International Business Careers

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Updated on September 21, 2023
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International business programs cover fundamental business practices and globalization concepts, including international marketing, trade operations, and finance policies. Oftentimes, these programs allow students to concentrate on specific foreign markets and integrate language training in their coursework. Highly specialized cross-cultural and communication skills allow international business majors to obtain many lucrative positions, both domestically and overseas.

Why Pursue a Career in International Business?

A career in international business allows individuals to travel the world and interact with many high-profile business leaders. While the job can be quite demanding, individuals pursuing a career in international business are well-positioned for professional advancement opportunities.

Due to the cross-cultural aspects of international business, successful global leaders typically hold strong leadership and human relations skills and approach cultural differences with openness and sensitivity. Additionally, these professionals often work with many different personalities in high-pressure business environments, making adaptive thinking and emotional intelligence critical abilities to possess.

International Business Career Outlook

As the world economy continues to globalize, more U.S. companies are expanding business operations overseas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the field of business and financial operations is projected to grow 7% from 2018-2028 -- faster than the average occupation in the U.S. This is due largely to the pressures of globalization, which continue to create jobs across many multinational organizations.

Many factors affect salary potential for international business professionals, including their industry and occupation type. For instance, management analysts working in consulting services earn an average salary of $106,160 per year, while the typical management analyst employed by a state government earns $66,450 annually.

A worker's education level, location, and professional experience significantly affect their earning potential, as well. Refer to the table below for additional salary information at varying career stages for common business careers.

Median Annual Salary for International Business? Careers
Job Title Entry-Level
(0-12 months)
Early Career
(1-4 Years)
Midcareer
(5-9 Years)
Experienced
(10-19 Years)
Management Analyst $53,940 $61,660 $71,080 $76,820
Marketing Manager $47,910 $58,120 $68,720 $75,670
Economist $57,980 $68,390 $92,730 $98,980
Human Resources Manager $50,680 $59,310 $67,930 $72,740

Source: PayScale

Popular Online Programs For a International Business

Learn about start dates credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Skills Gained With a International Business Degree

An international business degree teaches students foundational business concepts and cross-cultural skills needed to succeed in global activities. Some programs also provide, or require, additional language training. As companies expand into foreign markets, knowing how to effectively communicate across cultures is essential for organizational success.

Additionally, diverse business environments and varying communication norms require these professionals to understand international business etiquette, which is why international business programs often aim to develop students' cultural awareness skills.

Communication Skills

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Communication skills are vital to building foreign relationships and maintaining international business. As an international employee, you may work with many overseas clients and customers who expect an understanding and appreciation of their cultural norms. Knowing how to interpret and respond to clients can help avoid misunderstandings and strengthen business relationships.

Leadership Skills

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Like general business majors, international business students develop the leadership skills needed to maximize organizational efficiency and manage departments. Most pertinent for management and executive positions, leadership abilities allow professionals who meet with high-level clients and executives to communicate effectively and grow business relationships.

Adaptive Thinking Skills

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Global professionals often need to think quickly and adapt to situations with clients and customers. International business students learn how to succeed in diverse, ever-changing environments by assessing potential confrontations and responding appropriately. While these soft skills may be difficult to teach, it is possible to foster more adaptive thinking through training and field experience.

Emotional Intelligence Skills

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Arguably the most indispensable trait, emotional intelligence is vital to building relationships and effectively carrying out international business. Global professionals work across many cultures and oftentimes experience stressful business situations. Knowing how to control your emotions and effectively communicate empathy can help build cross-cultural relationships.

Analytical Skills

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As with most business professions, analytical skills are fundamental to understanding economics and marketing -- especially global operations. International business degrees teach students how to assess international situations and develop solutions. Additionally, global professionals are often tasked with developing strategies to position their organization for international success.

International Business Career Paths

As one of the broader business fields, international business professionals can explore a wide variety of career paths across many different industries. Those interested in working for global organizations may pursue specializations in finance, marketing, and human resource management. Students who are interested in working in the government sectors may shift their focus to economics.

Marketing

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Students who specialize in marketing often find job opportunities with larger corporations and global companies. These individuals primarily focus on developing business strategies that help increase global sales and create an advantage over the competition. Additionally, a marketing professional may be responsible for examining global demand for their organization's products and services.

Finance

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International business students interested in global investment activities and supporting a company's financial goals may benefit from a finance specialization. Students learn how to analyze foregin market trends and evaluate company finances across global divisions. Those focusing on finance often hold careers with global organizations involved in industries such as healthcare, banking and capital markets, and consumer goods.

Economics

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This specialization examines global business trends and policies -- specifically foreign financial markets. While jobs can be found in nearly every industry, international economists often work at different levels of government, analyzing the country's economy and assessing global demand for goods and services.

Human Resource Management

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International business majors who focus on human resources learn how to effectively manage workforce diversity and recruit talent for global operations. These professionals may also handle international staffing and lead professional development for a company on a global scale. Graduates with this concentration can secure managerial human resource positions with international companies and government sectors.

Operations Management

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This focus explores the process of developing and distributing international products and services. Operations managers may also lead global sales and manufacturing teams in order to maximize supply chain efficiency. Learners with this specialization may pursue global operation and supply chain management positions in just about any private or public sector that works in foreign markets.

Management

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Learners who pursue a business management specialization develop comprehensive foundations in a variety of areas, including international marketing, finance, and economics. By strengthening their communication and leadership skills, this area of focus allows students to secure upper-level management and analyst positions.

How to Start Your Career in International Business

Careers in international business generally require all of the same competencies and skills needed for domestic business, as well as an understanding of global markets. As such, a bachelor's degree is typically required to obtain the linguistic and cross-cultural proficiencies needed to work with most multinational corporations.

Many graduates with an international business degree go on to secure managerial positions, leading diverse workforces and maximizing global business opportunities. While many management positions can be obtained with a bachelor's degree and experience, larger corporations may prefer advanced business degrees for upper-level and executive positions.

Associate Degree in International Business?

Associate degrees in international business generally require about 60 credits and take two years of full-time study to complete. Along with general education classes, these programs explore fundamental business topics like microeconomics, accounting, and finance.

Since these degrees do not offer as much as rigor as bachelor's or master's degrees, students typically only qualify for entry-level positions with global firms and nonprofit organizations. Associate degree-holders can find positions as sales representatives, marketing assistants, and food service managers. Graduates generally need to gain a few years of professional experience or pursue additional education to obtain higher positions.

What Can You Do With an Associate in International Business??

Sales Representative

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International sales representatives focus on marketing to new customers and selling company products. They may also handle some company sales on a global scale. Sales representatives can pursue career advancements opportunities after gaining professional field experience and showing strong performance metrics.

Median Salary: $54,550

International Marketing Assistant

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Along with supporting the work of marketing managers, international marketing assistants help develop strategies for multinational advertising campaigns. Additionally, these professionals track global trends and monitor competition. To advance in their roles, these assistants can continue their education and/or gain several years of relevant work experience.

Median Salary: $39,180

Food Service Manager

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Food service managers maintain daily restaurant operations and create performance reports. They also lead staff and deal with customer issues and complaints. These professionals may hold positions in the tourism and hospitality industry, as well as businesses involved in international food services.

Median Salary: $55,320

Sources: BLS and PayScale

Bachelor's Degree in International Business?

Whereas the majority of credits earned in associate degree programs are devoted to general education courses, bachelor's degrees in international business cover business topics in greater detail. Students who enroll in these programs explore global business principles and develop cross-cultural communication competencies.

A bachelor's degree-holder typically has significant advantages over a worker with only an associate degree, in terms of job opportunities and salary potential. Graduates who enjoy analysis and finance can obtain upper-level roles with multinational firms and government agencies as management analysts, financial analysts, and budget analysts. Alternatively, those with natural propensities for sales and advertising may pursue jobs as marketing managers, international sales managers, and international trade specialists.

What Can You Do With a Bachelor's in International Business??

Management Analyst

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These professionals -- also called management consultants -- improve efficiency in their organizations. They coach other managers to be more effective, reduce costs, and bring in more money. This position requires at least a bachelor's degree.

Median Salary: $85,260

International Marketing Manager

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These marketing experts can effectively translate their campaigns across physical, linguistic, and cultural barriers. They adjust their approaches based on what sells within a country. Since this position requires specialized knowledge, many companies require candidates to have some field experience.

Median Salary: $135,900

International Sales Manager

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These managers oversee the exports of a company to countries around the world. They locate opportunities to expand into new territories and review market trends to predict success. International sales managers must also ensure that products are delivered to customers on time and without problems.

Median Salary: $126,640

Budget Analyst

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Budget analysts examine institutional spending and budgeting to verify accuracy, completeness, and compliance with regulations. Their responsibilities include preparing budget reports, monitoring fiscal allocations for efficiency, and performing cost analyses. These analysts can work in public and private institutions, including government agencies, universities, and multinational corporations.

Median Salary: $76,540

International Trade Specialist

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These professionals help companies strategically expand into new countries. They often specialize, working in one country or geographical region. These candidates need to hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree.

Median Salary: $57,960

Financial Analyst

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These analysts conduct industry research to inform investment decisions and forecast budgets. They possess strong analytical and communication skills to provide expert financial guidance to their company. Financial analysts often work with global businesses involved in industries like insurance, banking and capital markets, and healthcare.

Median Salary: $85,660

Sources: BLS and PayScale

Master's Degree in International Business?

Graduate students looking to obtain senior-level and executive positions in the field of international business can consider enrolling in a master's degree program. Along with fundamental business concepts, these programs incorporate advanced topics like international trade law, foreign policy, and global economics.

Master's degrees in international business can lead to exciting job opportunities that allow you to travel and work with clients across the world. With advanced foregin language and intercultural understanding skills, students can pursue high-level roles in international financial institutions, government agencies, and global firms.

What Can You Do With a Master's in International Business??

Market Research Analyst

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Market research analysts gather and study information about market conditions and potential sales of services and products. Their duties may include collecting and analyzing data on demographics, competitors, consumer opinions, and factors that influence customer demand and satisfaction. Many high-level and research-heavy international positions in this specialty require a master's degree.

Median Salary: $63,790

Economist

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Economists advise firms and organizations on global policies and economic trends. They analyze foreign and domestic markets to locate new business opportunities. These professionals work across private and public sectors, often holding positions within government agencies and global firms.

Median Salary: $105,020

Global Operations Manager

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These leaders oversee organizational processes and operations. They typically direct distribution services, forecast financials, and work to improve production processes. Due to their job duties and years of industry experience, global operations managers often enjoy six-figure salaries.

Median Salary: $100,780

Human Resource Manager

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Human resource managers coordinate and supervise company administrative functions. They are often involved in recruiting and hiring processes, as well as talent management. Depending on the industry, these respected managers may consult with executive leaders to discuss worker productivity and organizational goals. A master's degree can help these professionals stand out from their peers.

Median Salary: $116,720

Top Executive

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Job responsibilities for top executives vary by organization. Executives in global companies generally focus on strategic planning and company direction. These professionals collaborate with other senior leaders to create and implement organizational structures and policies. Oftentimes, these senior-level positions require considerable field experience and an advanced understanding of global operations.

Median Salary: $104,690

Source: BLS

Doctorate Degree in International Business?

Many doctoral programs in international business prepare learners for careers in academia -- either in university settings or leading training and development teams in multinational corporations. As such, these programs are typically research-driven and cover theories of economics.

Most doctoral tracks take 4-5 years to complete and culminate in a dissertation. While not strictly limited to academic settings, most graduates go on to find work as researchers and professors. Doctoral degree-holders looking to work outside of academia can pursue senior-level positions in business, government, and healthcare industries; however, a master's degree typically suffices for these positions.

What Can You Do With a Doctorate in International Business??

Postsecondary Teacher

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Many doctoral degree-holders in international business go on to work in academic settings -- typically with college and universities. As college professors, these scholars develop advanced curricula and instruction plans that help students improve their business knowledge and skills. They may also conduct research and publish their findings.

Median Salary: $79,540

Global Policy Analyst

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Also referred to as political scientists, policy analysts research and develop economic theories. These analysts may also conduct research in international relations and foreign politics. Analysts that work for multinational organizations may shift their focus toward evaluating competitor policies and global market trends. Although workers can assume this role with only a master's degree, earning a doctorate can lead to greater career opportunities.

Median Salary: $122,220

Global Training and Development Managers

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Doctoral degree-holders looking to teach in organizational settings may pursue roles as global development managers. Rather than working in academia, these highly trained professionals create instruction plans to develop organizational talent. They often teach teams of workers and supervisors methods and skills that align with organizational goals.

Median Salary: $113,350

Source: BLS

How to Advance Your Career in International Business

There are many ways to develop professionally in the field of international business. While earning a degree can teach you fundamental business competencies, the practical skills and knowledge obtained by working in business settings may be difficult to disseminate in the classroom. Establishing yourself in a highly competitive field like business often requires industry experience, additional certifications, and professional networking.

For current workers, online educational programs and additional certifications serve as useful tools to help you grow professionally. Depending on your desired role or professional interests, there are dozens of certificates that can give you a competitive advantage over your peers and help advance your career.

Certifications

While generally not required by employers, there are many different international business certifications available that can help advance your global business competencies. When deciding which one(s) to pursue, consider your desired work environment and professional goals -- different certifications are tailored to different career paths.

Offered by NASBITE -- a leading authority in global business education -- the certified global business professional credential is a valuable certification for global business professionals. This certification confirms advanced proficiencies in international marketing, trade finance, and business management, and it can help differentiate you for top-level career opportunities.

Alternatively, workers involved in global supply chains and international trade may consider pursuing the certified supply chain professional and certified international trade professional certifications. Obtaining these credentials demonstrates an advanced understanding of global markets, which can help lead to increases in salary and job responsibilities.

Continuing Education

As the field of international business continuously evolves, continuing your education by completing online programs and specialized training can help you obtain new industry knowledge. While going back to school to earn an advanced degree may lead to the most lucrative career advancements, completing online courses and certificate programs also demonstrates a desire to learn new proficiencies and advance in your career.

Certificate programs, like California Southern Univerisity's certificate in international business program and the University of California, Irvine's international business operations and management program, can add substantial value to your business resume. Along with these programs, working professionals can also consider enrolling in free online courses, such as MIT's global strategy and organization course and the University of New Mexico's international business II course.

Next Steps

Arguably the most important component for success in business, networking is essential for advancements into leadership positions. While cultivating relationships with clients and customers is critical for organizational success, building professional connections with colleagues and leaders in the industry often gives you a competitive edge over your peers.

Additionally, becoming involved in an international business organization, such as Business Network International, can help expand your networking opportunities and deepen your industry knowledge. Some of these organizations offer market research studies and educational resources that can help you prepare for certification exams. They may also host seminars that allow you to learn from and connect with leading business professionals from around the world.

How to Switch Your Career to International Business?

Most careers in business generally require a bachelor's degree and strong communication skills. As such, you don't necessarily need a business administration degree to pursue careers in international business.

However, due to the nature of working in global markets, positions related to market research analysis and global operations require specialized proficiencies. These skills are often obtained through advanced education, certifications, and field experience. Without these competencies, you may only have the credentials to secure entry-level business positions.

Those looking to switch careers without pursuing an advanced degree should consider continuing their education by acquiring professional business certifications or enrolling in online training programs. If you do not have a college degree, enrolling in an online university program offers flexibility and helps put you on a path for future success in international business.

Where Can You Work as an International Business Professional?

A career in international business can lead to job opportunities where you travel the world. Even if your job doesn't require you to leave the country, you may still work with foregin markets and international customers.

International business professionals hold positions in nearly every industry, including healthcare, banking and capital markets, and consumer goods. As such, jobs are not limited to specific geographic locations but can be found across the country in virtually any public or private sector.

Many global companies, like Amazon and Google, hire international business professionals to develop global teams and maintain overseas operations. Additionally, public sectors, such as government agencies, hire these professionals for roles as foreign policy analysts and economists.

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Resources for International Business Majors

For current professionals and international business students alike, there are dozens of organizations and educational tools that can help further develop your cross-cultural skills and competencies.

Read the sections below to learn about associations, university courseware, and academic publications dedicated to providing educational resources to business majors.

Professional Organizations

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Invaluable to launching a successful career in international business, membership in a professional association offers networking and educational opportunities, subscriptions to newsletters and journals, and access to job boards. You can build new skills, access data and other resources, and learn from mentors through one of these organizations.

Academy of International Business: Since 1959, AIB has been the leading organization for scholars and other specialists in international business. With members from over 80 countries, truly international networking and collaboration at the regional and annual international conferences is fostered. Job seekers can take advantage of AIB's career center and placement center, which both post available career positions. Members receive a subscription to the Journal of International Business Studies, the AIB newsletter, and AIB Insights.


Ascend: Aspiring to be the "premier nonprofit professional association dedicated to ... realizing the leadership potential of Pan-Asians in global corporations," Ascend connects its roughly 12,000 members through dozens of international chapters. Open to people of all races and ethnicities, a variety of memberships are available. Undergraduate students can participate in mentoring programs and professional development courses, while graduate students and young professionals can develop leadership experience through the organization's local chapters. Members at all levels, including managers, enjoy networking opportunities at national and regional conferences, local chapter meetings, and social mixers.


European International Business Academy: EIBA has members from nearly 50 countries worldwide. Founded in 1974, the academy's mission is to exchange and spread information across the field of international business. Networking opportunities include an annual conference held each year at a major European university. Members also receive a subscription to International Business Review and EIBAzine's newsletter. Job seekers benefit from the academy's online job market, as well.


Finance, Credit, and International Business Association: Since 1919, FCIB has been a top organization for business executives. Members enjoy insight, advice, and expertise from over 1,000 fellow members in 55 countries around the world. FCIB's global network of peers is contained in its online membership directory, and the association fosters networking through forums, workshops, conferences, and seminars. Members also have access to a variety of online research resources, including World Trade Reference and Collection Risk Reports.


International Association of Business Communicators: Since 1970, IABC has helped public relations, corporate communications, investor and government relations, and marketing professionals improve their performance in the international market. Members enjoy access to an online member directory and a forum where corporate communications professionals "trade ideas, solicit advice and input, debate strategies, and share information." Job seekers and recruiters also benefit from IABC's job center and marketplace.


International Business Brokers Association: Geared toward professionals "engaged in business brokerage and mergers and acquisitions," the IBBA offers its members a variety of benefits. Networking is fostered at semiannual conferences, including the Trade Fair and M&A Expo. Education opportunities abound, including courses needed to earn the certified business intermediary (CBI) designation. The IBBA even sponsors an educational summit where 32 of the 68 hours of coursework needed for the CBI credential can be earned in just four days.


Washington International Trade Association: Nonprofit and nonpartisan, WITA provides "a neutral forum in the nation's capital for the open and robust discussion of international trade policy." Since 1982, WITA has provided its members with a variety of networking opportunities, including its Annual Awards Dinner, Governors and Ambassadors World Trade Reception, and the Congressional Trade Agenda. Members benefit from WITA's online career center and membership and business directories, as well as discounts and access to trade programs.

Open Courseware

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Aspiring professionals who want to improve their skills and knowledge without enrolling in a formal degree program can take advantage of free open courseware. Offered by some of the best universities in the world, international business specialists can have a valuable educational experience without breaking the bank.

Doing the Right Thing: Corporate Social Responsibility in a Global Marketplace - University of Nottingham: Professor and Director of the International Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility Jeremy Moon leads this course, which explores how consumer awareness, globalization, and public accountability have contributed to international companies' drive toward higher ethical standards. The push and pull between business performance and social responsibility is also discussed.


Economy and Business in Modern China and India - MIT: Two of the worlds' fastest growing economies are explored in this class led by Professor Yasheng Huang. Students at the graduate level learn about the different aspects of these two "emerging markets," including their distinct political systems, policies, and business structures. Selected lecture notes and a detailed list of readings are provided.


Global Markets, National Politics, and the Competitive Advantage of Firms - MIT: Taught by Professor Richard Locke, this graduate course "examines the opportunities and risks firms face in today's global world." Students explore how institutions and governments influence markets differently under different styles of governing, trade regulations, and business structures. Selected lecture notes and links to other online resources are provided.


Global Strategy and Organization - MIT: In this graduate course taught by Professor Donald Lessard, students explore the myriad markets, modes of ownership and outsourcing, organizations, and means of managing processes that exist globally. Students learn the fundamentals of identifying and capitalizing on opportunities, as well as how to think and act strategically.


International Studies 12: Global Issues and Institutions - UCI: Helping business students understand the cultural, political, social, and economic climates around the world, this course -- taught by Dr. Bojan Petrovic -- is designed for undergraduate-level students. Particular topics covered include development, environmental degradation, debt, war, energy crisis, globalization, and ethnic conflict and terrorism.


Technology and Global Development - TU Delft: This course, hosted by the Delft University of Technology -- examines international business from a sustainable development perspective. Designed for bachelor's-level students, the class explores the developed world's perceptions of, as well as the impact of its technology transfer to, developing nations.

Publications

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Perusing scholarly journals helps international business professionals keep up with current developments in academic research. Today, many top-level publications offer some or all of their content online for free.

International Business Research: Published monthly, the online version of this double-blind, peer-reviewed journal is completely open and free to view. Scholarship in this academic publication crosses all aspects of business, management, finance, and economics. Recent articles include "Complexity of Organizational Identification: Measuring Ambivalent Identification" and "Size Effect, Seasonality, Attitude to Risk, and Performance of Egyptian Banks."


International Journal of Business Science and Applied Management: With its mission to "enhance the dissemination of knowledge across the business and management community," articles in this open-access academic journal cover a wide variety of topics, including management, marketing, entrepreneurship, innovation, enterprise, and human resource management. Representative articles include "The Effects of Economic Crisis on Logistics Outsourcing" and "Measuring Burnout and Work Engagement: Factor Structure, Invariance, and Latent Mean Differences Across Greece and the Netherlands."


International Journal of Economics and Finance: This double-blind, peer-reviewed academic journal focuses on economic and financial issues from an international perspective. Open-access articles available for viewing online include "The Impact of Auditor Changes on CEO Compensation" and "Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth in Zambia."


International Journal of Business Administration: "Devoted to publishing research papers for academics and professionals to share advances in business and management theory and practice," all content in this journal is openly available. Representative articles include "Innovation in the Global Age" and "Performance of ICT Industry in Six Asian Countries."


Journal of Business and Finance: This peer-reviewed international journal publishes articles that may be of interest to international business professionals on topics including finance, financial reporting, banking, markets, and economics. Representative articles in this open-access journal include "Effect of Exchange Rate Volatility on Exports: Evidence from Eight Developed Countries" and "Impact of Trade Unionism on Indian Society."


Journal of International Business Studies: In keeping with its goal to publish "insightful, innovative, and impactful research on international business," JIBS contains methodologically rigorous quantitative and qualitative research. In this hybrid journal, some content requires a subscription while other articles are freely available. Recent open-access content includes the article "A Dynamic Capabilities-Based Entrepreneurial Theory of the Multinational Enterprise."


Journal of International Business and Cultural Studies: Published by the Academic and Business Research Institute, this journal focuses on global economics, international business, and how cultural and social differences across nations affect global businesses. Blind, peer-reviewed, and open-access scholarship found in this publication includes articles like "Exploring Worldwide Consumption Behaviors" and "The Roadmap of International Business Incubation Performance."

Books

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Some topics are too complicated to be encapsulated in an article or blog post. International business professionals interested in developing a deeper understanding of global issues may benefit from taking the time to enjoy a few of these longer reads.

Abundance: Medical doctor and entrepreneur, Peter Diamandis, takes readers on a journey of technological innovations that are changing the world. In this inspirational book, Diamandis sees a future "world of nine billion people with clean water; nutritious food; affordable housing; personalized education; top-tier medical care; and non-polluting, ubiquitous energy."


Doing Business Anywhere: The Essential Guide to Going Globa: In this book, author Tom Travis sets out the six fundamentals of international business. Topics covered include benefiting from trade agreements, maintaining global security, relationship building, and preparing for the unexpected.


The Elephant and the Dragon: The Rise of India and China and What It Means for All of Us: As a senior editor for Forbes, Robyn Meredith brings her expertise on China and India to this 2007 book. In this work, Meredith explains how Chinese and Indian economic growth have, and will continue to, benefit the American economy.


India Arriving: How This Economic Powerhouse Is Redefining Global Business: Arguing that India, not China, will be the next economic giant, Stanford professor Rafiq Dossani challenges conventional wisdom with this engaging read. Dossani explores how India's unique mix of resources and people, including the world's largest population of young people, creates fertile ground for India's economic rise.


Making Globalization Work: Nobel Laureate and former chief economist of the World Bank, Joseph E. Stiglitz examines globalization in this 2007 book. Seeking reform of international financial institutions, trade agreements, intellectual property protections, and economic inequality between nations, Stiglitz argues that helping all benefits the wealthy in the increasingly interdependent global economy.


World, Inc.: As an environmental and energy consultant, author Bruce Piasecki focuses on how socially responsible choices can reap economic benefits. In this book, Piasecki claims that huge multinational corporations "can address the social problems we struggle with, in conjunction with government," in a way that is good for both society and business.

Online Business Magazines and Newspapers

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Unlike print magazines, online publications can be updated regularly. Free and filled with the latest developments in business from around the globe, online magazines can be a useful resource for aspiring international business professionals.

The Economist: Although a subscription is required to access some content, much of the online version of this magazine is freely available. With in-depth analysis and quick reads specifically dedicated to the latest news in particular regions and countries, The Economist is the magazine of choice for many in international business. Representative articles include "Environmental Risks Are Starting to Affect House Prices All Over the World" and "The $9 Trillion Sale: Governments Should Launch a New Wave of Privatizations, This Time Centered on Property."


Financial Times: Since 1884, the Financial Times of London has covered financial news from across the globe. In-depth analysis and reporting are the hallmarks of this magazine. A subscription may be required to access some content. Representative articles include "Hong Kong Faces Guangzhou Port Threat" and "India Facing Urban Jobs Crunch."


Intercontinental Exchange: ICE -- the parent company of NYSE Euronext -- is not technically a magazine; nonetheless, a wealth of information, including reports and data, can be found on this site. This network of clearinghouses and exchanges for commodity and financial markets is a good resource for international business professionals.


International Business Times: With over 20 million readers worldwide, the IBTimes has become a popular publication among the international business class. In addition to the latest economic and business news, this magazine produces content that particularly appeals to global readers.


Reuters: Reuters has been reporting international business and financial news since its inception in 1799. Breaking business, tech, market, and money news is all posted and clearly accessible within distinct tabs. Recent articles of interest to international business specialists include "Davos Prepares for Annual Parade of Powerbrokers" and "Nikkei Logs Best Day in 4 Months After Tuesday's Slide."


Wall Street Journal's MarketWatch: Although much of the content of the Wall Street Journal's online site requires a subscription to access, international business data and reporting are freely available at MarketWatch. With over 120 years of experience reporting on market happenings, international business professionals can rely on this site's reporting. Recent articles include "Europe Stocks Close at 6-Year High on Growth Hopes" and "Apple's China Mobile Deal to Extend Beyond Handsets."

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an international business degree worth it?

Learners who are interested in gaining a global perspective in business should find plenty of value in an international business degree. While salaries greatly vary by industry type, there are many lucrative job opportunities in the field of international business.

Is international business a good career?

An international business career can lead to high salaries and career advancement opportunities, though it often requires substantial travel to many different countries. As such, those who are interested in pursuing international business should have an appreciation for cultural differences and a desire to see the world.

What can you do with a degree in international business?

International business professionals with a bachelor's degree can attain a variety of occupations. Sales-minded individuals can pursue jobs as international trade managers and sales specialists, while those interested in marketing and analysis may hold positions as financial analysts, economists, and marketing managers.

How much do international business majors make?

According to the BLS, the median annual wage for business and financial professionals was almost $70,000, as of May 2019. While industry type and professional experience play significant roles in a worker's salary potential, these wages are much higher than the median salary of all U.S. workers: $39,810.

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