Overview of International Business as a College Major

In this day and age of a massive market globalization entering an international business degree program can be an excellent career choice. This program prepares you to work on the world stage, crossing over borders and bridging cultural gaps.

While a foundation in basic business topics such as accounting, marketing and economics are essential,  you will also need to understand international business practices, concepts and laws. Plus, it is necessary  to be fluent – reading, writing and speaking – in a second (or more) language.

International Business Program Curriculum        

Focusing your degree in international business offers you the opportunity to explore business operations worldwide and to understand the challenges of global competition. Toward that end many colleges and universities offer courses in subjects such as:

• Trade regulations
• Cultural differences and business etiquette
• International trade and investment
• Global business ventures
• E-commerce
• International marketing
• Global strategic sourcing
• Global human resources management
• International relations
• International sustainability

Education Levels Available for an International Business Degree

Though there are Associate degree programs available at many reputable schools, if your hope is to advance your knowledge in international business operations in order to work in management in a worldwide organization you will need at least a Bachelor degree from a recognized international business program. However, you also may want to consider further education beyond the undergraduate level.

There are a wide variety of colleges and universities as well as online programs that offer Associate and Bachelor degrees, MBA and Master degree of Science programs as well as Doctoral degrees in international business, global operations & supply chain management, global business sustainability and related fields. And as the world of business continues to expand globally, having a background that enables you to work with business leaders on an international level will make you more marketable.

Skills Developed through an International Business Degree Program

While much of what you will learn in college will require you to study international business theory and concepts, you also will have the opportunity to develop important skills that will assist you no matter where your career path leads. These include:

• Problem solving and decision making
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Developing and implementing business strategies worldwide
• Understanding cultural diversity and customs
• Team and relationship building
• Working knowledge of computers and a variety of computer programs
• Understanding global industry standards, regulations, methods and business practices
• Understanding global monetary issues, taxes, tariffs, and foreign exchange
• Improved foreign language skills

Where to Obtain an International Business Degree

As with most degrees, you have the option of choosing a brick-and-mortar college or university or pursuing one of the many online college programs. And in many cases schools choose to combine both distance and face-to-face opportunities.

Whichever  path you choose to gain your degree, one of the most important aspects of international study will be to get hands-on international experience. You can benefit  greatly and further enhance your degree in international business if you choose to spend time abroad through a student-exchange program, an international internship or working a summer internship at an international organization. In fact, depending on the degree level and place of study, you may be required to live and study for up to a year outside the U.S. And after graduation you might want to consider spending some time in the Peace Corps.

Career Opportunities for International Business Majors

With an international business degree, as with any business-related degree, you have the requisite knowledge and skills to pursue a variety of careers in most any industry. It will be just a matter of where your interests lie.

Do you dream of flying all over the globe as an international sales representative or as a diplomat in the Foreign Service? Or maybe your future plan is to source parts and goods from around the world as an international purchasing agent or buyer. You might even decide to live and work in a foreign country as an interpreter or translator for local business owners or as a guide to tourists. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of interpreters and translators is projected to increase 22 percent over the next few years, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Whatever you decide, your choices are virtually endless.