Do you like to take charge and work with diverse groups? Would you consider yourself a person with strong managing and researching skills? As an international business major, you’ll find yourself learning about how to reach new populations on an international scale. From handling employee affairs as a Human Resources Manager to calling all the shots as an Executive Director, a degree in International Business surely gives you a range of career options.
Brush up on your high school French and book a plane ticket after you read this guide to the international business major.
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING
This major covers everything and anything business around the world. Expect to take classes in business, management and marketing, as well as math classes like stats and calculus. You’ll learn about all things business in the international context and will bring cultures together. You have to work hard in undergrad by delving into a new language. Consider taking as many culturally enriching trips as possible in order to make it big in places like Paris or Tokyo. Your first job will likely take you somewhere in the U.S. before you get to work overseas.
THE CLASSES YOU’LL TAKE
Although business and management seem like obvious classes taken as an international business major, you’ll probably have to take Cultural Diversity in Organizations and master at least one foreign language. Your first year starts off with your basic intros to management, marketing and business. Some core classes you’ll take include International Trade Policies and Practices, Multimedia and Business Presentations and Computer Applications in Business to really become a pro at the technical and communication side of working in International Business. In your junior and senior years, you gain more freedom with coursework (think business and management electives). Once you get further ahead, the good stuff starts rolling in — internships and study abroad programs. If you decide on pursuing International Business at the graduate level, expect to go into the nitty–gritty of business decisions with startups and taking trips to shadow businesses.
INTERNSHIPS FOR THIS MAJOR
International business majors typically intern around the world for a truly international experience. Expect to intern for both large like the Walt Disney Company and the United Nations, and small corporations such as the Atlantic Council and the Mountbatten Program in London. From the Czech Republic to England to Argentina, you can find an internship to accompany your international business major in all corners of the world. As an intern, depending on the company you work for, prepare for tons of research and presenting findings of any developing products, businesses or even economies. Set yourself apart by being active in business organizations, getting experience early on and working with diverse populations.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Human Resources Manager
These guys know how to handle all current and potential employees. From training new employees to discussing contracts with new hires, human resource managers have tons of responsibilities within a company. Pretty much every interviewer you cross paths with works in human resources.
Lawyer
Take international business by enacting change and defending people internationally. Work as a corporate lawyer to handle negotiations between international corporations or as an international lawyer to defend clients in another nation. Knowing multiple languages can come in handy especially when it comes to international law. Go to law school and take on international cases for an exciting career choice.
International Economist
As an economist, you work with different branches of government; international economists work specifically with foreign relations and diplomacy. Responsibilities include researching economic trends and their political consequences. Expect to oversee economic programs in developing countries.
Company Executive
With an international business degree, your best bet for potential jobs involves working as the company executive in charge of business negotiations. Working as an executive gives you multiple opportunities to manage company operations and oversee others as either a CEO or COO. You call the shots within a company as an executive.
Business Development Manager
Consider becoming a business development manager. Think of the people doing all the research and decision making with regard to expanding companies into new markets and working with other brands. Make connections with potential clients, arrange meetings, oversee new initiatives and research possible opportunities that can benefit your company. As a business development manager, developing and expanding the business becomes your top priority.
REVIEWS
“Being an International Business major allows me to understand the global market in a more insightful manner,” Florida International University sophomore Domenica Roldan said.
“You get exposed to different cultures and learn how to behave and do business across countries, which in my opinion is what matters the most in today’s globalized economy,” Florida International University senior Kristina Xani said.
