INTERNATIONAL STUDIES DEGREE: Jobs Available - Private Sector

• Accounting
  • Accountant
    • tax
    • cost analysis
    • reserves
  • Auditor
    • financial
    • regulatory
    • internal
  • Bookkeeper

Positions in accounting exist within accounting firms, in private and publicly held firms of all sizes and with public organizations.  Accounting requires attention to detail and a facility for working with neumbers and financial concepts.  Facets of international accounting also require knowledge of tax codes, transfer pricing and trade law pertinent to each situation.  Frequently, standards and codes for procedures known as generally accepted accounting principals (GAAP), such as cost accounting and depreciation allowance, vary from country to country.  In all cases, college coursework for either basic accounting functions or in preparation for the Certified Public Accountant exam is an important prerequisite.  In handling accounting for international firms, foreign language skills are helpful.

• Advertising
  • Account executive for trade-related clients
    • manufacturers of products with international distribution
    • international banks and consultants
    • airlines
    • cargo lines
  • Market strategist
    • market analyst
    • media placement
    • sales promotion
  • Creative director
  • Production coordinator
  • Supportive roles
    • translator
    • photographer
    • graphic artist
    • copywriter

Advertising is the promotion of goods and services.  It supports the activities of all manufacturers and service providers, whether through a company marketing and sales department or through an agency which specializes in the field.  Careers in advertising can grow out of talents and studies reanging from creative writing to graphic design.

• Banking/Financial Services
  • International service/trade officer
    • Roles in this department can include negotiating letters of credit, drafting a banker's acceptance, collection of services and country risk assessment for solvency, currency liquidity and political stability.  Key aspects of such a position include verifying consistency of documentation from shipments with the requirements of the transactions.  This department will also handle advising a beneficiary, assigning proceeds and assessing loans on the basis of inventory.
  • Finan/business loan officer
  • Foreign exchange representative
    • International banks performing exchange services require representatives in the areas of retail sales, marketing, particularly to the corporate sector, and customer service, with departments often organized by target markets.
  • Foreign currency investment advisor/analyst
    • Arbitrageurs evaluate risk and place foreign exchange investments accordingly in spots, forwards and options.
  • Wire transfer clerk

  Banking requires a facility for detail and working with numbers.  College students can obtain initial exposure to the field as tellers.  For most career positions, an undergraduate degree is required; and a graduate degree is a prerequisite for upper management.  In international banking, knowledge of foreign cultures is important; and foreign language skills are desirable.

• Business and Professional Associations - Chambers of Commerce - Membership Organizations
  • Program director/administrator
  • Membership director
  • Director of development
  • Director of public/media relations
  • Director of finance
  • Trade/interest group lobbyist to the state and federal governments

  Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations inform their members and the general public about international trade issues, provide a forum for networking and promote mutual interests of their members.  To these ends, they conduct regular meetings, frequently presenting informative speakers.  Coordinating activities requires the resources of adept professionals in fields ranging from program administration to finance.