Career Opportunities after a Major in International Business

With the rapidly expanding global economy and the highly competitive job market, securing a college degree becomes extremely essential to increase one’s earning potential. Further, we as individuals, families and communities lay greater emphasis on a college degree.

What a student chooses as a major in college has far-reaching consequences, especially in terms of access to better paying jobs and high earnings. Naturally, choosing a major is a key decision and involves considerable time, research, cost, effort and stress.

International Business Education

The demand for international business education is growing rapidly and expected to sustain strong growth in the coming years. While expanding global economy is key a driver, the market requires specialists with capability to comprehend the diversity of global business scenario. International business is one area that demands a comprehensive, higher-grade education for all levels, including entry-level jobs.

Among other things, a major in international business would bestow an individual a greater ability to think analytically, the dedication towards completion of tasks right from beginning to end, exceptional communication skills, ability to handle uncertainty, problem solving skills, capability to work around technology and people management skills.

A major in international business prepares an individual to pursue career both in domestic and international job markets. For instance,graduates with a keen interest in banking can opt to work at a regional bank with foreign accounts or with a foreign-based bank that operates a regional office. Equipped with a major in international business, an individual becomes a professional and evolves as an intellectually and socially matured person.

Major in International Business – Areas of Study

A graduate program in international business imparts students with a global mindset. The programme it emphasises key management principles and practices of international business, studies the implications of foreign direct investment as well as analyzes the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on global economy.

Career for a Major in International Business

Leading global business houses, particularly seek to recruit individuals who have majored in international business, especially in the fields of financial, marketing and operations. The field of study is ideal for the ones, who love to travel and explore, show immense interest in foreign cultures, enjoy interacting with new people and are constant learners.

International business is a versatile field and offers widespread array of career opportunities across several emerging international markets such as international banking, manufacturing and technology-based sectors. Aspirants can choose to work either in banking, management, finance or consulting specializations.

Multinational corporations face numerous challenges when operating in the international business field. Few such challenges include issues relating to fast changing global trade trends, impact of political and economic changes as well as customs and etiquette matters.

The industry is complex and highly volatile, hence multinational companies seek to hire business professionals with adequate knowledge of global business and the capability to foresee and manage unexpected issues.The complexity and competitiveness of the jobs in international business makes them more lucrative with excellent growth potential.

Areas of Specification

Bulk of jobs in international business field involve sales and marketing, while financial management, operations,microeconomics, strategic planning, law and technology are other prominent fields.

Popular Jobs within International Business

International Economist

Management Analyst

Financial Controller

Business Development Professional

International Foreign Trade Policy Advisor

Multinational Manager

International Trade and Customs Manager

Global Marketing Director

International Market Research Analyst

International Investment Banker

Import/Export Executive

Credit Analyst

Customer Support Specialist

Human Resource Specialist

Corporate Recruiter

All these job profiles are ideal for individuals with a major in international business, while advanced training and practical experience would make the aspirants eligible for top managerial positions.

Besides securing a major in international business, aspiring graduates need to develop certain essential skills to gain an edge to their career in international business, including

Cultural sensitivity and adaptability

Research and analytical skills

Logical or quantitative reasoning

Effective communication with suppliers and customers from various global regions

Global perspective

Knowledge of foreign customs and business etiquette

Fluency in one or two foreign languages

Knowledge of global trade practices and policies

Conclusion

A major in international business is ideal for students interested in management and related fields. Individuals equipped with a major in international business can work with multinational corporations and help in improving operational efficiency, especially in international political, economic, social, legal and financial matters.

Fresh graduates can try and seek practical experience through internship programs or volunteering programs with a reputed organization. Internships expose students to practical working methods and help improve networking as well as increase visibility. Such initiatives might provide students the benefit of accessing unadvertised jobs, especially in organizations such as the European Union, United Nations, prominent international banks, corporations and the international NGOs.