International Business Manager Career Guide

The modern business world is undoubtedly international in scope and influence. Multinational corporations, manufacturers, law firms and other globally minded companies serve significant international clientele. Countless U.S.-based firms have expanded into lucrative overseas markets on their paths to growth. As more companies of every size make plans to capture new markets, they will rely on skilled international business managers to make it happen.

You may be wondering what an international business manager career entails. In this career guide, you’ll find the answers to your questions, including what international business managers do, where they typically find employment, and the education and training required to break into this exciting field. Perhaps your skills and interests will match the requirements of an international business manager position. The online Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs from Florida Tech University offer specialized paths to further develop the expertise and competencies you will need.

Job Outlook for International Business Management

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment in management occupations will increase faster than the average growth rate for all occupations between 2023 and 2033. This is a broad occupational category, encompassing a great deal of management positions. Employment growth projections from BLS will equate to approximately 1.2 million job openings each year.

These numbers are impressive, and globalization continues at a rapid pace. Yet highly sought-after international management jobs make up a small fraction of the management field. Job seekers can expect heavy competition for these positions, and prospective international business management students should conduct independent research regarding actual job growth rates and employment opportunities, which vary according to location, education and experience.

What Is International Business Management?

Just as in domestic business management, the range of occupations in international business management varies; it includes concentrations such as finance, human resources, strategic planning, marketing, sales and operations.

Many jobs are found in the U.S., but opportunities exist for working abroad, as well. International management positions are found in U.S.-based subsidiaries of foreign corporations, or in domestic businesses with overseas operations.

How Does Managing an International Business Differ From Managing a Domestic Business?

The differences between international business management and domestic business lie in many dynamic factors with added layers of complexity. These can include supply chain management, market expansion, cultural norms, political environments, labor law, approaches to climate change and economic conditions.

The international business manager must approach their specialized role with a broad understanding of how these factors differ country to country, region to region. Leaders must know how to navigate such differences competently, and even leverage them for the company’s betterment.

Why International Business Management Matters

As technology expands, the world is getting smaller. It is becoming easier for businesses to distribute products and services to customers around the globe. As a result, more are entering the international marketplace — and will need strong management to be successful.

Multinational organizations depend on international business managers to contribute their cultural skills and knowledge of international economics, trade, governments, contracts, markets and finance. With this multifaceted skillset and expertise, global management experts can ensure an organization’s entrance into international markets aligns with its goals and objectives.

Manager of International Business Job Description

Specific job descriptions for international business managers will vary according to the actual position. For example, job duties for an international sales manager may include finding new markets for a company’s products, or negotiating the sales contracts that will enable a manufacturing firm to ramp up production.

Global marketing managers may concentrate in marketing and advertising to foreign customers, adapting and creating campaigns to target new markets with differing cultural norms and economic conditions. International human resources management professionals are responsible for recruiting, hiring and training personnel around the world, as well as building high-performing global teams. In general, international business managers are accountable for making a company’s efforts in global markets profitable, focusing on their area of specialty while integrating and managing the complexities inherent to doing business globally.

Where Can I Find Jobs in International Business Management?

Think about the types of products and services used worldwide, and you’ll have a good idea of where international business management jobs can be found. Telecommunications and information technology firms have a significant global presence, as do manufacturers of everything from agriculture products and machinery to toys and clothing. Other employers who need skilled international business managers include government contractors, financial services firms, petroleum companies, chemical manufacturers, and medical and pharmaceutical concerns.

As noted above, jobs such as these can be on the ground, located in the market (or markets) a manager focuses on. Or they can be in the U.S., with professionals acting as centralized managers of multiple teams working abroad.

International Business Manager Education Requirements

Strong business skills are a must for a career in international business management. Most employers will require a college degree at minimum, and experience in the particular industry will also be helpful. You can start preparing for an international business management career by getting the education employers want. You may also wish to obtain experience in the industry that interests you most.

Further, many international business management positions require advanced degrees, and, regardless of employer requirements, having a master’s degree may be a necessity in order to stand out in a highly competitive pool of job candidates. Earning an MBA can give you a distinct competitive advantage, especially an MBA with a concentration in your chosen specialty. For instance, the following are examples of specialized online MBA programs offered by Florida Tech:

Each one of these MBA specializations could be particularly applicable to different international business management roles. The 100% online model of Florida Tech’s MBA programs allows you to keep working, gaining experience and earning an income while completing your degree. Plus, some employers may offer tuition assistance to help you obtain a master’s degree while you continue to work.

Training, Other Qualifications and Advancement

Becoming an international business manager typically requires a broad base of business knowledge, including economics, finance, sales and administration. Employers will require familiarity with cultural, political and environmental factors of doing business on a global platform. If you wish to pursue an international business management career, you’ll need to hone the following skills:

  • Strong communication skills, including multiple languages
  • Understanding and sensitivity to successfully work across cultures
  • Initiative, self-reliance and integrity
  • Strong interpersonal and persuasion skills
  • Problem-solving and analytical skills
  • Commitment to continuous development and training to stay on top of international business trends

Advancing in the international business management field is often tied to education. Therefore, professionals with higher levels of education have more opportunities for advancement.

Starting Your Career as an International Business Manager

Now that you know more about international business management, you may be thinking about pursuing it as a career. If your interests include business administration and understanding different cultures, you could be effective when helping organizations find success in global markets. Your first step will be enrolling in an education program designed to give you the skills employers need — use this career guide to help you start your journey toward a fascinating international business career.

Learn more about Florida Tech’s 100% online MBA programs.

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