What is an Economic Development Job?
Economic development jobs are positions within a community or region that focus on improving the economic well-being of the area. These jobs can be found in both the public and private sectors and involve a wide range of activities to promote growth, attract new business, and create jobs.
What Usually Do in this Position?
Professionals in economic development jobs work to create and implement strategies that will help their region or community grow economically. This can include working with local businesses to help them expand and attract new customers, identifying opportunities for investment in the area, and developing relationships with other regions and organizations to promote economic growth.
Top 5 Skills for Position
- Communication: effective communication skills are crucial for economic development jobs, as professionals in this field must be able to build relationships and negotiate with a wide range of stakeholders, including business leaders, government officials, and community members.
- Strategic thinking: economic development jobs require professionals to think strategically, identifying opportunities for growth and developing plans to achieve economic goals.
- Analytical skills: analyzing data and economic trends is an important part of economic development, so professionals in this field should have strong analytical skills.
- Adaptability: economic development is a constantly evolving field, so the ability to adapt to changing circumstances is an important skill for professionals in this field.
- Networking: building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders is crucial for economic development jobs, so strong networking skills are essential.
How to Become this Type of Specialist
To become an economic development specialist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as economics, business, or public policy. Many professionals in this field also have a master's degree in a related field. Relevant work experience, such as internships or entry-level positions in economic development, is also important.
Average Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for economic development specialists is $66,500. However, salaries can vary widely depending on the specific position, location, and level of experience.
Roles and Types
Economic development jobs can be found in a wide variety of organizations, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies. Some common roles in economic development include economic development specialists, business development managers, and community development directors.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in USA
Economic development jobs can be found in communities and regions throughout the United States. Some of the locations with the most popular economic development jobs include major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, as well as smaller cities and towns throughout the country.
What are the Typical Tools
Professionals in economic development jobs use a variety of tools to analyze data, develop strategies, and promote economic growth. Some common tools used in this field include economic modeling software, marketing and outreach tools, and data analysis tools.
In Conclusion
Economic development jobs play a vital role in promoting economic growth and improving the well-being of communities and regions. Professionals in this field use a wide range of skills and tools to develop strategies and promote economic growth, and the jobs are found in a variety of organizations and locations throughout the United States.