Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½

As business becomes increasingly global and connected, a degree in international business can provide you with the skills to lead, adapt and solve problems across a range of industries and roles

Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

• ArbitratorÌý
• Business development managerÌý
• Data scientistÌý
• External auditorÌý
• Financial traderÌý
• Human resources officerÌý
• Logistics and distribution managerÌý
• Marketing executiveÌý
• Sales executiveÌý
• Supply chain managerÌý

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:Ìý

• Business adviserÌý
• Compliance officerÌý
• Costs lawyerÌý
• Digital marketerÌý
• Financial adviserÌý
• Financial managerÌý
• Management consultantÌý
• Media plannerÌý
• Public affairs consultantÌý
• Recruitment consultantÌý
• Sales promotion account executiveÌý
• Transport plannerÌý
• Warehouse managerÌý

Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.Ìý

Work experience

Employers typically expect graduates to have experience of working in a business environment so it's a good idea to undertake some relevant experience before you graduate. For example, your degree may offer the option of doing a sandwich year abroad. Many large employers also advertise summer placements or internships in a range of business areas.Ìý

Tailor your work experience to the area of work you're interested in. For example, if you're interested in a financial career, look for work placements or internships with banks and other financial institutions.Ìý

Teaching English as a second language also provides useful experience of working and living in another country. Being able to speak multiple languages will help you stand out to global employers.ÌýÌý

However, you don't have to be based abroad, as most ecommerce and digital businesses have an international client base. Getting some digitally based experience can really help you stand out to employers.Ìý

Voluntary work is also useful. Working for a charity in a business or marketing role, for example, will help develop your skills. Many universities also have international business clubs or societies, where you can put into practice skills taught on your course.

Search for placements and find out more about work experience and internships.

Typical employers

International business graduates work for a range of multinational companies, as well as UK companies involved in international business. There are opportunities to work in management or business roles in the private, public and voluntary sectors, as well as in areas such as accounting, finance, human resources management, marketing and operations.Ìý

ÌýCommon employers include:Ìý

• advertising agenciesÌý
• accounting and finance firmsÌý
• banksÌý
• management consultanciesÌý
• marketing agenciesÌý
• recruitment agenciesÌý
• logistics and distribution companiesÌý
• technology companies.Ìý

Other employers include law firms and organisations with marketing, finance and human resources departments.Ìý

Global and international employers are often based in large cities. However, with the increase in hybrid and remote working, there's a lot more flexibility on where you can work than previously. Ìý Follow companies you're interested in on LinkedIn and make connections to raise your profile.ÌýÌý

Find information on employers in accountancy, banking and finance, business, consulting and management and marketing, advertising and PR.

Skills for your CV

Studying international business develops your understanding of business and management in a global context. You develop knowledge of different business environments as well as gaining an insight into the current issues affecting international businesses such as corporate social responsibility (CSR), digital transformation, sustainability and emerging markets. You also develop specific skills, valued by a range of employers, including:Ìý

• understanding and appreciation of cultural differencesÌý
• communicating with different audiencesÌý
• critical thinkingÌý
• digital skillsÌý
• strategic planning and managementÌý
• problem solvingÌý
• research and analysisÌý
• entrepreneurial skillsÌý
• leadership, teamwork and interpersonal skills.Ìý

Many international business courses encourage international study or work experience so you may also be able to demonstrate transferable skills such as learning a new language, flexibility, cultural awareness and curiosity.

Further study

Some international business graduates may choose to do a Masters in international business or a more specialist field within business, such as innovation, entrepreneurship or digital marketing. There are also opportunities to study or train abroad, providing extra opportunities to learn about different cultures and working environments.Ìý

Some jobs will ask for professional qualifications or encourage you to work towards them as part of your role. Relevant qualifications are offered by organisations such as:Ìý

• - for roles in human resources and people managementÌý
• - for roles in marketing and digital marketingÌý
• - for management and leadership roles.Ìý

Before choosing a course, check it meets your career aims and will help further your professional development.

For more information on further study and to find a course that interests you, see Masters degrees and search postgraduate courses in international business.

What do international business graduates do?

Advertising and marketing associate professionals (8%), business sales executives (5%), HR officers (5%), finance and investment analysts and advisers (4%) and sales accounts and business development managers (3%) are the top five jobs held by international business graduates.

Find out what other graduates are doing after finishing their degrees in

Graduate Outcomes survey data from HESA.