What is a business continuity specialist and how to become one

Business continuity specialists make sure businesses can keep on running, even in challenging times. For example, how would the business adapt if its product supply chain failed? By answering such questions and more, such specialists play a crucial role in protecting the organization's property, employees, and profit. It is a big responsibility and could result in serious consequences, if mishandled.

The duties and responsibilities that business continuity specialists perform include, but are not limited to, auditing strategies for business continuity, including how to manage in a crisis and how to recover after a disaster. Moreover, they find weak points and safety risks in how the business currently runs, develop and publish processes for decision making and communications in the event of an emergency, train management and other staff on business continuity processes, and manage budgets for business continuity resources. Essential skills include building relationships, communication, planning, evaluation, and problem solving. Bachelor's degree in business studies or risk management is the standard requirement, along with sufficient work experience in the field.

The average hourly salary is $32.55, which amounts to $67,705 annually. It may be seem like a burden, but it compensates generously.