- knowledge of English language
- knowledge of geography
- 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
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Your day-to-day duties could include:
- developing projects to support local business growth
- building partnerships with communities, business networks and local government
- bidding for local, national and European funding
- setting up training schemes for local businesses and unemployed people
- advising local businesses and community groups
- promoting the local area to attract new employers and increase tourism
- working on neighbourhood renewal projects
- organising business fairs and giving presentations
- managing budgets
- attracting inward investment or bidding for funding
You could work in an office.
With experience, you could progress to senior officer or economic policy manager.
You could also move into freelance consultancy work, or work abroad with international development agencies.
You can learn more about working in economic development through the Institute of Economic Development.
