International Business Careers & Degree Guide | BestColleges

International business programs cover fundamental business practices and globalization concepts, including international marketing, trade operations, and finance policies. Oftentimes, these programs allow students to concentrate on specific foreign markets and integrate language training in their coursework. Highly specialized cross-cultural and communication skills allow international business majors to obtain many lucrative positions, both domestically and overseas.

Why Pursue a Career in International Business?

A career in international business allows individuals to travel the world and interact with many high-profile business leaders. While the job can be quite demanding, individuals pursuing a career in international business are well-positioned for professional advancement opportunities.

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Due to the cross-cultural aspects of international business, successful global leaders typically hold strong leadership and human relations skills and approach cultural differences with openness and sensitivity. Additionally, these professionals often work with many different personalities in high-pressure business environments, making adaptive thinking and emotional intelligence critical abilities to possess.

International Business Career Outlook

As the world economy continues to globalize, more U.S. companies are expanding business operations overseas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the field of business and financial operations is projected to grow 7% from 2018-2028 — faster than the average occupation in the U.S. This is due largely to the pressures of globalization, which continue to create jobs across many multinational organizations.

Many factors affect salary potential for international business professionals, including their industry and occupation type. For instance, management analysts working in consulting services earn an average salary of $106,160 per year, while the typical management analyst employed by a state government earns $66,450 annually.

A worker’s education level, location, and professional experience significantly affect their earning potential, as well. Refer to the table below for additional salary information at varying career stages for common business careers.

Source: PayScale

Skills Gained With a International Business Degree

An international business degree teaches students foundational business concepts and cross-cultural skills needed to succeed in global activities. Some programs also provide, or require, additional language training. As companies expand into foreign markets, knowing how to effectively communicate across cultures is essential for organizational success.

Additionally, diverse business environments and varying communication norms require these professionals to understand international business etiquette, which is why international business programs often aim to develop students’ cultural awareness skills.

Communication Skills

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Communication skills are vital to building foreign relationships and maintaining international business. As an international employee, you may work with many overseas clients and customers who expect an understanding and appreciation of their cultural norms. Knowing how to interpret and respond to clients can help avoid misunderstandings and strengthen business relationships.

Leadership Skills

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Like general business majors, international business students develop the leadership skills needed to maximize organizational efficiency and manage departments. Most pertinent for management and executive positions, leadership abilities allow professionals who meet with high-level clients and executives to communicate effectively and grow business relationships.

Adaptive Thinking Skills

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Global professionals often need to think quickly and adapt to situations with clients and customers. International business students learn how to succeed in diverse, ever-changing environments by assessing potential confrontations and responding appropriately. While these soft skills may be difficult to teach, it is possible to foster more adaptive thinking through training and field experience.

Emotional Intelligence Skills

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Arguably the most indispensable trait, emotional intelligence is vital to building relationships and effectively carrying out international business. Global professionals work across many cultures and oftentimes experience stressful business situations. Knowing how to control your emotions and effectively communicate empathy can help build cross-cultural relationships.

Analytical Skills

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As with most business professions, analytical skills are fundamental to understanding economics and marketing — especially global operations. International business degrees teach students how to assess international situations and develop solutions. Additionally, global professionals are often tasked with developing strategies to position their organization for international success.

International Business Career Paths

As one of the broader business fields, international business professionals can explore a wide variety of career paths across many different industries. Those interested in working for global organizations may pursue specializations in finance, marketing, and human resource management. Students who are interested in working in the government sectors may shift their focus to economics.

Marketing

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Students who specialize in marketing often find job opportunities with larger corporations and global companies. These individuals primarily focus on developing business strategies that help increase global sales and create an advantage over the competition. Additionally, a marketing professional may be responsible for examining global demand for their organization’s products and services.

Finance

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International business students interested in global investment activities and supporting a company’s financial goals may benefit from a finance specialization. Students learn how to analyze foregin market trends and evaluate company finances across global divisions. Those focusing on finance often hold careers with global organizations involved in industries such as healthcare, banking and capital markets, and consumer goods.

Economics

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This specialization examines global business trends and policies — specifically foreign financial markets. While jobs can be found in nearly every industry, international economists often work at different levels of government, analyzing the country’s economy and assessing global demand for goods and services.

Human Resource Management

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International business majors who focus on human resources learn how to effectively manage workforce diversity and recruit talent for global operations. These professionals may also handle international staffing and lead professional development for a company on a global scale. Graduates with this concentration can secure managerial human resource positions with international companies and government sectors.

Operations Management

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This focus explores the process of developing and distributing international products and services. Operations managers may also lead global sales and manufacturing teams in order to maximize supply chain efficiency. Learners with this specialization may pursue global operation and supply chain management positions in just about any private or public sector that works in foreign markets.

Management

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Learners who pursue a business management specialization develop comprehensive foundations in a variety of areas, including international marketing, finance, and economics. By strengthening their communication and leadership skills, this area of focus allows students to secure upper-level management and analyst positions.

How to Start Your Career in International Business

Careers in international business generally require all of the same competencies and skills needed for domestic business, as well as an understanding of global markets. As such, a bachelor’s degree is typically required to obtain the linguistic and cross-cultural proficiencies needed to work with most multinational corporations.

Many graduates with an international business degree go on to secure managerial positions, leading diverse workforces and maximizing global business opportunities. While many management positions can be obtained with a bachelor’s degree and experience, larger corporations may prefer advanced business degrees for upper-level and executive positions.

Associate Degree in International Business?

Associate degrees in international business generally require about 60 credits and take two years of full-time study to complete. Along with general education classes, these programs explore fundamental business topics like microeconomics, accounting, and finance.

Since these degrees do not offer as much as rigor as bachelor’s or master’s degrees, students typically only qualify for entry-level positions with global firms and nonprofit organizations. Associate degree-holders can find positions as sales representatives, marketing assistants, and food service managers. Graduates generally need to gain a few years of professional experience or pursue additional education to obtain higher positions.

What Can You Do With an Associate in International Business??

Sales Representative

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International sales representatives focus on marketing to new customers and selling company products. They may also handle some company sales on a global scale. Sales representatives can pursue career advancements opportunities after gaining professional field experience and showing strong performance metrics.

Median Salary: $54,550

International Marketing Assistant

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Along with supporting the work of marketing managers, international marketing assistants help develop strategies for multinational advertising campaigns. Additionally, these professionals track global trends and monitor competition. To advance in their roles, these assistants can continue their education and/or gain several years of relevant work experience.

Median Salary: $39,180

Food Service Manager

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Food service managers maintain daily restaurant operations and create performance reports. They also lead staff and deal with customer issues and complaints. These professionals may hold positions in the tourism and hospitality industry, as well as businesses involved in international food services.

Median Salary: $55,320

Sources: BLS and PayScale

Bachelor’s Degree in International Business?

Whereas the majority of credits earned in associate degree programs are devoted to general education courses, bachelor’s degrees in international business cover business topics in greater detail. Students who enroll in these programs explore global business principles and develop cross-cultural communication competencies.

A bachelor’s degree-holder typically has significant advantages over a worker with only an associate degree, in terms of job opportunities and salary potential. Graduates who enjoy analysis and finance can obtain upper-level roles with multinational firms and government agencies as management analysts, financial analysts, and budget analysts. Alternatively, those with natural propensities for sales and advertising may pursue jobs as marketing managers, international sales managers, and international trade specialists.

What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in International Business??

Management Analyst

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These professionals — also called management consultants — improve efficiency in their organizations. They coach other managers to be more effective, reduce costs, and bring in more money. This position requires at least a bachelor’s degree.

Median Salary: $85,260

International Marketing Manager

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These marketing experts can effectively translate their campaigns across physical, linguistic, and cultural barriers. They adjust their approaches based on what sells within a country. Since this position requires specialized knowledge, many companies require candidates to have some field experience.

Median Salary: $135,900

International Sales Manager

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These managers oversee the exports of a company to countries around the world. They locate opportunities to expand into new territories and review market trends to predict success. International sales managers must also ensure that products are delivered to customers on time and without problems.

Median Salary: $126,640

Budget Analyst

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Budget analysts examine institutional spending and budgeting to verify accuracy, completeness, and compliance with regulations. Their responsibilities include preparing budget reports, monitoring fiscal allocations for efficiency, and performing cost analyses. These analysts can work in public and private institutions, including government agencies, universities, and multinational corporations.

Median Salary: $76,540

International Trade Specialist

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These professionals help companies strategically expand into new countries. They often specialize, working in one country or geographical region. These candidates need to hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.

Median Salary: $57,960

Financial Analyst

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These analysts conduct industry research to inform investment decisions and forecast budgets. They possess strong analytical and communication skills to provide expert financial guidance to their company. Financial analysts often work with global businesses involved in industries like insurance, banking and capital markets, and healthcare.

Median Salary: $85,660

Sources: BLS and PayScale

Master’s Degree in International Business?

Graduate students looking to obtain senior-level and executive positions in the field of international business can consider enrolling in a master’s degree program. Along with fundamental business concepts, these programs incorporate advanced topics like international trade law, foreign policy, and global economics.

Master’s degrees in international business can lead to exciting job opportunities that allow you to travel and work with clients across the world. With advanced foregin language and intercultural understanding skills, students can pursue high-level roles in international financial institutions, government agencies, and global firms.

What Can You Do With a Master’s in International Business??

Market Research Analyst

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Market research analysts gather and study information about market conditions and potential sales of services and products. Their duties may include collecting and analyzing data on demographics, competitors, consumer opinions, and factors that influence customer demand and satisfaction. Many high-level and research-heavy international positions in this specialty require a master’s degree.

Median Salary: $63,790

Economist

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Economists advise firms and organizations on global policies and economic trends. They analyze foreign and domestic markets to locate new business opportunities. These professionals work across private and public sectors, often holding positions within government agencies and global firms.

Median Salary: $105,020

Global Operations Manager

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These leaders oversee organizational processes and operations. They typically direct distribution services, forecast financials, and work to improve production processes. Due to their job duties and years of industry experience, global operations managers often enjoy six-figure salaries.

Median Salary: $100,780

Human Resource Manager

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Human resource managers coordinate and supervise company administrative functions. They are often involved in recruiting and hiring processes, as well as talent management. Depending on the industry, these respected managers may consult with executive leaders to discuss worker productivity and organizational goals. A master’s degree can help these professionals stand out from their peers.

Median Salary: $116,720

Top Executive

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Job responsibilities for top executives vary by organization. Executives in global companies generally focus on strategic planning and company direction. These professionals collaborate with other senior leaders to create and implement organizational structures and policies. Oftentimes, these senior-level positions require considerable field experience and an advanced understanding of global operations.

Median Salary: $104,690

Source: BLS

Doctorate Degree in International Business?

Many doctoral programs in international business prepare learners for careers in academia — either in university settings or leading training and development teams in multinational corporations. As such, these programs are typically research-driven and cover theories of economics.

Most doctoral tracks take 4-5 years to complete and culminate in a dissertation. While not strictly limited to academic settings, most graduates go on to find work as researchers and professors. Doctoral degree-holders looking to work outside of academia can pursue senior-level positions in business, government, and healthcare industries; however, a master’s degree typically suffices for these positions.

What Can You Do With a Doctorate in International Business??

Postsecondary Teacher

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Many doctoral degree-holders in international business go on to work in academic settings — typically with college and universities. As college professors, these scholars develop advanced curricula and instruction plans that help students improve their business knowledge and skills. They may also conduct research and publish their findings.

Median Salary: $79,540

Global Policy Analyst

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Also referred to as political scientists, policy analysts research and develop economic theories. These analysts may also conduct research in international relations and foreign politics. Analysts that work for multinational organizations may shift their focus toward evaluating competitor policies and global market trends. Although workers can assume this role with only a master’s degree, earning a doctorate can lead to greater career opportunities.

Median Salary: $122,220

Global Training and Development Managers

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Doctoral degree-holders looking to teach in organizational settings may pursue roles as global development managers. Rather than working in academia, these highly trained professionals create instruction plans to develop organizational talent. They often teach teams of workers and supervisors methods and skills that align with organizational goals.

Median Salary: $113,350

Source: BLS

How to Advance Your Career in International Business

There are many ways to develop professionally in the field of international business. While earning a degree can teach you fundamental business competencies, the practical skills and knowledge obtained by working in business settings may be difficult to disseminate in the classroom. Establishing yourself in a highly competitive field like business often requires industry experience, additional certifications, and professional networking.

For current workers, online educational programs and additional certifications serve as useful tools to help you grow professionally. Depending on your desired role or professional interests, there are dozens of certificates that can give you a competitive advantage over your peers and help advance your career.

Certifications

While generally not required by employers, there are many different international business certifications available that can help advance your global business competencies. When deciding which one(s) to pursue, consider your desired work environment and professional goals — different certifications are tailored to different career paths.

Offered by NASBITE — a leading authority in global business education — the certified global business professional credential is a valuable certification for global business professionals. This certification confirms advanced proficiencies in international marketing, trade finance, and business management, and it can help differentiate you for top-level career opportunities.

Alternatively, workers involved in global supply chains and international trade may consider pursuing the certified supply chain professional and certified international trade professional certifications. Obtaining these credentials demonstrates an advanced understanding of global markets, which can help lead to increases in salary and job responsibilities.

Continuing Education

As the field of international business continuously evolves, continuing your education by completing online programs and specialized training can help you obtain new industry knowledge. While going back to school to earn an advanced degree may lead to the most lucrative career advancements, completing online courses and certificate programs also demonstrates a desire to learn new proficiencies and advance in your career.

Certificate programs, like California Southern Univerisity’s certificate in international business program and the University of California, Irvine’s international business operations and management program, can add substantial value to your business resume. Along with these programs, working professionals can also consider enrolling in free online courses, such as MIT’s global strategy and organization course and the University of New Mexico’s international business II course.

Next Steps

Arguably the most important component for success in business, networking is essential for advancements into leadership positions. While cultivating relationships with clients and customers is critical for organizational success, building professional connections with colleagues and leaders in the industry often gives you a competitive edge over your peers.

Additionally, becoming involved in an international business organization, such as Business Network International, can help expand your networking opportunities and deepen your industry knowledge. Some of these organizations offer market research studies and educational resources that can help you prepare for certification exams. They may also host seminars that allow you to learn from and connect with leading business professionals from around the world.

How to Switch Your Career to International Business?

Most careers in business generally require a bachelor’s degree and strong communication skills. As such, you don’t necessarily need a business administration degree to pursue careers in international business.

However, due to the nature of working in global markets, positions related to market research analysis and global operations require specialized proficiencies. These skills are often obtained through advanced education, certifications, and field experience. Without these competencies, you may only have the credentials to secure entry-level business positions.

Those looking to switch careers without pursuing an advanced degree should consider continuing their education by acquiring professional business certifications or enrolling in online training programs. If you do not have a college degree, enrolling in an online university program offers flexibility and helps put you on a path for future success in international business.

Where Can You Work as an International Business Professional?

A career in international business can lead to job opportunities where you travel the world. Even if your job doesn’t require you to leave the country, you may still work with foregin markets and international customers.

International business professionals hold positions in nearly every industry, including healthcare, banking and capital markets, and consumer goods. As such, jobs are not limited to specific geographic locations but can be found across the country in virtually any public or private sector.

Many global companies, like Amazon and Google, hire international business professionals to develop global teams and maintain overseas operations. Additionally, public sectors, such as government agencies, hire these professionals for roles as foreign policy analysts and economists.

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Resources for International Business Majors

For current professionals and international business students alike, there are dozens of organizations and educational tools that can help further develop your cross-cultural skills and competencies.

Read the sections below to learn about associations, university courseware, and academic publications dedicated to providing educational resources to business majors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an international business degree worth it?

Learners who are interested in gaining a global perspective in business should find plenty of value in an international business degree. While salaries greatly vary by industry type, there are many lucrative job opportunities in the field of international business.

Is international business a good career?

An international business career can lead to high salaries and career advancement opportunities, though it often requires substantial travel to many different countries. As such, those who are interested in pursuing international business should have an appreciation for cultural differences and a desire to see the world.

What can you do with a degree in international business?

International business professionals with a bachelor’s degree can attain a variety of occupations. Sales-minded individuals can pursue jobs as international trade managers and sales specialists, while those interested in marketing and analysis may hold positions as financial analysts, economists, and marketing managers.

How much do international business majors make?

According to the BLS, the median annual wage for business and financial professionals was almost $70,000, as of May 2019. While industry type and professional experience play significant roles in a worker’s salary potential, these wages are much higher than the median salary of all U.S. workers: $39,810.

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