International Business Concentration

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In this guide:
Career Options
Courses at Brock
Clubs & Associations
How the BCDO can help
Important Competencies

A concentration in international business provides you with the cultural, political, economic, and linguistic background needed to work effectively in a variety of global environments. The increase in globalization has created a need for successful business managers who think on a global scale and possess specialized knowledge and skills required to manage multicultural and multinational workforces.

Nature of work & types of jobs:

• Airline Route Planning & Marketing
• Export Manager
• International Trade Lawyer
• Manager, International Operations

Industry Sectors:

• Government
• Education
• Journalism
• Business & Industry
• Justice/Law

Career Options
The following are examples of career paths in international business:

International Firms face unique challenges and there are many opportunities to work on international issues regardless of your business area or whether you work domestically or internationally. New grads usually start out working domestically for firms with an international focus to gain experience before moving into international activities.

International Logistics refers to the moving, storing, and distributing of goods. These functions can be managed internally by a firm, or by external logistics providers. The most common activities are involved in the international import and export of goods. New grads typically start in a coordinator or analyst position to learn about the firm’s logistical needs.

International Relations studies foreign affairs and global issues. Individuals in this area often work for government or universities. For example, with the government, you may specialize in researching and advising on international policy, promoting national industries to foreign partners, immigration, or consular affairs. New grads can apply for these government positions after finishing their undergraduate studies or after gaining some industry experience.

Courses at Brock

A concentration in international business enhances your career in the global economy with international operations management knowledge in finance, human resources and marketing.

Brock offers the following upper-year courses in International Business:

• MGMT 3P98-International Business
• MGMT 4P35-Export Strategy & Management
• MGMT 4P36-Business in Developing Countries
• MGMT 4P90-Business Strategy
• MGMT 4P94-Transnational Business Management
• MGMT 4P96-Business & Society
• FNCE 4P05-International Finance
• OBHR 4P90-International Organizational Behaviour

Individuals with an interest in International Business should strongly consider going on an international exchange for a semester at one of our partner schools. You will have the opportunity to travel, experience other cultures and the business world in a truly global context.

For more information on international exchanges, summer programs and the Spoken English Promotion Project (SEPP) visit the International Programs website.

Clubs & Associations

Both work and volunteer experience can help you gain the necessary skills to get a job in the field of international business.

Recommended Clubs on Campus:

• Business Students’ Association (BSA)

Associations, Volunteer Organizations, and Other Resources:

• International Business Opportunities Centre
• International Bureau Chambers of Commerce
• International Business Forum
• World Economic Forum
• World Trade Organization
  

How the BCDO Can Help
The BCDO provides various services and hosts different events to help prepare students for the job search process. Check out our workshops or book an appointment with our office.

You are also encouraged to attend the following events, hosted by the BCDO:

1. “How To Get A Job In…” Series – meet alumni and industry professionals
2. Networking Breakfast – meet employers from different companies and find out about job opportunities

Important Competencies

• Ability to Communicate with Other Cultures
• Ability to Cope with Ambiguity
• Ability to Work Independently and in a Team
• Understand Global Strategies
• Formal Training in Second or Third Language
• Negotiation Skills
• Open Mindedness
• Sensitivity, Adaptability, & Flexibility
• Strong Interpersonal Skills