What Can You Do With An International Business Degree? 5 Jobs To Consider (2024)

Studying international business can position you to pursue diverse career paths spanning multiple sectors and industries, including business, healthcare, law and tech.

Earning an international business degree helps students cultivate a global business perspective. Graduates with this degree can seek jobs in multinational corporations, financial institutions, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and other occupational settings. This degree can also equip you with core competencies and skills sought by employers worldwide.

In this article, we give an overview of the major and explore potential international business degree jobs.

What Does an International Business Major Entail?

An international business degree can provide you with core business competencies and help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the nuances involved in organizational structure, operations and regulatory requirements in countries around the world.

Students in this major examine how global economies intersect while learning vital skills such as communication, adaptive thinking and cross-cultural awareness.

International Business Degree Jobs

Earning an international business degree can lead to various career opportunities across multiple sectors and industries. The average base salary for graduates with bachelor’s degrees in international business is around $89,000 per year, according to Payscale.

Below is an overview of jobs you might qualify for with an international business degree. In addition to the positions detailed here, other popular career paths for international business graduates include supply chain management, marketing management and financial analysis. Remember that job requirements and qualifications vary widely depending on several factors, including employer and location.

We sourced the below salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Economist

Median Annual Salary: $113,940
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): +6%
Job Description: Economists collect and analyze data and statistics on the production and distribution of goods, services and resources. These professionals research and observe economic patterns and develop statistical models to forecast economic trends.

Economists use data-driven insights to advise various organizations, such as government agencies, banks, higher education institutions and investment groups.

Human Resources Manager

Median Annual Salary: $130,000
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): +5%
Job Description: Human resources managers work in nearly every industry, overseeing the organizational and administrative functions of companies and organizations. These professionals handle recruitment and hiring processes, implement training and onboarding, and play an integral role in developing company culture.

Human resources managers address employees’ needs, supervise disputes, oversee disciplinary procedures and serve as a vital link between management and employees.

Management Analyst

Median Annual Salary: $95,290
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): +10%
Job Description: Management analysts provide an in-depth look into an organization’s strengths and weaknesses, gathering information and data to inform the organization’s strategic decisions, implement necessary changes and improve productivity. These professionals use data-driven insights to help organizations improve efficiency, increase revenue and reduce costs.

Many employers require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in economics, business, engineering, business analytics or a closely related field. Others may prefer or require applicants to have a master of business administration (M.B.A.).

Market Research Analyst

Median Annual Salary: $68,230
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): +13%
Job Description: Market research analysts conduct qualitative and quantitative studies and collect and analyze data to help organizations determine which products and services will perform well in the consumer market. These marketing professionals design surveys to help organizations discover customers’ preferences and meet business objectives.

Market research is valued across economic sectors, so these analysts can work in diverse industries. Some employers prefer candidates with graduate degrees or professional certifications.

Operations Manager

Median Annual Salary: $98,100
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): +4%
Job Description: Operations managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a business or organization. These professionals play a critical role in helping businesses remain efficient, profitable and compliant. They work to improve operational management systems, processes and best practices to help organizations achieve demonstrable results.

Operations managers oversee an organization’s employees, budgets, project delivery and strategy. They also implement strategies and policies to improve productivity to positively impact business outcomes.

How To Advance Your Career in International Business

As with many other career paths, the career trajectory for international business professionals depends largely on education and work experience. Pursuing a graduate degree or certificate in international business can broaden your job opportunities and help you qualify for more advanced senior-level roles in the field.

Earn a Master’s in International Business

Earning a master’s in international business allows you to build on the foundational knowledge and skills gained during your undergraduate studies and helps you develop specialized knowledge in your field. Most Master of International Business (M.I.B.) programs require students to complete between 30 and 36 credits. They typically take one year of full-time study to complete.

In addition to M.I.B. programs, many M.B.A. programs offer concentrations in international business that serve students pursuing globally focused careers. Some schools offer dual-degree programs that pair an M.B.A. with an M.A. in international studies or international relations. An additional option for highly experienced candidates is an international business-focused executive M.B.A.

At the master’s level, an international business degree provides a multidisciplinary curriculum that covers areas related to core business competencies, geopolitics, international trade laws, foreign policy, emerging markets, global economics and cross-cultural communication. Coursework for a master’s in international business typically includes the following subjects:

• Accounting principles
• Business law
• Entrepreneurship
• Global economics
• Managerial accounting
• Organizational behavior
• Principles of operations management
• Marketing
• Strategic management

With a master’s in international business, you might qualify for the following jobs:

• Business development director
• Corporate investment banker
• Global operations manager
• International marketing manager
• Policy analyst
• Financial analyst
• Supply chain manager

Obtain a Doctorate in International Business

International business doctoral programs typically prepare students for academic careers, such as roles in university settings or leading training and development teams and programs at multinational corporations.

A doctorate in international business is usually research-driven and focuses on quantitative research methods, economic theories and management. Most international business doctoral programs take four to six years to complete and end with a dissertation.

With a doctorate in international business, you might pursue the following careers:

• Economic researcher
• Global policy analyst
• Global training and development manager
• Senior risk management consultant
• University professor

Consider Professional Certifications

Several international business certifications are available to help professionals validate their global business knowledge and skills and create pathways for career advancement. Before pursuing a certification, it’s vital to research its value and purpose to ensure it suits your professional goals.

The Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) certification offered by NASBITE International is a widely recognized credential that validates a professional’s competencies in four main domains: trade finance, global marketing, supply chain management and global business management. NASBITE International recommends that CGBP hold at least two years of academic or professional experience in international business.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About International Business Degree Jobs