Christine Smith has to think globally to do her job as a business development officer in Halifax with the federal government. (TIM KROCHAK / Staff)

CHRISTINE SMITH is always on the prowl for new business opportunities.

As part of a seven-member federal trade service team working out of the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax, the Newfoundland native spends much of her days trying to make sure Nova Scotia businesses get a heaping serving of the global trade pie.

In one week that might mean organizing a trade mission to Europe, in another it could mean calling on business to find out the information they need to make the jump from selling locally to selling to a country halfway around the world. Meeting dedicated people and connecting them into the network of 140 offices abroad is one of the satisfactions of the job, but the job seems especially rewarding when she sees the company grow as a result of a connection the office helped facilitate. Last year, for instance, a contact made during an Australian trade mission to the province led to a local company landing a major contact.

International travel can be part of the job for those interested in four year postings abroad, but the senior trade commissioner said domestic work can be both challenging and rewarding.

Interested in business development or a related career? Read on.

NATURE OF THE WORK
Business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants conduct research, develop policies and manage programs designed to stimulate business activity, investment or tourism. For example, economic development officers design and administer programs to encourage and support the development of new industries in rural areas.

Tourism industry consultants research and recommend marketing strategies to attract more tourists to an area.

SKILLS
To work in these fields, you should be organized, resourceful and able to co-operate with others in a team. You must be able to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing. You will need an interest in research and familiarity with computers. Advanced computer and technical skills for data manipulation and statistical analysis may be required in some positions.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
A bachelor's degree in economics, commerce, business administration or public administration is required.

WORK PROSPECTS
Major employers for this occupation are government departments and agencies, marketing firms and business associations. Self-employment in this occupation is also common.

Retirements will result in some job openings in Nova Scotia in the coming years, particularly in government departments and agencies.

The combination of declining and aging populations in rural areas of Nova Scotia is expected to decrease our tax base and increase a need for certain public services, notably health care. An important part of addressing these challenges will be the development of industrial and commercial business investment, particularly in rural areas. Government funding to address these issues would increase demand for business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants.

LABOUR MARKET INFORMATION
Outlook: Fair
Employment in 2005: 810
Average job openings in a year: 33
Earnings in 2005: From $9 to $31.25 hourly with an average of $19.75

WHERE ARE THE JOBS?
Annapolis Valley 12.3%
Cape Breton 12.3%
Halifax 65.2%
North Shore 4.5%
Southern N.S. 5.8%

This is a young occupation, with an average age of 38. Eight per cent work part time and a little more than 12 per cent are self-employed. Most have post-secondary educations and nearly 15 per cent have postgraduate degrees.

TYPICAL JOBS
Community economic development officer, business development officer, marketing consultant, tourism devel­opment officer, market researcher.

Related occupations: Managers in public administration, urban and land use planners, financial and investment analysts, financial planners and other financial officers, economists and economic policy researchers and analysts, social policy researchers and program officers.

On The Job is a weekly feature looking at career opportunities in Nova Scotia.