Economic development officer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma, degree or postgraduate qualification in one of the following subjects:

• regeneration
• planning and surveying
• economics
• marketing
• business management
• construction management
• housing

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do a professional economist degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Work

You could start as an assistant, researcher or administrator in an economic development unit.

You could then work your way up through training and promotion to become a development officer.

DirectApplication

You could apply directly if you've got a background in bidding for funding, managing projects, controlling budgets or marketing.

You'll usually need experience from working in a related area like:

• town planning
• community development
• regeneration
• business advice
• construction management

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• the ability to work well with others
• analytical thinking skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• persistence and determination
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• business management skills
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• maths skills
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• customer service skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of geography
• active listening skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of systems analysis and development
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Economic development officers get companies to set up businesses in an area to create new jobs, facilities and growth.

As an economic development officer, you could:

• develop projects to support local business growth
• build partnerships with communities, business networks and local government
• bid for funding and manage budgets
• set up training schemes for local businesses and unemployed people
• advise local businesses and community groups
• promote the local area to attract new employers and increase tourism
• work on neighbourhood renewal projects
• organise business fairs and give presentations

Location : You could work in an office.

Salary:

Starter : £24,000
Experienced : £45,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings occasionally

Career Path:

With experience, you could:

• become a senior officer or economic policy manager
• move into freelance consultancy
• work abroad with international development agencies