Category Archives: Frequently Asked Questions

How Does the Global Economy Affect Those in International Business Careers?

global economyThe global economy continues to become more of the standard economic market. The ups and downs of the last few years have created challenges for most of the international economies affected. The global economy continues to merge and to become more inter-dependent. A graduate from an international business school program is in greater demand now that the world markets have interchanged many critical economic factors. The demand for an international business education is higher than it has been before and is expected to become greater in the future.

Jobs for qualified international business degree graduates have increased in number since the world economy has become more volatile. International business graduates are being hired because of their multicultural and multiple language capabilities. This type of business graduate may be trained in sales and marketing and may travel to other areas of the economic world. Marketing companies, finance consulting firms, and nonprofit organizations hire international business graduates for their specific multicultural expertise or for their specialized training in an account matter.

A graduate may receive a bachelor’s degree in business with a minor in international affairs. A masters degree can add to a resume for an international studies student. Competitive positions within this international business career field are often enhanced with advanced degrees. Certifications can be additional factors that create advantages for those students wanting to be chosen over a similar competitor.

The recent economy does not seem to be limiting the number of jobs available for international business career students. The jobs available may need advanced degrees in order to eliminate a certain type of competitor. Certain curriculum choices within a business program can assist a graduate in becoming more marketable for the job market itself.

Certifications and licenses are frequently used to hire international business graduates. A certification or license can be gained in project management or in international banking. An advanced degree, a license in a specialized field of study, and multiple language capabilities is a marketable package for this area of business. Three years of experience in a field of specialization may be required as well. There may be a requirement of documentation for these years of experience. References may be a request.

How The Economy Effects The Volume of International Business Clients

The volume of international business clients has grown over the past several years. This increase in international business clients has been a result of the information interchange and inter related business transactions that have developed as a new world business norm. The economy in recession has created a greater demand for marketing consultants, international finance experts who are bilingual, consultants who are knowledgeable about world currencies or world trading, experts in imports and exports, and those marketing or sales professionals who are willing to travel overseas extensively.

International business clients may increase for those business graduates with a specialization in global environment strategy, business plan development, emerging new markets, operations and supply chain management, and management accounting. The particular account customer may need a certain expertise in order to solve an accounting issue, for example. Management techniques learned in an international business curriculum would need to include government implications and restrictions as well.

A career in global operations may need specific skills in analysis, human resources, communication, technical writing, presentation applications, risk analysis, and problem solving. These particular skills would be necessary for inclusion on a curriculum vitae that is presented to an employer as a list of academic character and knowledge. International business clients may need expertise in public policy and cultural diversification. A curriculum vitae that lists these skills will help to qualify the international marketing applicant, for example.

The global economy has had several ups and downs over the past several years. Some international economies have been in recession. Other global economies are in a type of economic bubble with some current concern about the future national business status. The international business student is in greater demand since the world economies are changing significantly. Advanced degrees are necessary in business and finance today as well. Licensing and certification may be necessary for these job applicants in order to position themselves ahead of their employment competition. International business clients are requesting that the national or foreign consultant be at least bilingual in many instances. A knowledge of the foreign customs and cultural differences is critical today.

How do I Apply and Get Accepted into An Accredited International Business Degree Program?

college applicationInternational business degree programs are in demand in today’s sometimes volatile world economy. There have been several significant shifts in economic focus because of the ups and downs of the current economic conditions, international markets, and business industry. An international business career can provide the professional expertise needed to develop modern business plans, changing public policy, and diversified government outreach programs.

Begin Preparing for College Level International Business Degree Programs During High School

High school students will need to prepare for a career in international business as early as the high school years. Several international business degree programs look at the student high school grades achieved. These accredited international business degree programs expect to see certain high school classes that have been taken with an appropriate grade for college entrance.

Applying and getting accepted into an accredited international business degree program takes several steps. A high school student may need to prepare for this type of career during their high school years. Taking the right preparatory classes is important for many of the college admissions committees. An applicant for an international business program may want to consider taking several English classes. A student who is bilingual will want to be able to pass a language proficiency test in English as well. Speech and communications classes are important to take during high school. Math and accounting classes are expected from most accredited international business schools. Computer science is critical to understand, and successfully completing business law classes while in high school can create an edge for a college applicant. Classes that are directly related to business, leadership, public speaking, and social outreach are critical elements of an academic background that the college admissions teams are expecting.
Grades and scores achieved are always important for successful program admission. Outside interests are looked upon favorably. These outside interests could include volunteer work, work with nonprofit groups, community outreach internships, and public speaking jobs.

Ways to Increase the Odds Of Acceptance

Taking the right classes while in high school is critical. This gives the admissions committee at prospective colleges and universities the correct impression of the applicant’s interests and commitment to a certain field of study. An admissions committee in the field of international business is looking for leadership skills in addition to academic standing and volunteerism. Leadership roles can successfully be completed in school clubs, in volunteer organizations, and through summer internships. Scholarships are often available for those students who show a particular promise in an elected field of study. Earning a scholarship is a successful way to enter an international business program. A summer internship at the college of choice can often lead to recommendations for entry into the standard college program. Volunteering with certain community organizations can lead to college connections and recommendations for certain business programs.

A high school counselor can assist a student who wishes to learn more about a particular international business college program. There are brochures that are frequently sent to high school guidance counselors. These college brochures may be helpful in pointing out certain summer programs or other programs that prepare a student for a college curriculum. High school guidance counselors can help in putting together a student’s application for a certain program. Accredited programs are important to look over since a school’s accreditation will be important as a student’s career progresses. Certain levels of career attainment are possible if the undergraduate or graduate schools are accredited. There can be some limitation in promotion later on if the college or graduate school is not accredited.

Steps For Admission into A Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program

Being admitted into a Master of Business Administration program involves being accepted by a admission committee which evaluates a masters candidate’s accomplishments, academics, work experience, community involvement, and volunteerism. Not only will prospective MBA candidates need a high school diploma with good grades, a college degree within a business related field, and a successful score on a graduate entrance examination, but a candidate will also need other additional internships and leadership applications. All aspects of the MBA application offer the admission’s team the ability to make their choice based on the information candidates provide.

Sometimes schools offer a combined degree in order to prepare their graduates for job positions that are more broad based in focus. Nonprofit organizations frequently use an MSW or masters of social work degree for leadership and community outreach roles. The MBA or masters of business administration is an additional degree that is gained while successfully completing a social work degree as well. These programs run concurrently, and both degrees are gained when the graduate student completes the assigned curriculum. This type of program is useful for government outreach work, social welfare organizations, hospitals, philanthropic foundations, and various government agencies.

Applying and Getting Accepted

Applications for international business schools need certain expected criteria which are the following:

  • A high school student needs to think ahead and gain good grades in business classes, computer science, mathematics, and English classes.
  • College entrance examinations are often used for admission into college level international business programs. These scores need to be a certain score or above.
  • Outside interests while in high school can be seen as assets. Leadership roles in school clubs and charity organizations around town can provide good experience and references for an applicant
  • A MSW program can be combined with a masters in business administration. This dual program produces graduates who are often hired by charity groups, other nonprofit organizations, social outreach private foundations, government agencies, political groups, and private businesses
  • Certifications are important for any employment position, and the field of international business has these expectations as well. A career in banking and finance will need a certain professional license. A student who has achieved a type of license may have an advantage over an applicant who does not have this

All of the steps taken before the completion of an accredited international business degree program combined with undergraduate and graduate studies provides the educational and experience foundation necessary to advance aspirations. Many graduates enter programs with career aspirations within international banking, cultural advisory positions, project manager positions with private corporations, and sales positions in international markets and see them through to establish long term, lucrative careers.

How do I Jump Start a Career in International Business?

You are a young, ambitious and tech-savvy individual that wants to explore the world, experience different cultures and in the process conduct very important business transactions. Although right now you may not know the steps on what it takes to start a successful career in international business, you definitely believe you have the wit and the drive to succeed in this field. And there is no doubt that competition in this field is very fierce.

So, remember that everything matters from the languages you speak to the grades you make in both high school and college. Plus the MBA program you attend and even the internships you complete will determine what type of job you get working in the international business field.

To help you get started on pursuing your aspirations, here is a comprehensive overview of what it takes in order to jump start a successful and lucrative career in international business:

High School Education

If you know that you would like to work in different countries, do not hesitate to maximize your educational opportunities when you are in high school. Now is the right time to make sure you make high grades and get high scores on college entrance exams such as the ACT and SAT. Learn as many languages as possible. Speak with your career or guidance counselor to see if you can arrange an internship with a business, trade association or another organization that will allow you shadow experienced international business people.

Take this time to learn the different areas of business such as: finance, marketing, law, accounting, management and information technology. Eventually when you get into college you will need to specialize in one of these areas. Also, speak with your guidance counselor about studying abroad for a summer. There are plenty of scholarships available for high school students who would like to spend a summer away from home in a different country.

Undergraduate Education

First and foremost, when you choose a prospective college or university, make sure they offer an international business program. This program will offer specialized courses that tailor classes in accounting, finance, information technology and law to center around the global business environment. Also, you should look to minor in a foreign language that is in high demand. Some of these highly sought-after languages include: Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Hindi, Chinese, Japanese, French and German.

During college, you will be expected to take classes in accounting, finance, marketing, law, information technology and a variety of other business-related classes. It is important to make sure you get no lower than a B in these classes. Mediocre performance in these classes will affect your GPA and you have to ensure you maintain a high GPA to get into top MBA programs.

Additionally, it is important to get as much experience as possible through internships while you are attending college. During the summer, look for internships that are offered abroad. This will give you hands on experience when it comes to working for a business in a different country. This will make your resume look awesome and will show prospective employers that you have experience working in foreign environments. Also work to sharpen your skills set. If you are seeking a career in international marketing, make sure you stay on top of things such as search engine optimization techniques, social media marketing, mobile marketing, etc. If you are looking for a career in international finance and or accounting, make sure you stay on top of your math and computer skills and keep informed of all international financial news, from the currency exchange markets to the stock market and beyond.

Most importantly, during undergraduate studies, stay on top of your grades. Remember and respect that there are millions of people who want a job in international business as well. To set yourself apart, you need to start preparing yourself to get into a competitive, top-notch MBA program. Some examples include Yale, Harvard, New York University, UCLA, etc. Research the best MBA programs that offer the best international business tracks or view our suggestions in the Top International Business Schools section. Most competitive business schools want prospective applicants to have at least GPA of 3.5 or higher and MBA programs require competitive GMAT scores. You should start studying for test while in your junior year of college. It wouldn’t hurt to go to a professional tutoring company to make sure you get a high score on this test.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) Studies

Now that you have successfully made into a top MBA program, the goal is to do as much networking as possible with prospective employers. Top MBA programs will facilitate “lunch and learn” meetings, job fairs, workshops, seminars and other events to allow students to meet key decision makers who work for some of the largest corporations in the world. During your MBA program, also make sure you work to build a solid portfolio of case studies.

The best way to build a portfolio is to offer pro-bono services to businesses. Don’t be afraid to ask for opportunities to work on projects that will help you not only strengthen your skills set, but will also put you into contact with company executives. At the end of the day, experience trumps education. Having a solid portfolio demonstrates that you can definitely do the job.

Job Search

So now you have graduated with your MBA. Now it’s time to secure a position with a major corporation. First and foremost, put together a stellar resume to highlight all of your educational and job-related achievements. While a resume is good to briefly highlight your education and experience, also make sure you update your portfolio. Some individuals even go as far as starting their own blog and website that will give employers immediate access to your resume and portfolio.

Constantly stay on top of your LinkedIn and social networking profiles. LinkedIn and other social media platforms are also excellent ways to network with prospective employers and market your portfolio. Also, be very careful though when it comes to utilizing social media platforms for your job search. Many prospective candidates make the dreadful mistake of using both their personal social media accounts for professional purposes. You do not want prospective employers to know every intimate detail of your life. Make sure your online reputation is clean.

Finally, apply for jobs which interest you. Polish your resume and include any and all experiences which push you ahead of your competition. Be confident but not arrogant during the interview process. And when you are hired, give your work your all. When you have a passion for the job that you do, it shows.

What is International Business?

tlbuAdvancing technology, innovative methods, and better communication have pushed business to global frontiers. In response, industries have gone international to markets beyond their country’s borders. International business describes all of the commercial transactions, both governmental and private, that take place between different countries. Though the term international business is a relatively new concept, international trade has been around since the dawn of civilization. Ancient cultures such as the Roman Empire, Egypt, and Europe traded different goods. Merchants traveled great distances to foreign lands to make money and business connections. Even archaeology reveals the various routes people traveled in different regions of the world.

How International Business Has Increased in the Past Century

Improved political relationships along with the ease of government restrictions has helped increase trade on the global market. The U.S. imports and exports goods from all over the world, and the amount has increased over the years with countries like China and Brazil. Those nations, along with many others, have experienced rapid growth and increased stability with governing. Emerging middle classes in several countries yielded a greater demand for more goods, both domestic and foreign. More consumers know about and want foreign goods and now have the money to buy them. With more countries participating in global business, competition has heated up (to sometimes volatile levels) and in turn sparked more interest in international goods.

The U.S. stands out from other nations in enjoying brand recognition around the world. As a country, the U.S. is a dominant cultural force, with goods exported to most nations on the planet. As a major presence in international business, the U.S.’s place in the global market continues to grow. Most major companies in America have stores and office in several other countries around the world. Brands like Walmart, Apple, Coca-Cola, and many others are global companies. However, the U.S. is not the only country which has achieved this. There are many other nations that do business globally and they have a significant presence as well.

Technology’s influence has been powerful in all sectors of international business. From communication to transportation and everything in between, technological innovation has been a guiding force in global industries. Anyone with the Internet and a credit card can buy merchandise online and have it shipped to their home. They can also make travel arrangements, communicate, and conduct business online. Computers, especially the personal computer, have revolutionized global industries and opened consumers up to markets they would not have access to otherwise.

The Global Economy has Become Standard In The Way Most Major Businesses Are Now Operating

All of these factors have pushed (and will continue to push) businesses and companies to evaluate their strategies. With technology and communications at the forefront, the possibilities for the future seem limitless. Companies work on a global scale, bringing more people and cultures into business trade. It is an exciting field that will keep growing and changing the way countries do business. The coming years hold tremendous potential for new and innovative ways of working in a global market.

Today, an international business degree is a highly in-demand diploma to pursue. Without highly educated, skilled professionals willing to work in the dynamic global business industry, it would not exist and evolve as it does. Those interested in pursuing or have already established careers in international business must always be thinking globally, possess desire to learn about foreign cultures, and want to expand business options. Learning the skills and knowledge to manage global business environments, handle multicultural and multinational issues, and apply critical thinking to problem solve are essential to continuing the forward momentum of international business.

What is an International Business Degree?

academc degree

Degrees in international business have been designed to acknowledge the increasingly interconnected nature of global economies. While many business executives and managers once studied only the laws and culture of their own country’s corporate community, it is now necessary for today’s students to be familiar with how their responsibilities, roles, and ethics, will play out in Asian markets, European headquarters, and in developing economies where major opportunities lie for growth and development. To that end, the typical program in international business focuses on a few key components of education that prepare students to enter the global workforce ahead of their peers in other fields.

The Fundamentals of the Business World

Despite its “international” moniker, a college’s program in international business is still substantially similar to a non-international business program. This means that students will learn, first and foremost, about business codes of ethics, the laws and regulations governing business in their own country, and the methods of accounting and finance that contribute to a successful business. Most students will learn the ethics and techniques of successful management, and they’ll learn how to navigate red tape to produce successful outcomes for the organizations that they are one day chosen to lead.

From strategic organization to workplace regulation, these classes will create a successful businessperson at home. To create someone who can adapt abroad, however, international business programs must go a few steps further and create in students a more global mindset. That is done through two unique approaches.

International Business Cultures, Regulations, and Best Practices

While students in a more traditional business program would choose a concentration, like entrepreneurship or business accounting, those students pursuing an international business degree will essentially have their concentration chosen for them. Instead of choosing one of those areas, their course of study will be filled with classes that discuss the nuance of doing business abroad. Professors will focus on corporate cultures overseas, and how multinational corporations are organized to promote easier travel and negotiation. Students will learn the fundamentals of Asian, European, African, and American economies. They’ll learn the keys to successful national negotiation, and they’ll be taught how to manage corporate headquarters that lie in different countries around the world.

These classes prepare students to succeed internationally because they give them the tools and cultural cues they need to relate to an international audience. This is a great foundation for the aspiring international businessperson, but great international business degrees go even further when preparing students to make a career in international economies and multinational corporations.

Electives Will Consist of Foreign Language Requirements

It’s generally not a good idea to pursue a career in international business if the businessperson speaks only one language. For this reason, the best AACSB-accredited international business programs require students to pursue extensive foreign language studies. In fact, most universities actually require their students to be proficient in a second language of their choice prior to graduation. Passing higher-level language classes, and even taking a foreign language class, are often metric that must be met or exceeded in order to file a successful graduation application at the conclusion of an international business program.

Students will be exposed not only to the grammar and syntax of a foreign language, but also to its best literary works. They will master reading the language, conversing naturally in the language, and relating to others as they interpret the language on the fly. This will prepare students to do extensive business in booming countries like China, Mexico, India, and many others. It’s also considered the single best way to immerse future businesspeople in the culture that they’ll be dealing with extensively after they graduate and land their first professional position.

International Business Studies Create Prepared, Versatile Graduates

The goal of an international business program is to produce students who have a global mindset rather than one that is concentrated in their own country’s way of getting things done. Whether it’s through the study of a foreign language, or classes that discuss the innovative ways that business is handled overseas, students will be taught to think outside their comfort zone and embrace foreign power structures, cultures, and procedures, as their own.

The successful international business student is one who is ready to learn not only about management and organization, but also about culture and negotiation. It is this last two skills that will determine just how successful the graduate will be as they pursue a career with some of the world’s largest and fastest-growing corporate entities.