Is an Internacional Business career right for you?

Find out whether or not you have the necessary skills for a career in international business.

5 Necessary Skills and Qualities

In addition to an overall comprehension of business administration, international business students should have the following characteristics:

1. Cultural sensitivity – Even well-known corporate giants have erred unintentionally when they have failed to research cultural beliefs and traditions in new markets. When conducting business internationally, you must be able to speak more than one language and should be well versed in the practices of the country where you work. Understanding the needs of clients is crucial to your success, as is the ability to perform as part of a multinational team.
2. Communication and language skills – To excel in business, you must be able to convey your ideas effectively and efficiently. You should be a proficient speaker and writer. Take time to research which languages are most important in your field. For finance careers, Asian and Latin American languages are useful. If you are interested in information systems management, consider Russian or the languages of developing nations.
3. Patience and flexibility – Don't expect to start jet setting to Paris or Hong Kong in your first month of work. Most international businesswomen and men begin their careers in domestic operations and advance to positions abroad after demonstrating prowess at home. When new markets open to your company, opportunities may arise in countries that you never considered.
4. Creativity – Turning your ideas into marketing tools will make you a highly-valued employee. Creativity is vital to multinational corporations, which must sell their products to a variety of customers. If your concept successfully redesigns a popular American product for sales in another country, it may propel you into a management position.
5. The ability to work under pressure – The launch of a new ad campaign or product is extremely intense; unforeseen cultural issues and trade barriers can arise at the last minute. You will be at a competitive advantage if you can meet impending deadlines quickly, use problem-solving skills and nurture the ability to sense and evaluate new developments in your employer's country.