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Careers in International Business
Bradley's international business alumni are employed by leading consulting firms, exporters, trading companies, educational institutions, transportation agencies, manufacturers, banks, freight forwarders and service companies throughout the United States as well as Costa Rica, Ecuador, Germany, Hong Kong, Jamaica, and Thailand. The opportunities are endless.
Since most corporations do not assign managerial employees to internationally oriented projects until employees learn the nature of the employer's business and prove themselves in domestic assignments, it is wise for international business majors to take advanced coursework in a career-oriented functional area such as finance or marketing. Typically, a graduate with an International Business degree will take an entry level position with domestic responsibilities in one of these functional fields. Some alumni work as international documentation specialists for freight forwarders or customshouse brokers. Others gain practical overseas experience through short-term teaching assignments in emerging countries or Peace Corps volunteer work. Once this practical experience has been obtained, exciting international assignments may await.
Examples of Entry Level Positions:
International Trade Documentation Specialist
This person expedites import or export documents for transportation intermediary companies such as freight forwarders or customshouse brokers or for commercial banks. This individual is aided by a knowledge of specialized legal regulations, foreign languages, international trade credit practices and business customs in other countries. Normally, the regulatory specifics related to international transportation are learned on the job.
Staff Consultant or Research Analyst
This position requires the ability to interact with decision-makers by providing advice on the implementation of new managerial support systems as well as background data on new business opportunities. Although these positions start out with solely domestically related projects, they evolve to require ability in assessing data for internationally oriented business opportunities. Thus, familiarity with language, area studies and international business practices will be an asset. A functional concentration in business computer systems, finance, or marketing would improve an individual's chances of obtaining this type of position.
Marketing Representative
This position is typically oriented to the development of sales for manufacturers or service companies. If the representative works for a company that has international marketing activities, the representative may request international marketing responsibilities such as the development of relationships with agents, dealers, distributors, licensees and/or strategic alliance partner firms in other countries. Typically, such opportunities develop after a proven period of success in developing one or more segments of the domestic market. A concentration in marketing is a helpful complement to an international business major for this type of position.
Other Positions
Other positions held by international business alumni include bank branch manager, import inventory analyst, NAFTA trade specialist, senior equity trader, internal auditor, operations manager, customs inspector, human relations manager, grain merchandiser, insurance claims examiner, financial analyst, financial consultant, and recruiter. These individuals are employed by international conglomerates as well as local firms. Some alumni have started their own businesses, and some have continued their education by entering MBA programs or law schools. The lists and descriptions provided here are merely examples of possible opportunities; they are not exhaustive. As international business becomes increasingly important in the business world, opportunities for employment continue to expand. The possibilities are limitless for those individuals seeking to better understand today's global business environment.
