What can I do with a degree in international business?
Where to work - Industries to consider
International Business graduates are hired by multi-national corporations, businesses involved in foreign trade (import/export), government and public institutions, international relief and environmental organizations. This industry is highly impacted by the continued growth of globalization and graduates will find this evolving industry complex and at times volatile. With additional training or experience, career opportunities can be found in accounting, finance, marketing, transportation and logistics, and management information systems.
- Multinationals
- International treasury operations
- International cash management
- International advertising
- International brand management
- International human resources department
- Cross cultural training of expatriate managers
- Banks
- Foreign exchange trading
- Managing international trade documentation
- International lending
- Correspondent banking
- Consulting firms
- International organizations
- Aid agencies
- Development banks
- European Bank for Reconstruction and development
- Inter-American Development Bank
- Asian Development bank
- African Development
- European Union
- IMF/World Bank
- World Trade Organization
- Government
- International trade organization
- Foreign representations of governments
- Consular officers
- Trade representatives
- NGO
- NGOs involved in development
- NGOs engaged in international public interest campaigns
- NGOs involved in political actions
- Travel, tourism, and transportation
Hotels
Travel Agencies
Airlines
The international business industry is highly impacted by the continued growth of globalization and graduates will find this evolving industry complex and at times volatile. With additional training or experience, career opportunities can be found in accounting, finance, marketing, transportation and logistics, and management information systems.
What you need - Skills required
- Ability to adapt in cross-cultural environments
- Knowledge or work experience in an additional industry such as marketing, finance, accounting, management information systems or law is an asset
- Fluency in two or more languages is suggested
- Understand how globalization impacts the business community, locally, nationally and internationally
- Knowledge of foreign cultures is important
- Sensitive to other countries and cultural practices
- Experience and willingness to work and live abroad
What to do - Occupations to explore
- Foreign trade (exports, imports) management
- Trade development officer
- Projects and strategy officer
- Microfinance project officer
- Infrastructure policy strategist
- Resource management officer
- Banking services for exports and imports
- International finance writer
- Foreign currency trader
- Foreign currency investment advisor
- Managing, monitoring or evaluating international projects
- International account executive
- International loan officer
- Natural resource policy analyst
- Cultural resource specialist
- Multicultural development officer
- Cross-cultural trainer/ Inclusion officer
- Corporate social responsibility officer
- International purchasing agent
- Consumer brand manager
- Regional operations manager
- International management consultant
- International advertising executive/Marketing specialist
- Government officer – Department of Foreign and Trade Affairs
- International business analyst
- International commodities trader
- Community economic development advisor
- Foreign service officer
- Political campaign manager
- International media planner
- International real estate agent/broker
- Foreign sales representative
- International quality control auditor
- Program coordinator – International partnerships
- Country representative - Aid organization
- Social impact researcher
- Trade commissioner
- Diplomat
- Medical services researcher
- Wire transfer specialist
- Trade/Interest group lobbyist
- Education abroad counselor
Resources - Key websites
- AIESEC
AIESEC, the world's largest student organization, is the international platform for young people to discover and develop their potential so as to have a positive impact on society.
- Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters
The association works with embassies in Ottawa, Washington, and around the world to keep you informed about international trade issues and to represent your interests globally.
- Canadian Society of Customs Brokers
The CSCB represents Canada's customs brokers. We actively seek and achieve improvements in government policies and procedures on behalf of our members and their clients.
- International Business Careers and Jobs
The International Career & Job Website, your resource for the latest and best information on preparing for, locating, and landing that international job or career you've been looking for.
- Overseas Jobs
OverseasJobs.com features overseas and international job opportunities for professionals, expatriates and adventure seekers.
- The WWW Virtual Library: International Affairs Resources
Internet directory of over 2600 annotated links to high-quality English-language sources of information and analysis in a wide range of international affairs, and international studies.
- United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
Established in 1964, UNCTAD promotes the development-friendly integration of developing countries into the world economy.
- Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
The Board promotes the development of a strong, proud, representative and committed membership. We also provide services designed to meet the needs of our members.
- Forum for International Trade Training
A non-profit organization established by industry and government, FITT develops international business programs, sets competency standards, and designs the certification and accreditation programs for the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation.