Skip to content
New and Early Career Economic Developers
*
1.
Name
(Required.)
*
2.
Email address
(Required.)
*
3.
Which sector do you currently work in?
(Required.)
Local Government
State Government
Federal Government
Private Sector
Regional Development Australia
Other (please specify)
*
4.
How long have you been working in Economic Development?
(Required.)
Less than 1 year
1–3 years
4–6 years
7–10 years
More than 10 years
*
5.
Did you make a conscious decision to enter a career in Economic Development or did you evolve into this role? (Select all that apply)
(Required.)
I made a conscious decision to pursue a career in Economic Development
I gradually evolved into this role over time
I was recruited or introduced to economic development by someone else
I transitioned from a different field or industry into Economic Development
Other (please specify) or feel free to elaborate on your response above (1-2 sentences).
*
6.
What attracted you to work in Economic Development? (Select all that apply)
(Required.)
Interest in local community growth
Desire to impact economic policy
Opportunity for career development
Enjoy working with diverse stakeholders
I wanted to try working in a different part of my organisation
Other (please specify)
*
7.
If you worked professionally prior to working in Economic Development, what did you do? (Brief overview of career 2-3 sentences)
(Required.)
*
8.
What has been the most helpful advice you’ve received about working in Economic Development? Where did you get this advice, or from whom?
(Required.)
*
9.
What are the main things you wish you knew when you started out in Economic Development? (Select all that apply)
(Required.)
How to effectively engage with local stakeholders
The importance of economic data and analytics
How to navigate a government environment
How to manage public expectations
How to collaborate effectively across multiple sectors and / or departments
Other (please specify)
*
10.
What knowledge and skills did you already have that has helped you? (Select all that apply)
(Required.)
Existing professional networks
Analytical or research skills
Project management experience
Other (please specify)
*
11.
What transferable knowledge / qualifications / experience did you have which has proven helpful in your new role? (Select all that apply)
(Required.)
Finance
Business Development
Industry Development
Community Development
Planning
Other (please specify)
*
12.
Are there resources or sources of information that you’ve found particularly helpful as a new / early career Economic Developer? (Select all that apply)
(Required.)
Industry reports and publications
Online courses and webinars
Networking events and conferences
Mentorship programs
EDA resource hub
I haven’t found much to help
Other (please specify) or feel free to elaborate on your response above (1-2 sentences).
*
13.
Who do you ask when you have questions or encounter a challenge? (Select all that apply)
(Required.)
Colleagues or team members
Supervisor or manager
Mentors or advisors
Industry peers or professional networks
Other (please specify)
*
14.
What’s one thing you’ve felt too embarrassed to ask? This could be anything… for example, about technical terms, current issues or stakeholder roles.
(Required.)
*
15.
What would have helped you at the start of your Economic Development career? (Select all that apply)
(Required.)
More training or formal education in Economic Development
Access to a mentor or peer network
Better understanding of the local economy and community issues
Clearer expectations from my organisation
Other (please specify)
*
16.
What do you find most challenging about understanding your local economy or community? (Select all that apply)
(Required.)
Limited or poor quality data
Understanding complex stakeholder interests
Identifying key economic drivers and trends
Engaging diverse community members
Other (please specify)
*
17.
Are there tools, platforms, or resources you’ve found challenging to use in your role? (Select all that apply)
(Required.)
Data analysis tools
Project management software
Economic modeling tools
Online platforms for community engagement
Other (please specify)
*
18.
If you have experienced barriers to building confidence in your role, what would you say they were? (Select all that apply)
(Required.)
Lack of relevant training opportunities
Not sure how to get more experience
I don’t have inspirational role models
I don’t feel part of a network
I feel supported and am building confidence
I feel confident and don’t have barriers
Other (please specify) or feel free to elaborate on your response above.
19.
If EDA were to develop and facilitate a training module tailored to New and Early Career Economic Developers, would you be interested in participating?
Yes
No
Maybe
*
20.
If EDA was to develop a course for new and early career professionals, what content would you like? (Select all that apply)
(Required.)
Data sources
Terminology & acronyms
Stakeholders and their roles
Foundations of macroeconomics
Economic development strategies and frameworks
History of economic development in Australia
Presentation skills
Networking skills
Other (please specify)
*
21.
What are your preferred formats for training or learning? (Please select all that apply)
(Required.)
Online self-paced modules
Live webinars or virtual workshops
In-person training sessions
One-on-one mentorship or coaching
Group-based peer learning programs
Other (please specify)
*
22.
As well as technical skills, cognitive (sometimes referred to as soft skills) are also important. Which cognitive skills do you think are crucial to learn as an Economic Developer? (Select all that apply)
(Required.)
Stakeholder and relationship building
Facilitation and running good meetings
Communication, negotiation, and difficult conversations
Problem-solving and critical thinking
Conflict resolution and mediation
Other (please specify)
*
23.
What are your longer-term career aspirations? Eg: how long do you anticipate working in Economic Development?
(Required.)
*
24.
Do you plan to participate in the EDA National Training and Education Program in the next few years?
(Required.)
Yes
No
I’m in the process of completing it
I’ve completed it
If not, what are the reasons (e.g., lack of qualifications, cost concerns, etc.)?"
25.
Would you be interested in joining a networking group specifically for New and Early Career Economic Developers?
Yes
No
Maybe
*
26.
Is there any other feedback or advice you’d like to let us know about early career Economic Developers?
(Required.)
