Business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants conduct research, formulate policies and manage programs to stimulate industrial and commercial business investment or tourism in urban and rural areas, or to promote commercial or industrial products and services. For example, economic development officers design and administer programs to encourage and support the development of new industries in rural areas. Tourism industry consultants research and recommend marketing strategies to attract more tourists to an area. They are employed by government departments, international organizations, marketing firms and business associations or may be self-employed.

• advertising analyst
• business development officer
• economic development consultant
• economic development officer
• marketing consultant
• marketing researcher
• regional development officer
• small business counsellor
• tourism development officer

To work in these fields, you should be organized, resourceful, and able to co-operate with others in a team. You must be able to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing. You will need an interest in research and familiarity with computers. Advanced computer and technical skills for data manipulation and statistical analysis may be required in some positions.

• A bachelor's degree in economics, commerce, business administration or public administration is required.
• Certification as a certified economic developer (Ec.D.) may be required.

Progression to managerial positions is possible with experience.

The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow slightly over the next few years, which should provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Business Development Officers and Marketing Researchers and Consultants most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions.

The median employment income for 65% of Business Development Officers and Marketing Researchers and Consultants who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $60,235. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)

Hourly earnings data are from the Labour Force Survey by Statistics Canada. Data are not available for all occupations. Hourly earnings are calculated based on usual hours worked per week. This is how an annual salary, for instance, gets converted to an hourly rate. The data include full and part-time workers along with new and experienced workers. Self-employed workers are excluded.

Annual employment income data reported in the Work Prospects section, are from the 2011 National Household Survey by Statistics Canada. Much of the data (around 70%) came directly from tax records. The data relates to the year 2010 and includes total wages and salaries and net income from self-employment.

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