How to Pursue a Career in International Business

Finding the right international business program depends on factors like your interests, finances, location, and whether you want to attend a program full or part time.
You should also look at the kind of roles graduates are landing fresh out of school.

International business specialties: Make sure a program offers the specialty areas that you want to pursue. At all degree levels, many international business programs offer the option to choose a concentration such as international supply chain management, project management, or business administration. A concentration can allow you to gain the technical knowledge necessary for specific roles, while also learning how to apply your expertise worldwide.

Accreditation: Accreditation means an educational program and school have met rigorous standards established by independent accrediting organizations. A degree from an accredited school is considered a quality education. Attending an accredited institution is important if you transfer to another school later or want to use your degree as a foundation for higher degrees or professional certifications. You'll also need to attend an accredited school to qualify for federal financial aid, school loans, and some scholarships.

Online programs: Online programs can be a good option if you'll be earning a degree while also juggling family or work responsibilities. You may be able to earn most of an international business degree online, even your doctorate, though many programs require internships or other onsite immersive experiences.

You can earn a degree in international business at all educational levels.

Associate degree

• What It Is: A two-year degree that provides an introduction to international business. While you can qualify for entry-level positions with an associate degree, you'll likely need a minimum of a bachelor's degree to advance to positions that involve supervisory and decision-making responsibilities.

• Who It's Best For: Students whose finances are limited or who want to enter the job market as soon as possible.

Bachelor's degree

• What It Is: A four-year multidisciplinary degree that provides the foundation to advance to managerial positions in public administration or private and non-profit global organizations. If you study part time, it could take four to six years to complete a bachelor's degree.

• Who It's Best For: Students who want to work in administrative and managerial positions involving all aspects of international business.

Master's in international business

• What It Is: A graduate degree that focuses on the study of advanced business topics through an international lens. A master's in international business takes one year to complete if you attend school full time and two years or more if you attend part time.

• Who It's Best For: Students who want to pursue leadership roles involving policy and decision-making across global organizations.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) in international business

• What It Is: A two-year graduate degree that focuses on advanced core skills across all areas of business, such as accounting and finance. An MBA in international business could take three years or longer to complete if you study part time.

• Who It's Best For: Students who want to study advanced core business skills to gain the knowledge and skills for global organizational leadership or consulting roles.

Prerequisites for an international business degree vary by program, but having a foundation in math, science, and English composition can help you succeed.
You're likely to find the following basic requirements for international business degrees:

• Bachelor's degree: A high school diploma or GED; a minimum GPA of 2.5; possibly SAT or ACT scores

• Master's in international business: A bachelor's degree, often in any major; a minimum GPA, often 3.0; and GRE or GMAT test scores

• MBA in international business: A bachelor's degree, often in a business major; completion of prerequisite business courses; a minimum GPA of 3.0; two years of professional work experience; and GMAT scores 

Your studies will prepare you to work in positions that involve interacting with people from different countries and cultures. You'll learn about the unique aspects of conducting business across geographic, economic, and political boundaries.

Coursework: At the bachelor's level, you'll have the opportunity to study a concentration and specialize in one aspect of international business. At the graduate level, some students choose to immerse themselves in international business by earning a master's focused on the field. Others choose an MBA with a concentration in international business, which focuses on developing managerial skills and expertise in the top business fields.

Foreign language: While some programs have a foreign language requirement, many do not. However, knowing a foreign language gives you an advantage in developing relationships with your counterparts in other countries. While phone apps make it easier to communicate across languages, they can't duplicate the ability to understand the nuances and cultural cues that you acquire in learning a language, so knowing a language makes things easier, says Jagodka.

Study abroad: While studying or working abroad for a semester isn't required, it can be a valuable enhancement to your learning experience. At any degree level, it helps students make contacts and start networking in other countries, says Jagodka.

Internships/capstones: The requirement for an internship or capstone project varies by program. An internship usually requires working onsite, which can help you develop valuable first-hand experience while you refine your goals. However, you may be able to complete a capstone project around an existing work schedule. It's important to understand your program's requirements, since you may not have the option to choose once you're enrolled.

Your degree and whether you specialize will determine where you're most qualified to work in your first job after graduation. With a bachelor's degree, you're likely to begin in roles without supervisory or management responsibilities. These can include entry-level roles such as human resources specialist, a role in the hospitality industry such as front-desk clerk for an international hotel chain, or marketing specialist for a company trying to promote its products abroad.

With a master's degree, you can qualify for positions that involve decision-making responsibilities for departments or an entire organization in roles like an international operations manager or international sales manager.

Earning a certification demonstrates expertise and deep knowledge and can help distinguish you as passionate about your profession and committed to expanding your skills. Two common professional certifications that can help advance your career in international business are:

• Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP)
• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Jagodka says a credential like the CGBP shows prospective employers that you are well-rounded and understand business from an international perspective.

Moving up often requires additional education and experience. Earning a certification or a graduate degree can make a difference. Jagodka says mastering the technical skills required by your field also can help you advance. These could include data analysis, program management, or mastering software used in your field.