Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not influence the opinions or ratings of our editors.
Studying international business can position you to pursue diverse career paths spanning many sectors and industries, including business, healthcare, law and technology.
Earning an international business degree helps students cultivate a global business perspective. Graduates with international business degrees can seek employment in multinational corporations, financial institutions, government agencies, non-profit organizations and other professional settings. An international business degree can equip you with the essential competencies and skills required by employers around the world.
In this article, we provide an overview of the main jobs and explore the potential of international business degrees.
What does an international business degree include?
An international business degree can provide you with key business competencies and help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the nuances involved in organizational structure, operations and regulatory requirements in countries around the world.
Students in this major examine how global economies intersect while learning vital skills such as intercultural communication.
International Business Diploma Jobs
Earning an international business degree can lead to various career opportunities in many sectors and industries. The average base salary for graduates with bachelor’s degrees in international business is about $89,000 per year.
Below is an overview of the jobs you can qualify for with an international business degree. Remember that job requirements and qualifications vary widely depending on several factors, including employer and location.
Economist
Average annual salary: $105,630
Projected job growth (2021-2031): +6%
Job description: Economists collect and analyze data and statistics on the production and distribution of goods, services and resources. These professionals research and observe economic patterns and develop statistical models to predict economic trends.
Economists use data-based insights to advise various organizations, such as government agencies, banks, higher education institutions, and investment groups.
Human Resources Manager
Average annual salary: $126,230
Projected job growth (2021-2031): +7%
Job description: Human resource managers work in almost every industry, overseeing the organizational and administrative functions of companies and organizations. These professionals deal with recruitment and hiring processes, implement training and play an integral role in developing company culture.
Human resource managers address employee needs, mediate disputes, and serve as a vital link between management and employees.
Management Analyst
Average annual salary: $93,000 a year
Projected job growth (2021-2031): 11%
Job description: Management analysts provide an in-depth look at an organization’s strengths and weaknesses, gathering information and data to inform the organization’s strategic decisions, implement necessary changes, and improve productivity. These professionals use data-driven insights to help organizations improve efficiency, increase revenue and reduce costs.
Many employers require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in economics, business, engineering or a closely related field. Others may prefer or require applicants to have a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Market Research Analyst
Average annual salary: $63,920
Projected job growth (2021-2031): +19%
Job description: Market research analysts conduct qualitative and quantitative studies and collect and analyze data to help organizations determine which products and services will perform well in the consumer market. These marketing professionals design surveys to help organizations discover customer preferences and meet business objectives.
Operations Manager
Average annual salary: $97,970
Projected job growth (2021-2031): +7%
Job description: Operations managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a business or organization. These professionals play a critical role in helping businesses remain efficient, profitable and compliant. They work to improve operational management systems, processes and best practices to help organizations achieve tangible results.
Operations managers oversee an organization’s employees, budgets, project delivery, and strategy. They also implement strategies and policies to improve productivity to positively impact business results.
How to advance your career in international business
As with many other career paths, the career trajectory for international business professionals depends largely on education and work experience. Pursuing a graduate degree in international business can broaden your job opportunities and help you qualify for more advanced, senior-level roles in the field.
Earn a Masters in International Business
Earning a master’s in international business allows you to build on the foundational knowledge and skills acquired during your undergraduate studies and helps you develop specialized knowledge in your field. Most international business master’s programs require students to complete between 30 and 36 credits. They usually take a year of full-time study to complete.
Some schools offer an MBA in international studies; however, this degree track is typically geared toward professionals with at least two to five years of work experience.
At the master’s level, an international business degree offers a multidisciplinary curriculum covering areas related to core business competencies, geopolitics, international trade laws, foreign policy, emerging markets, global economics and intercultural communication. The course for a master’s in international business usually includes the following subjects:
- Accounting principles
- Business law
- entrepreneurship
- The global economy
- Managerial accounting
- Organizational behavior
- Principles of operations management
With a master’s in international business, you can qualify for the following jobs:
- Director of Business Development
- Corporate investment banker
- Global Operations Manager
- International Marketing Manager
- Policy analyst
Get a PhD in international business
PhD programs in international business typically prepare students for academic careers, such as roles in university settings or leading training and development teams and programs in multinational corporations.
A PhD in international business is usually research-driven and focuses on quantitative research methods, economic theories and management. Most international business doctoral programs take four to six years to complete and conclude with a dissertation.
With a PhD in international business, you can pursue the following careers:
- Economic researcher
- Global policy analyst
- Global Training and Development Manager
- Senior risk management consultant
- University professor
Consider professional certifications
Several international business certificates are available to help professionals validate their global business knowledge and skills and create pathways for career advancement. Before pursuing a certification, it is vital to research its value and purpose to ensure it fits your professional goals.
The Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) certification offered by NASBITE International is a widely recognized credential that certifies a professional’s competencies in four key areas: trade finance, global marketing, supply chain management, and global business management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About International Business Degree Jobs
Is an international business degree useful?
Yes, winning an international business can be useful in careers in many sectors and industries. This degree can lead to various career opportunities in your country and abroad. Graduates learn the fundamental business concepts and skills that employers around the world are looking for.
What can I do with a bachelor’s degree in international business?
A bachelor’s degree in international business can qualify you for several roles, such as import/export compliance specialist, international banker, management analyst, international marketing manager, and budget analyst. These are just a few of the few career paths and positions available to an international business graduate.
What is the highest paying job in international business?
Global marketing managers rank among the highest paid professionals in international business. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual salary for marketing managers is $133,380.
