How to Become a Business Development Manager?

Obtain a degree in a field like business administration.

Even though there is no national requirement to become a business development manager, most companies seek employees who have a bachelor's degree in business administration, communications, finance, marketing, accounting, or a related field. Similarly, a master's degree isn't required, but having one can increase your value to potential employers and make you more likely to land a managerial role on the company's development team.

Locate a mentor through your degree program.

Sometimes the best way to learn about a specific career path is to speak directly with someone already working in that field. One way to do this is to find a mentor. You might be able to find one through your undergraduate or graduate degree program. You could also attend networking sessions and connect with someone at those events.

Gain experience through entry-level business development positions.

When it comes to experience, you can gain it from a previous job or internship opportunity. For entry-level business development management jobs, previous work in this role might be recommended but not required. You might also be able to transfer experience in marketing, sales, or technology into a position as a business development manager because those positions allow you to focus on your communication and negotiation skills.

Develop appropriate soft skills, like self-motivation and reliability.

To excel as a business development manager, you must possess certain skills. You should be self-motivated and have the ability to reach specific targets with minimal supervision. It's best to have strong organizational skills as well because you will be tasked with managing your time and prioritizing important tasks. Another crucial skill is to be a strong communicator since you will work with customers and colleagues.

Hone your technical skills, learning things like CRM databases.

Not only do you need soft skills to work as a business development manager, but you also need technical skills. In-depth knowledge of software, including CRM databases and marketing automation platforms, is vital. Other areas of concentration include project management, customer relationship management, and business presentation software.

Earn certifications, such as Certified Sales Professional.