Business development manager - career development

As a business development manager, you’ll be focused on improving and growing the business and commercial side of the organisation you work for. Learn more about a career in business development, what it involves and whether it could be the right job for your skillset.

Find out how you'll build skills and experience below.

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How will your business development manager career progress?

Due to the high need for business development managers, there’s lots of scope for career progression. In general, career development comes from increasing your experience and contact base.

You’re unlikely to walk into a role like this straight out of uni, as sales and marketing experience is often needed. You might begin your career as a sales representative before being promoted to a team leader or sales manager. From here, you’ll be in a good position to apply for a business development manager role.

With enough experience and contacts, there’s also the option to move into consultancy work. You could even set up your own consultancy business on a self-employed basis.

What opportunities are there for career development?

A lot of your training will be on the job, where you’ll learn new skills and pick up more responsibilities as your career progresses. There are lots of professional courses available that can help improve your skills and you’re likely to find industry networking events, seminars and conventions helpful in developing your career.

Professional organisations you could join include the Institute of Sales Management (ISM) and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

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