International trade and commerce is a major economic driver in Alaska, and one that the state’s workforce has come to depend on. In fact, trade-related employment in Alaska grew two and a half times faster than total employment in the state between 2004 and 2011 according to the US Department of Commerce. Further, Alaska’s goods exports have grown 41 percent faster than the state GDP since 2002.
Professionals proficient in international business in Alaska work to ensure the growth of the international export sector, the minimization of trade barriers, and the facilitation of international trade, particularly among Alaska’s top export markets:
- China
- Japan
- Korean Republic
- Canada
- Germany
- Singapore
- Spain
- Netherlands
Jobs in international business exist in the governmental sector and in private business, with Alaska’s top export industries leading the way: seafood, mineral ore, energy, forest products, fish meal and precious metals.
Earning a Degree in International Business in Alaska
From business consultants and trade analysts to wholesale buyers and trade and customs managers, jobs in international business in Alaska require a solid educational foundation and a global perspective.
International business degrees prepare students to address contemporary issues in trade law, foreign investment and business development, and so much more.
Bachelor’s Degrees in International Business
A bachelor’s degree with an international business major prepares students for jobs with the many multinationals with operations in Alaska.
An undergraduate degree with a major in international business may go by a number of different names:
- Bachelor of Business Administration – International Business
- Bachelor of Science in International Business
- Bachelor of Science in Business Studies – International Management
- Bachelor of Science in Business, Global Management
By focusing on the principles and practices of business in a global business environment, a bachelor’s degree in international business prepares students to seize the greatest entry-level opportunities Alaska’s businesses have to offer.
The core of a bachelor’s degree in international business often includes courses in:
- International marketing
- International management
- International trade finance
- Global supply chain management
Master’s Degrees in International Business
Advanced study in international business is appropriate for those seeking positions in upper-level management and senior-level executive positions with multinational corporations. A master’s in international business will prepare business professionals to make strategic decisions and implement integrated solutions in the context of a global business environment.
A master’s degree with a major in international business may be structured a number of ways:
- Master in Business Administration (MBA), with a concentration in international business
- Masters in International Management (MIM)
- Master of Science in International Business (MSIB)
- MBA/Master of International Business (dual degree)
- Master of Science in Global Business
- Master of International Business Administration (MIBA)
Admission into a master’s degree program, in addition to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, requires applicants to possess:
- GRE/GMAT scores
- A professional resume
- Admission essay
The core of an international business master’s degree includes such courses as:
- Advanced international finance
- International management
- Comparative political regimes
- Business analytics
- Legal implications of international business transactions
It is common for these graduate programs to include study abroad opportunities, international trips, and in-depth practicums.
Organizations in Alaska That Support International Business and Trade
International commerce is big business in Alaska, so a number of organizations exist to expedite the flow of trade to international business partners around the world:
World Trade Center Alaska – The World Trade Center Alaska is a private, nonprofit organization that provides international trade and business services to its members and community partners. The work of the World Trade Center helps Alaskans compete for trade and investment in the global marketplace.
The World Trade Center Alaska accomplishes its mission through:
- Trade capacity
- Trade development
- Trade service
- Trade facility
- Trade network
U.S. Export Assistance Center of Alaska – The U.S. Export Assistance Center of Alaska is part of an international network of domestic export assistance centers and foreign offices throughout the world. The U.S. Export Assistance Center of Alaska works with its partners in the World Trade Center Alaska and the Governor’s Office of International Trade.
Small Business Administration (SBA) of Alaska – The Small Business Administration (SBA) of Alaska helps small businesses find the best international markets for their business. The SBA has a global network of trade professionals located in the U.S Embassies and Consulates in 80 countries. Services for businesses in Alaska interested in initiating or expanding international trade include:
- Trade counseling
- Market intelligence
- Business matchmaking
- Commercial diplomacy
Some of Alaska’s Top Multinational Employers
Jobs in international business in Alaska exist across a number of sectors, including the finance and tech sectors, among others.
Some of the largest exporters in Alaska include:
- Alyeska Seafoods, Unalaska
- Baywatch Seafoods, Naknek
- ConcocPhillips Alaska Natural Gas, Kenai
- C. Phillips & Son, Ketchikan
- Inlet Fish Producers, Kenai
- Kodiak Fishmeal, Kodiak
- Polar Seafoods, Anchorage
- Silver Bay Seafoods, Sitka
- Snug Harbor Seafoods, Kenai
- Usibelli Coal Mine, Healy
Just a few of the job titles found within the corporations involved in international commerce include:
- International business consultant
- Trade analyst
- Foreign sales representative
- International management consultant
- Financial controller
- International trade and customs manager
A number of organizations and government agencies in Alaska serve as valuable resources for professionals in international business: