Going global: Is international business a good degree?
Think big: Is international business a good degree?
If you’ve got ambitions to take your career across continents, then a degree in international business can provide a path forward. As it becomes easier to connect with global consumers, there’s a need for business professionals skilled at navigating international relationships. As you explore what’s the best business major for you, international business is well worth your consideration.
U.S. News1 reports that over 350 colleges currently offer an international business major. You can also add an international perspective to any major by participating in a study abroad, doing a global internship, or earning an international business certificate.
“If I didn’t go abroad, I knew I would regret it. I just had to go to France. I heard that the Tippie College of Business offered the global internship program, so I applied and was placed in a position at Hotel Baume.”
Is international business a good career path? Your options are on point.
Nearly any career path can benefit from international experience and expertise, from a start-up looking to expand internationally to a product marketer tasked with introducing their brand to a global audience to a financial analyst managing investments abroad.
According to a recent Indeed article,2 some of the most popular international business jobs include:
Sales and Marketing Manager
Promoting and selling a product to an international audience requires an understanding of consumer behavior in every market you target. International sales and marketing professionals conduct research, create strategies, and set revenue goals to meet the needs of their business, no matter the location.
$ 102,964
Average international salary
Human Resource Manager
In any number of locales, human resources professionals are in-demand and necessary to ensure hiring practices are compliant with the law. Human Resources Managers working internationally will rely on an understanding of the culture to craft relevant training, employee onboarding, and workplace guidelines.
$ 68,120
Average international salary
Financial Analyst
To work as a successful analyst abroad, you must demonstrate an understanding of the global financial marketplace, as well as be able to communicate cross-culturally to recommend investment strategies.
$ 98,800
Average international salary
Project Manager
A double major in international business and marketing or management can set you up to step into a project management role abroad. Project managers help companies ensure that their projects are completed accurately and on time, and may help launch and manage several initiatives simultaneously.
$ 34,768
Average international salary
Is international business a hard major? No more than any other.
Learning the ins and outs of international business is no more difficult than developing an understanding of U.S. business. According to DataUSA,3 over 8,000 international business bachelor’s degrees were awarded in 2022—which means plenty of students are up for the challenge. In addition to taking the business core curriculum, a degree or certificate in international business means you’ll also take classes that offer a global take on similar business topics.
International Business Course Options
- Global economics
- International finance
- Intercultural communication
- Global politics
- International business environment
- Entrepreneurship & global trade
- International marketing
- Global public health
- Globalization and geographic diversity
Even without an international business major, you can add a global viewpoint to your college experience. Students participating in the study abroad program through the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business can take approved courses in their chosen location that count toward their degree program.
“When you’re abroad and speaking in a language that’s not your native tongue, you get really good at communicating and figuring out how to handle any situation."
Making sense of the dollars: Is international business well paid?
The answer depends on where you choose to work and in what field. According to Indeed,4 some of the highest paying jobs with an international business degree are in finance, marketing, human resources, and management. A 2019 CNBC article5 reported that the average 18-24 year old’s salary rose 35% after relocating overseas. However that does not take into account any increases in cost of living, travel expenses, and other factors.
The 2024 Expat Insider survey6 ranked Denmark at the top of its working abroad index with a great work-life balance and working hours. As for salary and job security, which takes into account whether survey participants felt they were paid fairly, Luxembourg topped the list.
International business salaries will always depend on what sector you work in and can be difficult to predict. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics compiles salaries for business majors within the nation, it does not include data for citizens working abroad.
Is an international business degree valuable? You bet!
Whether you plan to work at a company with international clients or relocate overseas, an international business degree, certificate, or internship will help you gain an understanding of global business.
From operations to supply chain to consumer behavior and culture, knowing the differences and nuances between various global markets will be a boon to your future employer and will differentiate you in the hiring pool.
Consider adding a global viewpoint to your business major with an International Business Certificate.
Related articles
Sources
- U.S. News & World Report. “Colleges Offering an International Business Major.”
- Indeed. “10 Highest Paying Careers Abroad.” April 2024.
- DataUSA. “Data USA: International Business.” 2022.
- Indeed. “FAQ: What Are the Highest-Paid International Business Careers.” June 2023.
- CNBC. “66% of US Workers Would Move Abroad for a Better-Paying Job—Here’s Where They’d Go.” November 2019.
- InterNations. ”Expat Insider 2024.” 2024National Association of Colleges and Employers. “Salary Projections For The Class of 2024 Are Up From Last Year.” February 2024.