Undergraduate Students

Exploring Careers

Career Paths for Business Students Interested in International Business

Career Description

International Business is as broad a field as ‘general business’. Any corporation or organization that works with international partners has offices overseas, and those who sell to or serve an international population need international business skills. International business may involve staying in the US and working for a US company that does business abroad; working for a US-based company that sends you aboard for business travel; and working for a company that sends you abroad to work as an expatriate, during which you return to the US only rarely. It’s more common to find career opportunities in the first two categories above.

Sample Career Opportunities

Human Resources- Human Resources includes payroll and employee benefits, recruiting, job description development, mediation, and many other areas. With the growth of the global marketplace, an international business understanding can give you an exceptional edge.

Government- The US Government has many departments, agencies and organizations that focus on various aspects of international business issues. Such careers are often less visibly advertised, but they are growing. US citizenship is almost always required along with certain qualifying exams.

Sales and Marketing- A demanding yet lucrative field, sales and marketing opportunities are available at many retail and service organizations. The field of sales is a creative field where employees receive direct compensation for productivity. Skill with different cultural business trends is especially helpful.

Import/Export- The growth of the global marketplace and the digital economy have lead to a direct growth in Import/Export services. Technology, international and domestic business law, cross-cultural communication and other international business skills will come into play in daily work activity.

Manager- As a manger in any international business setting, a broad foundation of business skills such as an understanding of logistics, basic economics, human resources, finance, general management etc, will be essential. Success in a domestic setting is often a prerequisite to more culturally diverse responsibilities.

Skills Needed

• Strong market research capabilities

• Multiple language skills

• Ability to respond well to change

• Clear and flexible communication skills

• Organization

• Exceptional professionalism

Resources for Further Research

Online Resources:

• Occupational Outlook Handbook http://www.bls.gov/oco

• Salary Expert- salary, bonus, cost-of-living, and benefits data for US, Canadian and international jobs: http://www.salaryexpert.com

Print Resources:

• Careers in International Business: Edward Joseph Halloran

• International Jobs: Where They Are and How to Get Them: Nina Segal, Eric Kocher

• Great Jobs for Business Majors: Stephen Lambert

• Opportunities in International Business Careers: Jeffery Arpan

• Best Resumes and CVS for International Jobs: Your Passport to the Global Job Market: Ronald Krannich

• Vault Guide to International Careers (available in the Hecht’s Career Library)

International Business Employers at Smith

Following is a small sample of employers who recruit international business majors at Maryland. These positions are just an example. Always be sure to read the actual job description thoroughly. Assumptions from the job title may be misleading. You can find out more through SOURCE and the OCM.