Business Development Officers and Marketing Researchers and Consultants (NOC 4163)
Description
Business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants conduct research, formulate policies, and manage programs to stimulate industrial and commercial business investments or tourism in urban and rural areas, or to promote commercial or industrial products and services. They are employed by government departments, marketing firms, business associations, or may be self-employed.
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Example Titles
- business development officer
- community economic development consultant
- economic development officer
- industrial development officer
- market researcher
- marketing analyst
- marketing consultant
- regional development analyst
- tourism development officer
- tourism industry consultant
>> View all titles
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Classified Elsewhere
- Economic development managers (in 0412 Government Managers - Economic Analysis, Policy Development and Program Administration)
- Economists and Economic Policy Researchers and Analysts (4162)
- Financial and Investment Analysts (1112)
- International development or aid officers (in 4164 Social Policy Researchers, Consultants and Program Officers)
- Marketing managers (in 0611 Sales, Marketing and Advertising Managers)
- Other Financial Officers (1114)
- Urban and Land Use Planners (2153)
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Duties
Business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants perform some or all of the following duties:
- Develop policies and administer programs to promote industrial and commercial business investment in urban and rural areas
- Conduct social or economic surveys on local, regional or national areas to assess development potential and future trends
- Plan development projects with representatives of a wide variety of industrial and commercial enterprises, business associations and government agencies
- Assess business opportunities and develop strategies to attract venture capital
- Respond to enquiries from members of the business community and general public concerning development opportunities
- Review commercial or industrial development proposals and provide advice on procedures and requirements for government approval
- Conduct surveys and analyze data on the buying habits and preferences of wholesale or retail consumers
- Conduct comparative research on marketing strategies for industrial and commercial products
- Develop social and economic profiles of urban and rural areas to encourage industrial and commercial investment and development.
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Skills
Business development officers and market research analysts need an interest in business management as well as the following characteristics:
- sales and marketing skills
- ability to interpret and analyze statistics
- listening, writing and presentation skills
- interpersonal skills and an interest in meeting many different types of people
- planning and management skills in developing projects and policies
- ability to work well with others as well as alone
- computer literacy.
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Employment Requirements
- A bachelor's degree in economics, commerce, business administration or public administration is usually required. Smaller communities may require a college diploma or certificate and business experience.
- Certification as a certified economic developer (Ec.D.) by the Economic Developers Association of Canada may be required.
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Terms & Conditions
Business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants spend the largest portion of their time working in an office environment. They may travel outside the office to meet with local businesses, to conduct research or to attend community meetings. Such meetings are often held in the evenings. Many in this occupational group work under the pressure of tight deadlines and budget restraints.
Approximately 13% work part-time and a small percentage are self-employed (12%). Business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants are often hired for a specific term or for the duration of a project. They may be expected to use their personal vehicle for work.
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Earnings
$35,500 per annum - starting
$56,800 per annum - average
$77,600 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
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Education / Training
Manitoba colleges and universities offer a range of programs in this field. The most directly related fields of study are Economics, Commerce, Business Administration or Public Administration:
Assiniboine Community College offers the following programs:
- Business Administration Diploma [2 years]. Graduates of this program may transfer credits to the Bachelor of Commerce program at the University of Manitoba
- Aboriginal Community Development program Economic Stream [2 years]
- Agribusiness program [2 years]
- General Business Certificate [1 year]
Red River College offers the following programs:
- Business Administration Diploma [2 years]. Graduates of this program may transfer credits to the Bachelor of Commerce program at the University of Manitoba
- ACCESS Business Administration Integrated program for low-income Manitoba residents [3 years]
- Business Administration Integrated program [3 years]
- Community Development/Economic Development Diploma program [2 years]
- Introduction to Business program [5 months]
- Business courses are also offered through continuing education
The University College of the North offers the following programs:
- Business Administration Diploma [2 years]. Graduates of this program may transfer credits to the Bachelor of Commerce program at the University of Manitoba
- Community Economic Development Diploma [2 years]
Brandon University offers the following programs:
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics [3 or 4 years]
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration [3 or 4 years]
- Bachelor of Business Administration [4 years]
Collège-universitaire de St-Boniface offers the following programs:
- Baccalauréat en administration des affaires [4 years]
Canadian Mennonite University offers the following programs:
- Bachelor of Arts, minor in Economics
University of Manitoba offers the following programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness or Agricultural Economics [4 years]
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics [3 or 4 years]
- Bachelor of Commerce, major in Marketing [4 years]
- Master of Science in Agribusiness or Agricultural Economics
- Ph.D. in Agribusiness or Agricultural Economics
- Master of Arts in Economics
- Ph.D. in Economics
- Joint Master of Public Administration with the University of Winnipeg
- Master of Business Administration
- Special program: Aboriginal Business Education Program
University of Winnipeg offers the following programs:
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics [3 or 4 years]
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Career Paths
Individuals entering marketing research or business development work generally gain required experience working within the marketing department of a large firm or as an employee of a marketing company. They may also obtain basic skills through volunteer work in the field, a cooperative education placement or an internship program.
Progression to managerial positions is possible with experience. Some start their own businesses.
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Outlook
Employment prospects for business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants are expected to be good in the 2010 - 2014 period. The number employed in Manitoba in 2010 is estimated at 1375.
This occupational group is not particularly sensitive to economic conditions. The perceived need for research, marketing, and economic development may actually increase when the economy is slowing. Over the forecast period the number of public sector positions is expected to remain relatively constant, while there will likely be some growth in the private sector. Most employment opportunities will arise as a result of turnover (especially retirements later in the forecast period).
Jobs in this occupational cluster are available across the Province, although approximately 77% are located in Winnipeg. Business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants are found in almost all industry sectors, with the greatest concentration in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (31%), followed by Public Administration (15%) and Finance and Insurance (13%).
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Employment by Age Group
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Employment by Industry
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Employment by Region
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Employment by Gender
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Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
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Employment by Visible Minority
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Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.
Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...
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