International Business Degree and Career Guide

Get the school and international business degree information you need to watch your career take off.

Find International Business Degree Programs

international business degree holder at airport

International business is the term most frequently used when discussing the actions and interactions of companies who either have interests in multiple places around the world or who work with other companies based or operating globally. These businesses are generally called multinational corporations or international business corporations. As the world becomes more technology-oriented, and communication, business, and cooperation over great distances gets easier, more formerly local businesses are expanding into the global market.

Degree Types

Undergraduates can earn a bachelor's degree in international business, but most upper-level international management positions require an MBA or master's degree. The Master of International Management (MIM) includes language and culture classes in addition to business course work and generally tries to present a cross-cultural perspective. MBA students can specialize in international business and management. PhDs are available for those more interested in academic careers.

International Business Careers

International business careers are expanding rapidly as an increasing number of companies conduct global business. International business is influenced by numerous sociocultural, political and legal factors; overall employment is expected to rise as organizations like the European Union expand and recruit new partners.

Whatever your specific focus, you will engage with global and cultural business issues. Common job titles include the following:

Import/Export Agent
Translator
Foreign Currency Investment Advisor
Foreign Sales Representative and International Management Consultant

Frequent employers include banks, import/export corporations, multinational manufacturers, consulting firms, international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), electronics companies and transportation industries like shipping and airlines.

Use our career guide to learn about your many degree and career options in international business.