How Do I Become: An International Business Professional | brainflash

As our economy becomes more global, industries in other countries have blossomed. Opportunities for jobs abroad have never been better. If you love to travel and relish the thought of developing foreign businesses, then a job in international business may be for you. In addition to education and experience, you?ll also need these personal attributes to be successful:

• The ability to learn new languages quickly. Take foreign language classes throughout your high school career. Once you?ve mastered one new language, learning other languages becomes easier. Your ability to communicate with native people is a major component to success in international business.
• An open mind and collaborative spirit. In the U.S., successful business leaders usually have a strong personality and a ?take charge? point of view. This approach doesn?t always translate well in other countries, though, where these behaviors are often seen as rude and offensive. To be successful, you must learn to understand local culture and follow local customs of etiquette. In finding solutions, you must consider cultural norms, rather than rushing in with western ideas.
• The ability to live alone. Occasionally, U.S. workers may land a long-term assignment abroad. More often, though, assignments last 12 to 18 months. Many companies are unwilling to relocate entire families for these short assignments, so you may find yourself in a foreign country alone. This can be tough on families. Additionally, if you are able to take your spouse and family, they may have a hard time adjusting to a new culture, school and home. Think carefully about the implications international business may have on your family life.

So, you think you?ve got what it takes for a career in international business? Then it?s time to get serious about your education. In high school, take classes in business, social studies, psychology and geography. Read literature from around the world and travel if you can.

Today, international business is a popular college major, although it?s not absolutely necessary to land a job abroad. If you major in international business, you?ll likely study government relations, strategic planning, cultural implications and policy implementation, in addition to typical business classes. You?ll also learn about international finance and banking. Of course, many people earn degrees in their field of choice, such as engineering, accounting or marketing, and go on to land jobs in international business. Most jobs in international business are in marketing and sales, but you?ll probably want to pick a niche, based on your interests. Some of the possibilities include:

• banking
• economics
• marketing
• engineering
• government policy
• public relations
• defense and security

After college, look for intern opportunities abroad. Many major U.S. companies do business internationally so finding a position isn?t difficult. Think about what type of position in international business you want. You might work in the U.S. for a company that does business abroad, or you might travel abroad occasionally. More rarely, companies send U.S. employees abroad for long-term assignments.

If you know you want to work abroad, but you?re not sure if business is the right path, take heart. There are many other opportunities to work internationally. Educational researchers provide teachers with the tools they need to develop successful classrooms and schools. Geologists and engineers work on a variety of projects, from building structures and bridges to searching for oil. What about international government jobs, such as a foreign diplomat? Health care and basic infrastructures are also areas with burgeoning growth. If you want to make a social difference, consider joining a non-profit group like Worldreader or Heifer International.

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Ed. Note: This is one in a series of articles detailing specific career paths, and how to start down the path to that career. You can follow the series by using the ?How Do I Become? tag at the bottom of each article in the series.

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Source: http://www.brainflash.com/2012/07/17/how-do-i-become-an-international-business-professional/

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