INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Career Summary

The term global economy has been a part of our lexicon for quite some time now. As the world is becoming a single marketplace and the trade barriers are gradually eroding, the business community is consistently moving in the direction of truly free trade. Free trade translates into a growing need for more import/export specialists, international managers, consultants, and entrepreneurs, but it also implies tougher competition among prospective candidates in a global job market. Priority consideration is given to applicants who possess a bachelor’s degree. People who earn advanced degrees are highly valued for their expertise and qualifications. In addition to specific technical knowledge and skills, a solid educational foundation in one of the functional business specialties, such as international marketing, investment banking, or finance, awareness of foreign market’s cultural environments, fluency in foreign languages, and experience abroad are most desirable. The majority of the International Business careers are available in the United States, but worldwide travel opportunities abound.

Program Description

The GCC International Business major, an option in the Business Administration Associate in Science program, consists of the Business Administration core curriculum and a cluster of specialized courses. The coursework provides students with knowledge of international trade opportunities, currency exchange, import/export regulations, worldwide financial and business trends, and marketing strategies in a foreign environment with particular emphasis of Pacific Rim, Western European and South American markets. Skills developed for the export and import of goods and services are presented in the context of the global economy and multicultural awareness. Students are offered instruction in the real-world process of establishing an import/export business, development of a business plan for a trade activity, business techniques with NAFTA countries, and the contribution of exports to the local, state, and national economies. The program prepares students for entry-level employment in the growing international trade sector, establishing a trading company, or opening a business enterprise overseas. Entrepreneurs or managers of firms with export potential may also benefit from international business and trade studies.

Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor’s degree should meet with an academic and/or transfer counselor to discuss transfer requirements.

Key Skills and Characteristics

	Knowledge of business operations, international trade, foreign exchange, the IMF, trade deficits and world market economies, technical aspects of business start-ups, import/export strategies, marketing techniques, resource allocation and coordination.
	Understanding of EU and US import/export trade principles and regulatory requirements.
	Familiarity with economic and accounting principles and practices, financial markets, and banking operations.
	Ability to analyze and report financial data.
	Effective communication and presentation skills.
	Willingness to provide quality customer service.
	A well-developed sense of cross-cultural awareness and foreign business environments.

Related Career Titles

Import Agent * International Marketing Manager * Freight Forwarding Coordinator * Importer/Wholesale * Import/Export Clerk * Director of Import/Export Compliance * International Trade Service Specialist

Please visit the GCC Career Center to research specific occupational information and learn more about your selected career path.