What can I do with a major in International Business?
International business is an interdisciplinary program which draws on areas of marketing, management, finance, and economics in order to develop a multinational perspective on contemporary business opportunities throughout the world. It deals with the problems of developing and adapting business practices to operate within different economies, different political systems and different cultures. International business workers are employed in both the private and public sectors, as well as in international non-profit institutions.
Related Occupations:
| Finance Accountant |
Administrative Aide |
Advertising Worker |
| Chamber of Commerce President |
City Manager |
Consultant |
| Store Manager |
Hotel / Motel Manager |
Investment Banker |
| Manager Trainee |
Political Risk Analyst |
Personnel Manager |
| Politician |
Public Relations Specialist |
Purchasing Agent |
| Sales Manager |
School Administrator |
International Planner |
| Managerial Accountant |
Tax Accountant |
Auditor |
| Lender |
International Lawyer |
Production Engineer |
| International Finance Specialist |
International Financial Planner |
Specialist |
| International Sales Specialist |
Marketing Researcher |
International Marketing Planner |
| Production Manager |
Production Planner |
International Logistic Expert |
| International Manager |
|
Possible employers of International Business majors:
| Accounting Firms |
Banks |
| Public Corporations |
Import / Export Management Companies |
| Law Firms |
Retailers |
| Advertising Companies |
Export Management Companies |
| Transportation Industry |
Executive Search Firms |
| Agricultural Co-ops |
Non-profit Agencies |
| Financial Institutions |
Investment Firms |
| Consulting Companies |
Skills important for International Business majors:
- Ability to clearly communicate ideas and concepts to others
- Strong background in business, marketing and human relations
- Proficient in organizing, planning, coordinating and directing activities
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Ability to lead others
- Understanding and appreciation for other cultures
- Ability to adjust to new environments
- Understanding of political concepts
Personal attributes important for International Business majors:
- Independent
- Decisive
- Resourceful
- Diplomatic
- Adaptable
- Willingness to go above & beyond the call of duty
- Achievement-oriented
- Show initiative
- Observant
- Patient
- Curious
- Flexible
- Open-minded
- Enjoy challenges
Related activities for International Business majors:
- Do an internship
- Start or manage a part-time business endeavor
- Travel internationally
- Join a professional organization
- Serve as a student aid or work in a high school or college business department.
- Work for a domestic firm with international offices
- Assist in planning of civic or social events
Print Resources:
-
Arpan, Jeffery. Opportunities in International Business Careers. VGM Career Horizons, (latest edition).
-
Colorado International Trade Directory. Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, 1999-2000.
-
Hoover's Handbook of World Business. The Reference Press, Inc., 1995.
-
Kocher, Eric. International Jobs: Where They Are and How to Get Them. Addison-Wesley Publications, Inc., 1993.
-
Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Department of Labor, (most recent edition).
-
Stair, Lila. Career in Business. VGM Career Horizons, (latest edition).
Internet Resources:
Professional Associations:
- American Foreign Service Association
- American Management Association
- International Chamber of Commerce
- National Foreign Trade Council
This information was adapted from:
Fort Lewis College, Career Service’s homepage: http://cso.fortlewis.edu
Arpan, Jeffrey. Opportunities in International Business Careers. VGM Career Horizons, 1995
The University of New Haven’s Department of Marketing and International Business, 1999
