International Business

Today's interconnected world presents no shortage of challenges and opportunities attractive to business-minded people. In fact, if you are contemplating a move into the international business arena, the greatest difficulty may be deciding which of many different possibilities excites you the most.

The opportunities for a business professional to include an international element to their work are highly varied, spanning the private sector, government, and non-governmental organizations.

Relevant degrees, hard skills, soft skills and global competencies, and international experience are all important elements to succeeding in international business. 

Exploring career options, building an international network, contacting potential employers, informational interviews and the important art of pitching yourself.

Here we examine four sub-sectors in more detail, looking at different job opportunities and functions, the types of organizations that are active or influential, and potential ways to get your foot in the door.

The diversity of people and positions in international business is boundless.  In-depth interviews with people in this sector offer insights into the ups and downs of work in this sector, and how to get your foot in the door.

The business services sector is exactly what it sounds like: companies providing other companies with services. In the context of international business, multinationals and other businesses will often engage consultants or firms that offer country-specific expertise to provide them with support.

According to a recent study by UK charity Global Justice Now, the ten biggest global corporations, including companies like Walmart and Apple, make more money than most countries in the world combined. The scale of their global operations—and workforce—means that opportunities for globally-minded individuals with business skills are abundant.