According to the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, international trade and commerce contributed $19 billion to the state’s economy in 2013 alone and supported almost 750,000 jobs in the state, including high paying management and executive leadership positions.
The Arizona Commerce Authority’s International Trade Program works to foster international trade relations with Europe and Latin America by offering services to multi-domestic and multinational corporations operating in the state that include:
- Trade Counseling
- Contact Facilitation
- Company Background Information
- Export Leads
- Educational Programs
From trade law specialists and import/export coordinators to supply chain managers and wholesale buyers among many others, Arizona’s international business professionals contribute to the stability and growth of the state’s economy.
Preparing for a Career in International Business in Arizona
Undergraduate and graduate degree programs in international business prepare students for the challenges and opportunities that come with conducting business across national borders.
A number of schools of international business with locations in Arizona allow students to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree either online, on-site, or even through study-abroad programs that help foster a global perspective on business.
Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business
Bachelor’s degrees for international business majors include:
- Bachelor of Science in International Business
- Bachelor of International Business
- Bachelor of Arts in International Relations: International Business
As an interdisciplinary degree, international business majors take both business courses and international studies courses with tracks such as:
Business Tracks
- Marketing
- Global Economy
- Management
International Studies Tracks
- Regional Studies
- International Banking
- International Tax
Other possible courses for international business majors include:
- Management for International Organizations
- Personal & Organizational Ethics
- Advanced Global Communications
- International Economics
- International Business
- International Marketing
- International Business Law
- International Human Resource Management
- Comparative Politics
- International Finance
- International Supply Chain Management
Along with this, most programs offer either study abroad or international internship programs that will solidify a student’s theory-based classroom education with hands-on practice.
Careers that may require or prefer applicants to hold a college degree in international business, include, but are not limited to:
- Global Business Analyst
- Country Risk Management
- International Sales Representative
- Global Sales Manager
- Export/Import Trade Coordinator
- International Affairs Manager
A survey of international business jobs advertised in Arizona in 2015 helps shed light on the type of skills and proficiencies employers are looking for (shown as an example and does not constitute a job offer):
- Compliance Consultant for Wells Fargo in Arizona – applicants to positions such as these should hold a bachelor’s degree in business with either education or experience in international compliance, operational risk, IT systems security, business process management, or another related field.
This professional will focus on supporting and coordinating supervision and strategy management for regulatory activities.
Advancing to a Master’s Degree in International Business
Upper level management and executive leadership positions are typically reserved for experienced professionals with graduate degrees in international business.
To enroll in a master’s degree in international business, students will be expected to meet minimum admissions criteria, such as holding a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, being in good academic standing, and achieving high scores on the GRE or GMAT.
Once eligible, international business majors may enroll in graduate programs that include:
- Master of International Business (MIB)
- Master of International Management (MIM)
- Master of Business Administration in International Business (MBA)
International business majors may also choose to enroll in such dual degree programs as:
- Master of Arts in International Relations / Master of Business Administration (MA/MBA)
These degrees will generally consist of core courses that include:
- The International Business Environment
- International Business Law
- International Business Policy
- International Accounting
- Managing Global Production
Along with this, international business majors will get the opportunity to specialize with electives in areas of business such as:
- International Entrepreneurship
- International Human Resource Management
- International Marketing
- International Management
Career tracks that could require applicants to hold a master’s in international business include, but are not limited to:
- Global Supply Chain Manager
- Executive Director of Global Operations
- International Sales Manager
- Director of Business Strategy and Development
- eCommerce Business Analyst
A survey of international business jobs advertised in Arizona in 2015 helps shed light on the type of skills and proficiencies employers are looking for (shown as an example and does not constitute a job offer):
- Executive Director of Global Operations for Arizona State University in Tempe – applicants to positions such as these should hold a master’s degree in international business and have at least five years of experience in acquisition, operation of global projects, and funding from international assistance donors.
This professional will work to direct and execute ongoing global programs that support business development and work in compliance with international standards.
Arizona-Based Organizations Committed to Supporting International Trade and Commerce
Arizona’s leading international business organizations include:
- Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce – Arizona – founded in 1996, this Chamber works to promote international ties, trade, commerce, and investment between Sweden and Arizona.
Through offering business and market relations, trade missions, Swedish interns for Arizona businesses, and more, the Chamber forges a strong connection of trust, cooperation, and trade.
- Arizona District Export Council – in order to encourage and support Arizona businesses who want to get more involved in global trade, this council consists of international trade experts that collaborate with Arizona businesses.
These export experts advocate for well-informed public dialogue concerning global business, and work to prepare Arizona to become a “global ready” state, which stimulates Arizona’s economic growth.
- Arizona Mexico Commission – this commission consists of committees on agribusiness, wildlife, economic development, education, energy, transportation, and more, which all work to create strong ties between Mexico and Arizona, allowing for international trade and networking. Through this commission, Arizona has planted trade offices in Sonora and Mexico City.
- Arizona International Growth Group – this organization hosts international business educational seminars, offers certification, and fosters networking and collaboration.
Through this, the organization hopes to foster international trade between Phoenix and foreign stakeholders, bringing investment and trade partners to the fifth largest city in the United States.
- Canada Arizona Business Council – this Arizona-based nonprofit fosters trade between Arizona and Canada by facilitating partnerships between Arizona and Canadian businesses, government agencies, and individuals.
Arizona’s top international business nonprofit organizations and government agencies include: