundamentals

    To land a role as a Technical Account Manager, you will be expected to have a strong foundation in a variety of technical domains. This includes networking, databases, computing and security.

    The job often requires a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering or a related field. This will ensure you have the technical knowledge necessary to understand the products & services you’ll be managing.

    However, you could also up-skill by taking short courses or bootcamps to learn the relevant skills.

  2. Complete an AWS certification

    Next, while previous experience in a Cloud role is not required - it will be important to have a basic understanding of cloud computing and technical terminology.

    One of the best ways to do this is by studying for a cloud certification. This will boost your confidence when speaking to clients in the role.

    I’d recommend starting out with the Solutions Architect Associate Certification, followed by Developer Associate and SysOps Associate Certification.

  1. Build projects

    After that, apply the knowledge you’ve gained from certifications to building cloud projects. You can work directly with the AWS services on a project that interests you.

    When preparing specifically for a TAM role, it can be helpful to think of real-world situations where you might have to implement a solution for a client. This could involve having to choose the best technology stack based on client requirements, or recommending a database solution.

  2. Improve your soft skills

    As a Technical Account Manager, it will be important to communicate effectively - whether it’s with your clients, coworkers or manager. So, taking some time to refine your communication skills will set you apart during the application process.

    You can do this in a number of ways - from taking a public speaking course, joining Toastmasters or attending cloud-based meetups.

    Any experience in technical support, sales engineering or technical customer service can also be useful. These roles provide a deep understanding of customer interactions, common technical issues, and how to align technical solutions with business objectives.

  3. Apply for jobs

    Once you’ve developed your skills, review your resume and Cloud portfolio.

    Modify the dot points under your previous job titles to demonstrate your skills in communication and customer relationships.

    Consider adding your certifications to LinkedIn; recruiters often look out for these and may contact you.

📚 5 Non-Technical Skills to add to your Cloud Resume

While soft skills are not as frequently discussed, they are just as important as technical knowledge. Here are 5 of the most important non-technical skills to highlight when applying for cloud jobs.

  1. Project Management

    As a cloud employee, you will often need to take ownership over a project - whether it be making a pitch for a potential client or developing a strategy to cut costs.

    So, highlighting any previous project management experience can set you apart from other candidates.

  2. Business Development

    Business development is the implementation of ideas or initiatives to make businesses work better.

    When working in the cloud, you will be responsible for improving the existing operations of clients - so demonstrating previous initiatives you have implemented will help you stand out.

  3. Problem-Solving Skills

    Problem-solving is also important for cloud employees, as they are in charge of identifying & solving technical challenges.

    They would handle crisis management for large-scale issues. So, highlighting any past experiences, where you developed creative solutions will be important.


  4. Communication Skills

    When working in the cloud, effective communication with coworkers & clients is key for building relationships, negotiating agreements, & solving problems.

    Try modifying the dot points in your job description to highlight your communication skills with customers or co-workers.

  5. Relationship-Building Skills

    As a Cloud employee you will need to build trust with clients and encourage them to keep working with your company. So, it will be important to prioritize regular communication to ensure clients needs are met.

    These skills will also help you form connections with your coworkers, which will be helpful when collaborating to meet a customer's requirements.

👩‍💻 PLUS: This Month’s Top AWS Learning Resources

  1. Sign up for PartyRock Generative AI Hackathon [By 12 Mar]
    Challenge for builders to get hands-on making generative AI-powered apps ($120K in prizes). [Link] 

  2. Twitch Training Series: Cloud Quest, Generative AI [Feb 1 - Feb 15]
    3-week free live series for beginners to learn Gen-AI concepts. [Link]

  3. AWSome Day [Feb 15]
    Free one-day cloud training, for beginners, 5 foundational models. [Link]

  4. AWS Escape Room
    Exam Prep for Cloud Practitioner cert. [Link]

  5. Free AWS Exam Retake
    Complete first attempt before Apr 15. [Link]

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That's all for now. Thanks for reading! 😊

P.S. How was today's email? Reply directly with your feedback, or DM me on Twitter @techwithlucy