A global economy creates opportunities for those who love to explore and learn about the world while earning a paycheck. Those international business careers offer a wide variety of positions across industries and specialties, offering adventure and diversity on a global level.
Whether you’re exploring cultures while researching from your desk or jetting from place to place, these global business careers give you the chance to take your day-to-day work worldwide.
1. International Trade Specialist
International traders coordinate financial activities for import and export opportunities as well as help draft and negotiate economic agreements between countries. They must understand markets and federal and foreign regulations to be able to advise, document and report accurately.
International trade is big business. According to the United States Census Bureau, the United States imported $3.1 trillion in goods and services in 2018, and American companies exported $2.5 trillion in goods and services worldwide. With policies, economies and conditions always changing, businesses big and small need experts to handle trade. Many international trade specialists are also employed at the federal and state levels in government.
Glassdoor stated international trade specialists can expect to make an average base pay of $59,746 per year. Regular travel is usually necessary. Although many work normal office hours, major developments may cause them to adjust their schedules. A firm background in business, policy and international relations is paramount to success as an international trader.
2. International Human Resources Manager
Many companies take advantage of conducting business outside of the U.S., and the global economy allows them to also benefit from international talent. According to a Harris Poll in 2017, 97% of employers said hiring global talent is important to fill skills gaps, and 92% said it’s important for global competitiveness.
To hire internationally, human resources professionals must possess cultural awareness and the ability to dynamically source talent. Recruiting, interviewing and hiring differ from country to country, as do labor and immigration laws. International human resources managers must be acutely aware of customs and regulations to help companies grow and employ talent pools outside of the U.S.
International human resources managers make an average base pay of $76,464 per year. Employment of human resources managers is projected to grow 9% from 2016 to 2026 in the U.S. according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Already, more than 136,000 human resources managers are employed in the country. The field is likely to become competitive, so having a global perspective and education will prove valuable. Speaking a second or third language may also be beneficial.
International human resources professionals may travel often or adjust their schedules to meet the needs of prospects in other countries. Those who wish to learn about various cultures and work with diverse people would love a career in international human resources.
Interested in an International Business Career?
Gain the skills you need to understand foreign business practices, principles and trends with an international MBA online from CU Online. As a graduate of Campbellsville’s program, you can immediately apply your knowledge to several advanced global business careers and fulfill your love of exploration.
Explore Degree3. Economist
Economists are experts who study and work to predict market activity. In a global economy, this role becomes pivotal to international business. They collect socioeconomic data, advise businesses about worldwide economies, and create models to forecast economic outcomes. Many also spend time understanding the impact of certain laws and regulations on organizations.
You may think of economists as numbers and projections professionals, but the truth is, that economics explains many of our decisions and is essential to international market research and expansion. In the New York Times, Justin Wolfers, a professor of economics and public policy said, “My students describe a sense of wonder at discovering that their daily decisions — how much to spend, how many hours to work or how to allocate household tasks — are the stuff that economists study.” That means, in global business careers, economics can be helpful not just in financial matters but in exploring many important questions about expansion, marketing, policy implications, and communication.
Economists work in a variety of industries and can expect to earn an average base pay of $102,339 yearly, according to Glassdoor. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the U.S. employs more than 18,000 economists, and employment is expected to grow by 6% between 2016 and 2026. Those with a master’s degree or higher are most likely to obtain employment.
4. Director of International Growth
Growth managers focus on product development and marketing for diverse markets. A director of international growth takes those responsibilities globally. The job is cross-functional and includes some of the creativity you’d find in marketing with the data analysis you’d find in finance.
Though major companies need help expanding globally, international growth directors are not only needed in big businesses. The U.S. Small Business Association pointed out that 96% of the world’s consumers live outside of the U.S. That means, no matter the size of the organization, a director of international growth can help a company reach its full potential.
According to Glassdoor, international growth managers make an average base pay of $108,394 per year. Because growth managers are focused on market development, understanding the customer is key. A director of international growth must learn about different cultures and create plans to grow the business within the confines of those cultures. For people who love to learn about lives different than their own, as well as help businesses make smart and strategic international business moves, this important job would prove fulfilling.
5. Global Marketing Director
A global marketing director is responsible for developing promotion and communication strategies for businesses in multiple countries. This job requires quite a bit of market research, including identifying local competition and developing messages that resonate in various cultures. Global marketing directors work hard to expand international sales, understand various market trends and coordinate strategies that resonate in various marketplaces.
According to Glassdoor, global marketing directors make an average base pay of $151,927 a year. In the U.S. specifically, employment of marketing managers is expected to grow by 10% between 2016 and 2026.
Like other international business roles, this job is perfect for an adaptable person who enjoys exploring different cultures. This role sometimes requires significant travel. These experts need a strong background in marketing, as well as leadership skills. A firm grasp of international business environments is also essential. Creative professionals with a love for seeing new places and absorbing new cultures could set themselves on a path to becoming a global brand marketing director.
Explore International Business Careers
Whether or not you specifically want to work in a global capacity, being an international business major is a great idea. All business professionals can benefit from having a perspective not limited to one country. If you’re interested in exploring international business careers, a global perspective and education is essential.
Gain the skills you need to understand foreign business practices, principles and trends with an international MBA online from Campbellsville University Online. As a graduate of Campbellsville’s program, you can immediately apply your knowledge to several advanced global business careers and fulfill your love of exploration.