An
international business career is a valuable way to learn about
different cultures, travel around the world, and develop business
strategies that can be applied globally. Graduates with an
international business degree can choose a variety of positions with
employers that have established companies and brands around the
world. Many students choose to pursue a master degree in
international business after completing basic training within the
field, and a variety of courses are available.
Job Description and
Responsibilities with an International Business Degree
In order to stay competitive with in the international marketplace,
many students are choosing to pursue studies that encompass
different languages and cultures. A broader perspective is part of
many international business programs, and
allows students to understand cultural differences, globalization of
world markets, and adopt multicultural business etiquette.
General responsibilities and types of jobs with an international
business career include:
-
Traveling to
foreign countries and serving as an ambassador
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Learning foreign
languages and common business practices
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Adapting to
cultural trends and international business procedures
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Understanding the
history and trends of overseas markets
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Developing strong
communication skills for a variety of people and markets
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Understanding
social economic and political factors that affect business around
the world
Skills Needed for
an International Business Career
While the skill set
varies depending on the specialization of the
career, the most common skills needed include:
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Strong
communication and verbal skills
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Ability to adapt
to be flexible with new cultures
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Ability to learn
about foreign principles and procedures
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Traveling far
from home for extended periods of time
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Understanding
international finance, marketing, and business management
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Working within
different time zones on a regular basis
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Project
management skills
-
Understanding of
cultural norms and taboos
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Developing
marketing and advertising programs permissible in different areas
of the world
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Leadership skills
-
Critical thinking
and analytical skills
Obtaining an
International Business Degree Online
While formal training through an international business school or
college offers many opportunities for
networking, completing a degree online is a
valuable opportunity for students who do not have access to an
accredited program. Both a bachelors degree and Master degree in
international business are available in an online format, and are
valuable ways for students to obtain the training they need from a
distance. Enrolling in a course with an
online format is a simple way to supplement a business degree or
other related course of study.
An international business degree online offers the same types of
programs and courses of study as an on-campus program. Typical
courses include:
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Global Business and Public Policy
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Multinational Management
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Global Marketing Techniques
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Pricing and Distribution Strategies
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International Law
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International Trade and Customs
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Accounting and Finance
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Organizational Behavior
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Global Corporation, Case Studies
International
Business Degree Requirements
Degree requirements vary depending on the
discipline and specialization. Students majoring in international
business are taught variety of subjects, and will be introduced to
global perspectives on trade, commerce, finance, economics, history,
marketing, and the world economy. A course
may be specialized within a specific industry or country, or may
also be taken as an independent study class as a supplement to any
international business program.
Programs offered often
include bachelor degree programs, a Master degree in international
business, MBA programs, and graduate certificates. A bachelors
degree program is usually a combination of
a bachelor of science or arts, with a concentration in international
business. This is the basic requirement for entry-level positions,
and courses are designed for management in the global sphere. Many
of these programs can be completed in two years, and students who
choose to pursue a master degree in international business will need
to gain work experience in addition to this basic level of
education.
Obtaining a Master
Degree in International Business
A Master degree can be completed after a bachelors degree in
international business or related field. These degree programs are
specifically designed for management level professionals, and the
demand for trained managers in this sector is very high, and very
competitive. An MBA program is another opportunity to focus on
global studies and achieve formal certification. Managers interested
in learning specific techniques may choose
to pursue a Graduate Certificate in International Business, where
they enroll in a course specializing in
government relations and strategic alliances.
International
Business Career Potential and Employment Prospects
The demand for highly trained and qualified professionals in offers a variety of career opportunities.
Global business is growing rapidly, especially with the advances in
technology and communications. In addition to the basic knowledge
about a country, the customs, culture, and business practices are
even more important today. Salaries for those who pursue training
within the field are considerably high across many domains, and
those who specialize in global marketing and politics have the most
favorable opportunities for employment.
Graduates of international business school have three options for
working abroad. They may be hired as an expatriate, where they will
obtain a work visa and work with a US company that has a presence in
another country; they may work as an inpat, where they are hired by
another country and pay the local currency; or they may work as a
third country national, were they are allowed to work in another
country but are hired in their country of origin.
Salaries vary significantly depending on the type of firm, country
of origin, and nature of the work involved. Those with advanced
degrees have the most favorable opportunities for a
lifelong career. Taking an international business course to
supplement any business degree is another valuable way to increase
skills, and become more marketable in this competitive industry.
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