Career Paths in Business Development
Business Development (BD) is not simply a job—it is a profession with structured pathways and global standards. As the global authority in business development, the Business Development Association (BDA) defines career paths based on its internationally recognized framework, the BDA Body of Competency & Knowledge (BDA BoCK®).
This guide outlines the roles, levels, and certifications that shape the career journey of every BD professional, from entry-level analysts to executive leaders, ensuring alignment with global best practices and professional recognition. and when to choose BDA-CP™ or BDA-SCP™,
When is this level right for you?
In the first 0–3 years of experience, or when transitioning from Marketing/Sales/Consulting to Business Development.
Prominent titles:
Business Development Analyst – BD Associate – Partnerships Coordinator
What will you do?
Research markets, customers, competitors and gather insights.
Support the preparation of presentations, partnerships and pitch decks.
Help coordinate pilots and follow up on tasks across teams.
Your goal at this stage: to build a solid knowledge base and a structured way of thinking about growth.
Most suitable certificate: BDA‑CP™ (Standard entry/intermediate career path).
Useful links: How to Get Certified | Exam Details | Prepare for the Exam
When is this level right for you?
2-5 years of experience and ability to lead independent tasks within growth projects.
Prominent titles:
BD Specialist – Partnerships Executive – Market Development Manager – Account Growth Manager
What will you do?
Select segments/markets and test expansion opportunities.
Searching for potential partners, preliminary negotiations, and preparing draft agreements.
Prepare Go-to-Market (GTM) plans in collaboration with Marketing, Sales and Product.
Your goal at this stage: to move from “executing” to leading specific growth initiatives.
Most suitable certificate: BDA‑CP™ (With practical experience) + Start planning later for BDA‑SCP™.
Useful links: Certification Paths | Recertification
When is this level right for you?
5-8 years of experience leading growth programs or multi-partnership portfolios.
Prominent titles:
Senior BD Manager – Head of Partnerships – Strategic Growth Lead
What will you do?
Formulating market theses and selecting growth bets.
Lead complex partnership negotiations and follow up on implementation across teams.
Empowering marketing, sales, and product teams for successful expansion.
Your goal at this stage: to expand the impact from a deal/project to a full-fledged growth program.
The most appropriate certificate: preparation and progress to BDA‑SCP™ (Senior Leadership Level in Business Development).
Useful links: BDA‑SCP™ | Exam Details
When is this level right for you?
Leads regional or multi-product growth strategy and manages parallel teams and pipelines.
Prominent titles:
Director of Business Development – Regional Partnerships Director – VP Growth
What will you do?
Defining the vision, roadmap, and governance for expansion projects.
Manage alliance/channel portfolio and allocate resources to growth bets.
Represent business development at the executive leadership level.
Your goal at this stage: to guide the entire system toward growth with decisions that reflect established standards and practices.
Most suitable certificate: BDA‑SCP™ + Active professional Memberships.
When is this level right for you?
Drive corporate growth at the company level and build a repeatable business development ecosystem.
Prominent titles:
CBDO – CGO – EVP Strategy & Business Development
What will you do?
Formulating company policy for growth and alliances across markets and products.
Enabling internal capacity building in business development (People, Process, Playbooks).
Oversee the alignment of plans with boards, governance, and long-term results.
Your goal at this stage: to establish business development as a corporate profession within the company.
Most suitable certificate: BDA‑SCP™ with Recertification To maintain certification.
Should I start with BDA-CP™ before BDA-SCP™?
Yes, in most cases. The BDA-CP™ builds the professional foundation, and the BDA-SCP™ assesses advanced leadership in business development.
Is it possible to move into business development without direct experience?
Yes. Start with market research assignments, partnership support, or market entry projects, while preparing for the BDA‑CP™.
Do the names differ between companies?
Yes, but the five-level structure above simplifies the understanding of “level and responsibility” regardless of the title.
