How to Become a Business Development Manager: Career Guide, Courses, After 12th, Eligibility, Entrance Exams, Skills, Salary

Business Development Managers identify and pursue new business opportunities to drive growth and increase revenue for an organisation. To become a Business Development Manager, candidates must clear class 12 and pursue a bachelor’s degree in management or a related field from a recognised university. While not necessary, a master’s degree is recommended for better career prospects.

The salary of a Business Development Manager depends on experience, industry type and expertise in relevant fields. The average annual salary of a Business Development Manager is INR 5.70 LPA with the highest salary being INR 16 LPA. The estimated monthly earning is between INR 43,270 to INR 44,387. Read: Types of Business Development Managers

Candidates can pursue various courses in management and related fields like business administration, marketing, finance and economics to become a Business Development Manager. BBM, BBA and MBA in management are some of the top courses. Candidates can also pursue certifications like PMP to increase their employability. Admissions to these courses are done on the basis of Management Entrance Exams such as CAT, NMAT, and XAT.

How to Become a Business Development Manager: Quick Facts

Eligibility to Become a Business Development Manager

Candidates aspiring to become Business Development Managers have to meet certain eligibility criteria that are listed below for your reference.

• Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in management, business administration or a related field. Many employers also ask candidates to have a master’s degree.
• Candidates are often required to have a relevant work experience in the field to work as a Business Development Manager.
• Candidates should have a sound knowledge of sales and industry.
• Candidates should also possess relevant skills to excel in the role of a Business Development Manager.

Qualifications to Become a Business Development Manager

There are specific educational qualifications that candidates aspiring to become Business Development Managers have to fulfil. The general qualifications are as follows.

• Candidates are required to possess a bachelor’s degree in management, business administration, marketing, finance, economics or a related field from a recognised university.
• Many Business Development Manager roles require candidates to have a master’s degree in a similar field.
• Certifications like PMP or CBAP can work as an added bonus for candidates.
• Candidates targeting top colleges for education have to qualify for an entrance exam.

Steps to Become a Business Development Manager

Candidates can follow the general steps mentioned below to become a Business Development Manager in India

• The first step is to acquire a bachelor’s degree in management or a related field from a recognised university.
• Candidates should look for entry-level roles and internships with increasing responsibilities to gain relevant work experience.
• Developing sales and marketing skills with a sound knowledge of the industry is a must for aspiring candidates. Candidates should also become well-versed with software like MS Office and CRM.
• Candidates can also pursue a master’s degree or specific certification courses for better career prospects.
• After completing education and gaining the necessary skills, candidates can start applying for Business Development Manager roles.

Courses to Become a Business Development Manager

There are many courses that can be pursued by students to become Business Development Managers such as BBA, MBA and BBM. The details for some of the most popular courses are mentioned in the following table.

Entrance Exams

There are many entrance examinations for admission into management courses in India. Some of the most famous entrance exams for banking include CAT, CMAT, MAT, XAT, CUET, IPU CET and NPAT. The details for some of the top exams are mentioned in the following table.

Top Colleges for Business Development Management

There are many colleges in India that offer various courses in management and related discipline for students looking for a career as a Business Development Manager. The details for top colleges are mentioned in the table below.

Skills Required to Become a Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager is a dynamic profession requiring candidates to possess a diverse set of skills. Some of the top skills are tabulated below.

Benefits of Becoming a Business Development Manager

Becoming a Business Development Manager can offer numerous benefits and opportunities for personal growth. Some of the key benefits include

• Business Development Managers often have ample opportunities for career growth and advancement. As they continue to contribute, they can move to high roles or even leadership positions.
• The profession typically has a multifaceted role involving working on diverse projects. The variety and challenges keep the job exciting.
• Business Development Managers directly contribute to the success and growth of an organisation by driving revenue generation and expanding market presence.
• The profession allows managers to work with professionals from different industries allowing them to gain insights and build a versatile skill set.
• The skills acquired as a Business Development Manager are highly transferable offering flexibility in career paths and opportunities for transition into different roles.

Salary of a Business Development Manager

The average annual salary of a Business Development Manager in India is INR 5.7 LPA. The average starting salary is INR 2.5 LPA while the highest salary is INR 16 LPA. The estimated monthly earning is between INR 43,270 to INR 44,387. The salaries for different Business Development Manager designations are mentioned in the following table.