How to get a job in business development?

[hooblah]

So I've been told that I would make a good business development manager. This has intrigued me. How do I go about becoming one?

My current skills are apprentice trained in mechanical and electrical engineering. Willing to study further. Currently contracting as a project engineer. Still trying to find my calling...

Edited by hooblah on Friday 1st June 17:42

[Doofus]

"Business Development" is a euphemism for sales. Do you have any sales experience?

I'm not saying you wouldn't make a good salesman, but "Business Development Manager" is a nebulous title that can mean many things.

I can understand somebody saying "You'd probably be good at sales", but to say "You'd be a good Business Development Manager" is a bit odd, given it doesn't actually mean anything. I've known BDMs who were the only sales person in their company.

[crofty1984]

Yup. Salesman. I'm one. Or whatever the fk my job title is today. Still, maybe you would be good at it (and it pays well). Outgoing, get on with people, know your stuff, good at explaining things, yeah, you may well be. Sales engineer is another job title you might want to look at.

[StevieBee]

Yeah - Salesman by a different name....normally.

But....

There are 'proper' business development roles out there, normally found in consultancy. They undertake proper horizon scanning, market insight research, competitor analysis and various market tracking functions, the outputs of which then feeds into what the sales team then do and where they target.

Either way, do remember that you'll be judged on results and nothing else.

[oldbanger]

Business development can also, in professional services, mean helping the business develop new services (or repackage old ones).