How do I Become a Business Development Consultant?

A business development consultant assists entrepreneurs as they develop long-term marketing, sales, and research objectives. You can become a business development consultant by first obtaining a degree in business administration. Your consulting career can start during school with an internship with a local business or consultancy. You can break into the business development field by joining a consultancy after graduation. Another option is to establish your own consultancy using your industry contacts and business acumen.

An undergraduate degree in business administration can help you become a business development consultant. You can focus on elective courses in marketing, investment, and product research and development to find your specialty. Your university might feature certificate programs in business development, regional economics, and global development that can enhance your credentials. A graduate degree in business administration might be necessary to advance to management positions. You might want to pursue a doctorate in business if you are interested in academic research and teaching.

A career as a business development consultant might hinge on the completion of an internship. You should start looking for internships after your first semester of upper-level business classes. It is possible to complete an internship while you complete business courses by contacting local companies and consultancies. You can enhance the value of your internship by spending the summer with a national or international consultancy. Another option is to apply to international development agencies focused on promoting entrepreneurship in developing areas.

You can become a business development consultant by pursuing entry-level work with a reputable consultancy. You can submit your resume to staffing agencies in your region to find temporary work with a development firm. Another way to break into a business development career is by applying for non-consulting work with a consulting firm. An administrative job with a business development consultancy helps you pay the bills while you learn the ins and outs of the industry.

You might consider creating your own business as you become a business development consultant. Your consultancy might start out as little more than a computer and a file drawer based out of your home. You can use your contacts from school, internships, and part-time work to create business for your consultancy. As your consultancy expands, you can contact former classmates and colleagues to work with a growing client list. You can become a business development consultant focused on a particular industry or region by establishing your own consultancy.