Why choose Community Economic Development as a career?
It is collaborative, fast-paced and creative
Gives you the opportunity to be a catalyst for change by working with government and the private sector to build healthy sustainable communities
You have a hand in creating local economic opportunities while improving quality of life
This video below explains what economic developers do:
What are some important skills of community economic developers?
Communication
Flexibility
Strategic Thinking
Strategic Planning
Leadership
Team Building
What factors are involved in Community Economic Development?
Community
Wealth Creation
Mobilization of Resources
Human Resources
Financial and Capital Resources
Physical Resources
Natural Resources
Marketable Goods and Services
What does an Economic Development Officer (EDO) do?
Conduit to the local business community with the ability to support, encourage and advise local businesses
Works closely with the planning department and Council to ensure an understanding and awareness of economic development
Strives to have key decision makers part of creating a ‘pro-business’ environment
Should be the most knowledgeable person regarding the assets of the community and should be the number one sales person to internal and external markets
Possesses critical thinking, great people skills, strong business background, good problem solving skills
Knows how to link to the municipal, provincial and global economic development resources
The EDO is a liaison between the economic development committee and/or community, and supports, encourages, and advises local businesses
Without a large support staff, the EDO must be able to work effectively with volunteers
Works to build community capacity
What are some careers in economic development?
Economic Development Officers
Managers of local or regional economic development organizations
Business development specialists with municipalities or industry organizations
Tourism or recreation specialists
What training is needed?
Knowledge and skills can be enhanced through professional development and University programs.
EDA offers the Community Economic Development Training Program(CEDTP); courses designed for economic development practitioners, decision makers such as elected officials and the business community.
Completion of these courses can be applied to the Professional Management Certificate-Economic Developers at the University of Calgary; the Certified Economic Developer Ec.D; or the CeCD Certified by the International Economic Developers Council.
Economic Development Officer (EDO) training is available through several Canadian institutions such as the University of Waterloo.