As companies in all parts of the world begin to think and act globally – and with the reach of the Internet into homes around the world – more and more people are deciding to earn business degrees in international business. Such degrees prepare students to take on jobs representing American companies abroad or foreign companies in the United States. The work is challenging, complex and can involve a lot of travel, but is worth pursuing if that mix of experiences interests you.

Click on the “request info” button next to the school of your choice to receive more information about specific international business degree programs.

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Typical International Business Course Topics

Those seeking to enter into the world of international business must first master basic business skills. This means courses in areas that will help graduates understand business strategy, operations, budgeting and financial reporting.

Some of these classes would typically include:

  • Business ethics
  • Business organizations
  • Business communication
  • Finance
  • Marketing basics
  • Cost accounting
  • Managerial accounting
  • Taxes
  • Financial planning
  • Payroll accounting

Duties in International Business

Some who enter into international business often specialize in global marketing, which involves trying to maintain a company’s brand and create positive impressions in a variety of markets around the world. Many who enter into international business first gain experience working in a domestic business. Sometimes, even those who work in international business will work from the United States, working remotely with contacts in specific markets.

One of the potential jobs in international business is that of a market research analyst. They use existing data to determine the demographics of a specific market. They then use that data to determine the best methods for marketing a specific product to that market.

Marketing research analysts also advise companies on what products people in a certain area will want to purchase, and what price they might be willing to pay. They use sophisticated data research techniques and software programs to analyze raw data, breaking it down into useable bits of information.

Job Outlook in International Business

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not track the area of international business specifically in terms of job numbers. However, they do provide numbers for various jobs within international business, including marketing research analyst.

The number of jobs for marketing research analysts is expected to grow by 41% between 2010 and 2020, a rate far beyond the average for all occupations, according to the BLS. The federal agency attributes the growth to the awareness among businesses about the importance of marketing and how international competition makes standing out with a good marketing strategy that much more important.

Salary for marketing research analysts varies depending on the industry and the region of the country in which you work. However, the BLS reports that overall, those working in marketing research analysis made an average of $60,570. However, those in the top 10% earned more than $111,000 a year.