Growth is expected of these business development careers even during the current economic slowdown because companies are investing more in employee development and recognize the importance of having a good public image. Here are the current top 10 business development careers in the U.S. (alphabetical order):
1. Accountants – maintain and audit financial records and prepare financial reports for businesses. Expected to grow by 22 percent for the period 2008 to 2018. One reason for growth is that financial regulations have become more complicated. The median annual wage for accountants was $59,430 as of 2008. The highest paid accountants according to state reside in the District of Columbia, New Jersey and New York.
2. Actuaries – professionals dealing with the financial impact of uncertainty and risk. They evaluate the probability of undesirable events and predict the outcomes for the purpose of minimizing losses, emotionally and financially. For the period 2008 to 2018 job growth is expected to be at 21 percent which is faster than average. Most of the new jobs in this field will be in the healthcare and consulting sectors while the numbers in the insurance sector remain stable. The median wage for actuaries for 2008 was $85,000. Starting salaries for applicants with bachelor’s degrees is around $56,000.
3. Cost Estimator – estimate all factors in a project including equipment, insurance, labor, materials and taxes plus markup. Most new jobs in this field are in the construction industry but can also be found in software development and manufacturing companies. Employment is expected to grow by 25 percent, faster than average for all occupations in the period 2008 to 2018. The average annual wage for cost estimators in 2008 was $56,510 and starting salaries are around $33,000.
4. Financial Advisers – provide budgeting, estate, investment and tax advice. Most job openings are in large financial service companies and many work as freelancers. Lawyers and accountants often acquire certification as financial advisers. Job growth for the period 2008 to 2018 is expected at 30 percent due mostly to many retirees belonging to the baby boomer generation. The median annual wage for financial advisers in 2008 was $69,050.
5. Financial Analysts – performs financial analysis for internal or external clients. Mostly employed by banks, insurance companies, mutual funds and pension funds. Employment is expected to grow by 20 percent in the period 2008 to 2018. Median annual wages for a financial analyst are around $73,000.
6. Loan Officers – work mostly in investment banks, investment firms and lending companies. They are the intermediary between borrowers and the lending institution. They also solicit loans. Expected growth is at around 10 percent in the period 2008 to 2018 and the median annual wage is $54,700.
7. Logistician – manage the supply chain including the raw materials of finished products. They oversee transport, distribution, and warehousing. Most are employed in the retail and manufacturing sectors. Job growth is expected to increase by 20 percent in the period 2008 to 2018 which is much faster than the average for all occupations and the median annual wage for 2008 is $66,000. Entry level logistician jobs are paid $40,000.
8. Market Research Analysts – conduct surveys and interviews and evaluate the gathered information then write a report on your findings. This data is useful for companies to help them know what products or characteristics of products they want. You also gather data on competing products, such as pricing, and suggest solutions that could help the products of your company become more marketable or attractive to customers. Employment growth in this field is expected at 28 percent which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for market research analysts is $61,070 for 2008.
9. Public Relations Specialist – responsible for company communications, answering questions by reporters, and drafting press releases. This job demands confidence and persons with an outgoing personality are likely to be hired. Job growth in this field is expected at 2 percent which is much faster than the average for all jobs. A bachelor’s degree will be enough for this job. The median wage for public relations specialists is $51,300.
10. Training Specialists – prepares candidates who could potentially replace retiring employees for top executive positions. Also sets up training workshops for new employees. Can also provide communication and interpersonal skills to employees. Employment for this profession is expected to grow by 23 percent in the period 2008 to 2018 and the median annual wage is $51,450.
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