Key takeaways
- Business development skills employers seek:
- Communication skills – written and verbal communication
- Listening skills – to understand what potential partners, clients, or stakeholders need
- Negotiation and persuasion – to be able to draw up mutually beneficial agreements
- Strategic thinking
- Networking and relationship building
- Problem-solving skills
- Project management
- Sales skills
- Market research and analysis
- Financial acumen
- Adaptability and resilience
- Build the skills employers seek:
- Business development degree
- Business development courses
- Business development certifications
The job market is becoming increasingly competitive, as evidenced by reports from multiple agencies and research organizations. A 2024 report by Workday’s Global Workforce Report, as quoted by Forbes, highlights the disparity between the number of job applications and the number of job openings. As per the report, job openings grew by 7% whereas job applications increased by a whopping 31%.
So, how do you ensure your application stands out when there are at least four times as many people applying for the same role as you? You focus on industry trends, latest developments, and on developing skills employers seek. Here, we explore business development skills employers look for in entry-level hires.
What is business development?
Business development is what drives an organization’s growth and leads it towards success and profitability in the long run. It involves a set of activities an organization uses to create long-term value. Though the operation is vast, it primarily focuses on identifying new opportunities, including new target markets, building long-lasting relationships, increasing revenue generation, and driving growth.
The goal is not only to increase sales but to ensure long-term profitability through strategic partnerships, market expansion, improving the company’s operational efficiency, and so on. Key elements of business development include:
- Opportunity identification through market research and analysis
- Forming strategic partnerships and alliances
- Analyzing trends to identify new opportunities
- Competitors analysis
- Generating leads and nurturing potential clients
- Collaborating with multiple teams, especially sales, finance, and marketing teams
- Develop strategies and models to grow the business sustainably
- Drawing up and negotiating contracts to protect and further the company’s interests
Why consider business development careers?
There are multiple processes involved in setting and taking an organization forward. According to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), only 34.7% of businesses created in 2013 were still in operation by 2023. The same report highlights that 23.2% failed in the first year, and over 48% businesses from the same pool failed in the first five years.
The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor reports that entrepreneurial activity in the US has once again reached the record high of 19% in 2024, as it did two years prior in 2022. The rise in entrepreneurial activity and the changing economic landscape, driven primarily by technical innovation, is leading to business transformation.
Thus, the demand for business development professionals is rising as they play a pivotal role in driving an organization’s growth and guaranteeing its success. If you are looking for high-paying career opportunities within the corporate sector, but do not want to go into finance or accounting, business development careers are ideal for you.
What skills do you need for business development jobs?
As a fresh graduate, the first interview and job application can be daunting. Sitting in the waiting room, with multiple other applicants, is not so great for nerves either. However, there are steps you can take to develop skills and amp up your resume to provide employers exactly what they are looking for in entry-level biz dev hires. So, what are employers looking for in fresh graduates?
According to a 2024 study by MoldStud Research Team, employers specifically seek graduates with prior work experience and a demonstrated practical skill set. Key findings of the report include:
- Integrating practical experience alongside educational experience can boost employability by up to 70%
- 60% employers prefer graduates with prior work experience
- 67% of internship participants receive at least 1 job offer in the first 3 months after graduation
- 51% internship participants report gaining critical skills during the program that boost employability
So, we can safely conclude that employers seek candidates with internships and co-op experience, as these enable participants to gain practical skills that boost employability.
Business development skills employers seek for entry-level biz dev jobs
Business development roles require a diverse mix of hard and soft skills, as the role often involves a combination of strategic thinking, relationship-building, and execution. Here are the key skills needed:
- Communication skills – written and verbal communication
- Listening skills – to understand what potential partners, clients, or stakeholders need
- Negotiation and persuasion – to be able to draw up mutually beneficial agreements
- Strategic thinking
- Networking and relationship building
- Problem-solving skills
- Project management
- Sales skills
- Market research and analysis
- Financial acumen
- Adaptability and resilience
- Technical skills – vary based on industry
- Leadership and teamwork
- Time management
- Emotional intelligence
Explore the differences in skills required for business development jobs in tech vs CPG, vs B2B services.
How to develop business development skills that employers seek in entry-level hires?
The ideal way to develop skills for business development jobs is through a bachelor’s degree in business development. However, a standalone degree in biz dev is not readily available. So, the next best alternative is to pursue a relevant business degree with business development as a major. Popular options include a bachelor’s in business administration or a management degree.
You can also consider alternate majors, such as marketing or sales, and pursue relevant business development courses to develop the complete business development skills employers need. Business development certifications can help advance your career by enhancing your eligibility for mid-career roles such as a business development manager.
Bachelor of Business Development Overview |
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|---|---|
| Level | Bachelor’s: As a concentration in business programs, e.g., BBA, management, and so on.
Master’s degree |
| Focus | Identifying growth opportunities, long-term growth, forming strategic partnerships, and identifying new markets |
| Core courses |
|
| Who is it good for? | Students interested in strategy, entrepreneurship, and company growth. |
| Career opportunities |
|
| Average salary | $150,892 per year
Source: Glassdoor – as of April 2025 |
| Cost | $7,170 – median in-state
$34,800 – median out-of-state/private Source: DATAUSA |
| ROI |
|
Top colleges for an on-campus business development degree
An undergraduate degree in business development can open doors to many entry-level jobs in business development or related fields, specifically sales and marketing. Here are some of the top business colleges, as well as their 2025-2026 tuition information for an on-campus degree.
Top 10 colleges for a Bachelor’s in Business Development |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | College/University | Private/ in-state resident tuition | Non-state resident tuition |
| 1 | University of Houston | $11,234.54 | $27,291.68 |
| 2 | University of Texas at Austin | $13,576 | $51,106 |
| 3 | Babson College | $58,560 | N/A |
| 4 | University of Washington | $13,406 | $44,640 |
| 5 | Washington University in St. Louis | $68,240 | N/A |
| 6 | Harvard University | $59,320 | $59,320 |
| 7 | University of California, Berkeley | $17,478 | $55,080 |
| 8 | University of Michigan | $18,346 | $63,962 |
| 9 | New York University | $67,430 | $67,430 |
| 10 | Carnegie Mellon University | $67,020 | $67,020 |
Top colleges for an online degree in biz dev
Those looking for a more flexible learning option can pursue an online business development degree. Here are some of the best online business development programs.
Top 10 colleges for an online business development degree |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | College/University | Private/ in-state resident tuition | Non-state resident tuition |
| 1 | Colorado Technical University | $16,125 | $16,125 |
| 2 | University of Michigan | $18,346 | $63,962 |
| 3 | University of Wisconsin – Madison | $12,186 | $44,210 |
| 4 | University of California, Berkeley | $17,478 | $55,080 |
| 5 | Oklahoma State University | $33,700 | $49,220 |
| 6 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | $7,317 | $23,523 |
| 7 | Kennesaw State University | $5,700 | $21,030 |
| 8 | University of Illinois – Chicago | $11,424 | $27,526 |
| 9 | East Carolina University | $7,593 | $23,870 |
| 10 | Carnegie Mellon University | $67,020 | $67,020 |
Best business development courses to pursue
To develop relevant business development skills, if pursuing an alternate business major, or hoping to develop specific skills for a particular business development job.
| Course name | Offered by | Cost |
| Credential Of Digital Innovation and Strategy | Harvard online courses | $6,500 |
| Business Strategy | University of Virginia | Enroll for free – Coursera |
| Business Development Professional (Corporate training) | BD School | Varies by preferences |
| AI for Leaders | Harvard online courses | $1,850 |
| Launching Tech Ventures | Harvard online courses | $1,850 |
| Business Growth Strategy | University of Virginia | Enroll for free – Coursera |
| Launch Your Online Business | State University of New York | Enroll for free – Coursera |
| Business Development Masterclass | Udemy | $84.99 |
| Sustainable Business Strategy | Harvard online courses | $1,850 |
| Entrepreneurship Essentials | Harvard online courses | $1,850 |
Business development certifications to enhance career opportunities
The following business development certifications can enhance your eligibility for certain business development careers and boost employability. However, to pursue these certifications, you need to meet certain educational and work experience requirements.
| Business certificate program | Offered by |
| Certified Business Development Manager (CBDM) | American Institute of Business Management (AIBMC) |
| Strategic Business Development Certification | Management and Strategy Institute (MSI) |
| Certified Sales Executive (CSE) | Sales and Marketing Executive International (SMEI) |
| Certified Business Development Expert (CBDE) | Accredited Certification Institute |
| Certified Business Relationship Manager (CBRM) | Business Relationship Management Institute (BRMI) |
| Certified Strategic Alliance Professional (CSAP) | Association of Strategic Alliance Professionals (ASAP) |
| Certified Marketing Management Professional (CMMP) | International Institute of Marketing Professionals (IIMP) |
| Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) | American Marketing Association (AMA) |
| Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) | Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) |
| Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP) | National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP) |
Explore business development careers and salaries
With a business development degree, there is a diverse range of careers you can pursue. Here are just a few high-paying job opportunities, as well as their entry-level, mid-career, and leadership-level salaries as of November 2025.
| Job title | Entry-level salary | Mid-level salary | Leadership |
| Business Development Manager | $55,773 | $85,602 | $112,389 |
| Management Analyst | $80,350 | $96,658 | $114,472 |
| Intrapreneurship | $62,500 | $106,567 | $193,500 |
| Sales Manager | $45,046 | $75,848 | $97,058 |
| Business Consultant | $61,500 | $99,275 | $141,500 |
| Marketing Manager | $50,705 | $83,488 | $117,083 |
| Communications Manager | $67,006 | $85,857 | $109,595 |
| Project Manager | $76,000 | $87,093 | $126,702 |
| Acquisition Manager | $86,000 | $118,006 | $139,500 |
| Logistics Manager | $56,500 | $76,301 | $90,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get a job with no experience at 20?
To secure a job without any work experience will prove challenging in 2025 as integrated practical experience is highly valued by employers. Make sure you participate in internships, competitions, and projects to accumulate demonstrated skill set experience to boost employability. Internships and co-ops are especially useful for entry-level biz-dev hires.
What are 3 qualities you look for in a company?
Choosing the right company is just as important for professional development as choosing the right college degree. Thus, here are 3 things to look out for in a company:
- Positive and supportive culture
- Strong growth opportunities
- Great leadership
What do employers look for in entry-level hires in 2025?
Employers prefer graduates with prior work experience and a demonstrated skill set. Graduates with internships and co-ops can boost an applicant’s employability by up to 70% according to research.
Which soft skills are essential for entry-level biz dev jobs?
Business development jobs require a blend of skills. Soft skills that can boost employability include:
- Communication
- Relationship building
- Networking
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Negotiation
- Empathy
- Adaptability
- Resilience
- Self-motivation
Next steps: Compare more majors to find the best fit for your career goals
Related: Business development vs Sales vs Marketing – Which is better?