Business development expertise can be a prerequisite for many types of careers, although the actual job titles and tasks vary whether you work for for-profits or non-profits.

In the for-profit world, business development experience is often associated with upper-level management or strategic consulting, where one must be able to evaluate the costs and benefits of choices in steering the future of a company. Business development manager or partner development manager may also be an important position in some companies, particularly business-to-business (B2B) companies that must find and strike deals with prospective corporate customers.

Non-profit business development careers typically start with work as a development associate and continue on to more strategic roles as directors of development. As detailed by the National Council of Non-Profits, these development professionals must creatively pursue a wide range of activities in order to secure funding for upcoming programs, including grant writing, event planning, and soliciting donors. Non-profit development roles typically require greater social and interpersonal skills than in the business world, since building warm relationships with key donors is often a major part of the job.

Indeed! Coursera offers a wide range of accredited business courses and Specializations from top-ranked institutions, including courses in business development and related topics. With the opportunity to learn about business development remotely from leading faculty at schools like the University of Virginia and the University of London, you can be sure that learning on Coursera can be a high-value element in your own career growth strategy.