Why choose the Business Development & Sales Management specialisation?
Sales and business development are major recruitment areas, and companies are not only looking for generalist profiles. Businesses need candidates who can prospect, negotiate, manage accounts and build a coherent sales strategy from their very first role. The Business Development & Sales Management specialisation at EDC Paris Business School has been designed specifically to meet these expectations.
Benefits of the specialisation
Choosing this specialisation means opting for a programme that gives practical skills the same importance as strategic thinking. Students do not simply learn to understand the mechanics of sales: they practise applying them to real-world cases, working within genuine time, budget and performance constraints.
The commercial skills developed throughout the programme cover the entire sales cycle:
* **Prospecting and lead qualification:** identifying the right targets, building effective outreach sequences and managing a structured sales pipeline;
* **Sales negotiation:** mastering complex sales techniques, handling objections and closing high-value deals;
* **Customer portfolio management:** retaining customers, growing accounts and managing portfolio value over the long term;
* **Sales strategy:** developing a business development plan, segmenting markets and selecting the most appropriate acquisition channels;
* **International business:** developing business in overseas markets and managing cross-cultural commercial relationships.
The benefits of the MSc in Business Development also stem from the programme's active teaching approach, which includes real-world case studies, negotiation simulations, team projects and sessions led by experienced industry professionals. This approach ensures rapid skills development that can be directly applied and valued in the workplace.
Career opportunities
Career opportunities after the MSc in Business Development are extensive, covering both operational roles and positions with management responsibilities. The programme prepares students to take on real commercial responsibilities from the moment they graduate.
Career paths in sales and business development include:
* **Business Developer:** acquiring new customers, opening new markets and building the sales pipeline;
* **Account Manager or Key Account Manager:** managing and developing an existing customer portfolio;
* **Sales Development Representative:** qualifying leads and generating opportunities for sales teams;
* **Sales Manager:** managing a sales team and driving commercial performance;
* **Business Development Consultant:** supporting companies in structuring and implementing their growth strategies.
Employability is one of the programme's key strengths. The work-study format, with three weeks in a company followed by one week of classes, enables students to build solid professional experience and an active network before even graduating. Students following the full-time programme, meanwhile, benefit from internships integrated into the curriculum, with support from EDC Paris Business School's Corporate Relations team.
Professional network and corporate partnerships
The professional network built during the MSc is one of the most valuable assets students develop throughout their studies. The industry professionals involved in teaching, representing a wide range of organisations from SMEs to major corporations, provide students with direct contacts when looking for an internship, work-study placement or first job.
The programme's corporate partnerships translate into concrete opportunities to gain experience in demanding professional environments. Companies such as Orange, SFR, Thales, Sodexo, Michael Page and Doctolib have hosted programme students, providing them with real-world commercial experience while they are still studying.
Collaborative projects carried out with these partners also give students opportunities to stand out. A convincing presentation delivered to industry professionals can directly lead to an internship or work-study offer. This is one of the tangible benefits of a teaching approach so closely connected to the business world.
Beyond the programme itself, the Force EDC alumni network, which brings together nearly 20,000 graduates, provides a lasting resource for students looking for a mentor, seeking early access to job opportunities or developing their own project through the EDCUBE incubator.
The Business Development specialisation at EDC Paris Business School prepares well-rounded commercial professionals who can operate effectively both in the field and at a strategic level. To explore the MSc's career opportunities in more detail and assess whether this programme is right for your career plans in sales and business development, visit the full programme description on the EDC Paris Business School website or book an appointment with an academic advisor.