Summary
The article examines the success of international business graduates in the market and discusses what obstacles there might be for those graduates. The advantages and the disadvantages of the program and its impact on the future career of the survey participants are discussed as well (Sun 83).
In the study, 195 questionnaires were initially used for the research, and the response rate to the sent questionnaires was 32% (Sun 85). Of all questionnaires, 179 were used in the study. All of the participants were graduates of the international business program; no students took part in the research. The results have shown that most of the participants viewed international business as a beneficial program for their future. According to the respondents, the advantages included “broader outlook”, “preparation for jobs in international business”, “greater responsibility”, and others (Sun 92). At the same time, the participants also noticed that it was difficult to enter the international business because the placement offices at local universities were not aware that there was an international business program available. The job market was narrow and presented limited opportunities that were time-dependent (Sun 93).
Another risk was the rise of nationalism in host countries that could directly harm international business operations. At the same time, non-citizens at birth had more chances of getting a job in this area because of their knowledge of specifics of a foreign country. Despite the fact that many executives in this area claim there is a need for young international business professionals, “the major of international business appears to be of secondary importance to the employer” (Sun 95). Therefore, a combined major can be seen as a better option that increases the chances of employment. Furthermore, the lack of connection between universities and international business companies also needs to be addressed to help international business majors begin a career.
Response
The advantage of international business major is that I will be able to use various skills such as risk assessment, data analysis, diplomacy, public speaking, management, and others to find a suitable place of employment. The variety of competencies that I will acquire during the study can help me become a manager, a diplomat, a government official, a trade specialist, a human resource manager, a financial analyst, etc. Moreover, management and analytical skills can help me become a project or strategy manager/officer, an occupation relevant for today’s globalized projects and companies that have multiple trades or project agreements with other foreign corporations.
Due to gained knowledge in management and international relations, I will be able to become an international marketing specialist who can consult the company about the effective marketing strategies that can be implemented in foreign markets. Consumer brand manager is also a position that can be considered because it requires a good understanding of the market and consumers’ culture, needs, demands, beliefs, etc.
The occupation directly related to the major would be an international business analyst. With the growing demand for expansion and globalization, more corporations and companies hire professionals who can evaluate, forecast, explain, and work on the changes and opportunities that international business presents. Analysis of international business is essential for any company that plans to expand its target market, and such an expansion can lead to significant losses if it is not evaluated and prepared for thoroughly. This job presents challenges but also has various opportunities such as evaluation and even integration in the foreign culture, management of regulations with international partners, and control over project development.
Work Cited
Sun, Emily. “On Employment and Curriculum of the International Business Program.” Journal of International Business Studies, vol. 4, no. 2, 1973, pp. 83-96.