Before the current global economy came to the forefront of public awareness, those of us already conducting business overseas were busy forming the basics of what would eventually become an educational field of study. We came from various backgrounds and industries, making our way through the highly regulated world of international trade. From Atlanta to Zurich, Chicago to Calgary, Bonn to Budapest and all points in between, we built on the foreign trade infrastructure which for years had languished under the tight regulatory control of less than accommodating bureaucracies.
Thankfully, the international business graduates of today needn't encounter the same uphill battles as the foundation has already been set in place. Those with the proper educational background can take their claim in the exciting and lucrative world of international business with the skills and knowledge at their disposal to find a niche and succeed. Of course, I'm speaking of the comprehensive international business undergraduate programs offered in America's universities, targeted learning opportunities that weren't available when I and those like me were playing it by ear through trial and a substantial amount of error. Today, almost every operating university with a business department offers an international business degree, and the international markets are better for it.
Along with all the benefits that a liberal arts education offers, international business degree programs provide specialized curriculum on far ranging topics from government enforced trade and customs regulations to the idiosyncrasies of the social conduct and acumen in different cultures. Those who graduate from an international business degree program do so much more well equipped to conduct operations successfully around the globe. They gain a firm understanding of what it takes to facilitate business through the ability to navigate the choppy waters of international supply and demand.
While I wouldn't trade the experiences I had overseas for anything, there were many lost opportunities and less than stellar results that could have been avoided had international business been standardized to the degree it is today. Thankfully for those now entering the field, there's no need for a businessman starting an international career or expanding an existing business overseas to reinvent the wheel. As fast as norms change, the world of academia alters and responds. Some of the most cutting edge theories and practices on international business come from universities - veritable think tanks that capitalize on the presence of students, professors, and supporting businesses alike. The opportunity to take what pioneers like myself discovered and expand on it is here. Educate yourself, and the world is at your doorstep.
Pursuing an international business career is not an easy task, it usually requires extensive traveling, fluency in a second language which is almost always a requirement in international business, and of course working in this profession necessitates flexibility to fit into very different cultures than your own.
International business specialty offers different paths one could take. The many opportunities for professionals in American business are the same opportunities overseas some of which includes advertising and sales professionals, product managers, retail buying, travel and tourism business, banking, managers and trade experts. International companies must compete in the challenging market thus requiring the need for knowledgeable and business minded professionals.
A bachelors degree in business is often required for most people who choose a career in international business. Jobs can often be competitive and so many aspiring business students go the extra mile of earning their masters degree in either business administration (MBA) or international business (MIB). A bachelors degree is a four year course and a masters degree is usually one to three years after a bachelors degree.
Some programs are much more aggressive than others. However, for any of these programs, a high school diploma or its equivalent is a minor requirement. Since international business also involves working together and communicating within the cultures, fluency in a second language is another requirement. Programs of bachelors and masters degree are usually the most competitive and require a high GPA to be accepted. Consulting with a college career counselor is a good way to know the specific requirements for entry into specific programs.
Online programs offer all levels of preparation for elite individuals who aims towards a career in business. A lot of programs offer classes that can be completed at home. Specific programs can also be offered online such as a bachelors or masters degree in business administration, or associates in international business.
International business careers are very rewarding and yearly salaries in this field can vary greatly depending on the company and the type of business. Chief international executives can have pays ranging from $200,000 to $400,000 annually. Lower level directors and representatives may have salaries ranging from $50,000 to $130,000 per year. Higher end pay scales are most likely for those individuals who have a masters in international business and many years of experience.
Some of the leading schools that offer International Business programs are the University of Phoenix Business; Walden University; Ellis College; Regent University; Strayer University; Keiser College eCampus; Kennedy western University: Argosy University (Business & IT); National American University Online; LeTourneau University; Keller graduate School of Management; Berkeley College Online; Jones International University; and Cardean University.
Both Shay Rosen & T J Madigan are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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