Five lesser-known business careers
When thinking of careers in business, some imagine starting a business or chief executive officers leading meetings in conference rooms. In reality, many sectors, departments and roles are available within the business field.
It’s important for youth considering careers in business to know their options. Below is a list of lesser-known careers to consider.
Donor relations manager
According to Chai Lifeline Canada, United Way and Zip Recruiter, a donor relations manager assists companies and organizations with fundraising. They brainstorm ways to increase donations and manage projects with community partners and volunteers.
They find donors, cater to community needs and lead marketing initiatives and fundraising and donor recognition events.
Networking, research and writing skills, fundraising and project and event coordination experience are required.
A degree in adult education, communications, marketing or public relations or a college diploma are preferred.
Event planner
As per Indeed, an event planner plans, promotes and monitors events, creating reports for future events.
They select vendors, venues and entertainment, negotiate prices, ensure attendee satisfaction and stay within budget. They also give cost estimates, hire staff, manage ticket sales and social media, meet with event committees, clients and sponsors.
They may report to a director of events, a marketing or public relations team, company owners or general managers. Event planners have strong management skills and can work for convention centres, professional associations, governments and tourist organizations. Some are self-employed, contractors or company employees.
Entry-level event planners need two to five years of event coordination experience. Many roles require years of experience in hospitality, tourism, management or public relations as well.
Some positions require business or hospitality administration degrees. However, less senior positions only require a high school diploma with similar experience.
There are many event planning and management and hospitality and tourism certification programs to choose from across Ontario.
Forensic accountant
According to Indeed and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, forensic accountants provide investigative accounting and litigation support. They perform forensic research, prepare accounting reports and data for testimony and litigation, trace funds and identify recovery assets.
Most positions require one to three years of accounting experience. A bachelor’s in accounting, forensic accounting or in a related field is required. A master’s in forensic accounting is beneficial. Education in law enforcement or criminal justice due to collaboration with legal professionals and law enforcement is also helpful.
Companies usually require getting a Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Accountant or Certified Internal Auditor licence.
Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada offers the Certified in Financial Forensics with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. It is only granted to professional accountants with significant expertise in forensic accounting.
Forensic accountants can pursue additional certifications such as the Certified Fraud Examiner credential.
Leadership coach
According to Indeed, a leadership coach guides clients personally and professionally. Coaches help create better, more productive leaders who achieve their goals by working on their weaknesses and interpersonal skills.
Leadership coaches have strong communication skills and are empathetic, patient and self-aware.
Many coaches have a degree in psychology, education or management. An accredited non-profit leadership coaching course is a good start to coaching, and there are a few available in Canada. Volunteering and working part-time for training institutions that handle leadership coaching can help gain experience, as does training with mentors.
Leadership coaches can be self-employed or work as contractors, consultants or for organizations. Some may start their own coaching business. Upon becoming a coach, one can stay up-to-date through coaching books and conferences.
Sustainability program coordinator
As per Environmental Science and Eco, a sustainability program coordinator implements sustainability programs, developing design guidelines within organizations and projects.
They perform sustainable strategy and healthy materials research and support project construction. They create, help improve and update process templates, publicize, develop, document and collaborate on sustainability policies, priorities and standards.
These program coordinators prepare sustainability and corporate responsibility reports and may design awareness campaigns on policy changes. They are usually the liaison between departments, perform social media outreach and website updates and publish newsletter columns.
They are primarily employed within the federal government, the private sector, education and technical consulting.
The demand for sustainability coordinators should increase by 15 per cent between 2020 and 2030 as green alternatives gain traction.
Ontario college management programs are potential starting points for those looking to expand their business knowledge and work in the field.
Some may be set on working a specific role for which they’re currently ineligible. If that’s your case, identify the role’s academic, volunteer and/or work requirements. Apply to programs that satisfy them and to related entry-level roles.