International business is an indispensible part of Florida’s economy, as indicated in a 2015 report published by the U.S. Department of State:
- Florida exports $61 billion in goods and services to foreign markets annually
- Over 61,000 Florida-based companies engage in exporting goods and services to foreign markets
- More than 275,000 jobs in Florida depend on international trade and commerce
The Florida Chamber of Commerce is actively involved in promoting international trade and commerce through programs that have helped create more than 150,000 high paying private-sector jobs for international business professionals such as supply chain managers, wholesale buyers, import/export compliance specialists, among many others.
The Chambers international program consists of the following councils, committees, and initiatives:
- International Business Council – Governs the overall goal of building and promoting Florida’s global competitiveness through advocacy, education, and information
- International Policy Committee – Develops the Florida Chamber’s state and federal international policies to help enhance global competitiveness
- Florida Trade & Logistics Institute – Informs and engages Florida’s public and private sector leaders in support of economic development
- Global Florida — Connects Florida companies to resources that help them understand market trends in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East
- International Days – This statewide day of recognition brings together the state’s top international business leaders, diplomats, and educators
Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees in International Business
Florida is home to some of the most respected international business schools, offering undergraduate and graduate study through campus-based, online and study abroad programs. These interdisciplinary programs are designed to prepare graduates to become the global business leaders of the 21st century.
Obtaining a College Degree in International Business
Florida’s international business schools offer undergraduate degrees that include:
- Bachelor of Business Administration in International Relations (BBA)
- Bachelor of Science in International Business (BS)
- Bachelor of International Business (BIB)
- Bachelor of Arts in International Relations – International Business (BA)
Although course requirements vary depending on the school, most undergraduate degrees in international business include:
- General Education Courses – 48 credits
- Business Core Courses – 44 credits
- Foreign Language – 12 credits
- International Business Concentration – 15 credits
Undergraduate programs in international business allow students to choose a business concentration, which may include:
- Multinational Accounting
- Global Management
- Comparative Economics
- Global Entrepreneurship
- International Finance
- Information Technology Management
- Leadership and HR Management
- International Marketing
Graduates of four-year international business degree programs may go on to accept jobs such as these:
- Global Marketing Specialist
- International Project Coordinator
- International Vendor Analyst
- Global Research Analyst
- Global Sales Representative
- Logistics Coordinator
- Trade Research Specialist
Advancing to a Master’s Degree in International Business
Upper-level management and executive positions with multinational and multi-domestic corporations are generally reserved for experienced business professionals with master’s degrees in international business. Graduate degree options available through Florida’s international business schools include:
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in International Business (MBA/MSIB)
- Master of Business Administration in Global Management (MBA)
- Master of Business Administration in International Business (MBA)
- Master of Science in International Management (MSI)
- Master of International Management (MIM)
- Master of International Business (MIB)
In order to be eligible to enter a graduate program, students will need to meet incoming admission requirements, which may include:
- Hold a four-year degree (preferably in business)
- Obtain professional experience
- Have high academic achievement
- Submit GRE or GMAT scores
Depending on the program, international business majors will get to choose which facet of business and international studies they want to concentrate on.
Options for business concentrations, include:
- Advisory Services
- Consulting
- Global Management
- Government Contracts
- Information Systems Technology Management
- Tourism
Along with this, students will get to tailor the program to their specific area of interest as it relates to international studies, some of which include:
- European Studies
- Eurasian Studies
- International Affairs
- International Investment Policy
- Security Policy Studies
International business jobs that are likely to require applicants to hold a master’s degree in the field include, but are not limited to:
- Global Project Manager
- International Chief Marketing Director
- International Tax Manager
- Worldwide Compensation and Benefits Manager
- Market Intelligence Specialist
- Director of International Logistics
- International Contracts Administrator
Florida-Based Organizations Devoted to Facilitating International Trade and Commerce
Some of Florida’s top international business organizations, councils, agencies, and associations include:
- Florida Chamber of Commerce International Business Council – This council is responsible for enacting various international business initiatives, including sponsoring international days, supporting the lobbying for Free Trade Agreements, supporting Florida’s Trade Missions, and more.
- International Business Council of Florida – This council hosts international networking events designed to help Florida-based businesses connect with foreign-owned businesses around the world. Past events include the Nicaragua, Mexico, Venezuela, and Guatemala international networking events.
- Enterprise Florida – Enterprise Florida has 15 different international trade offices, located in such countries as Brazil, Canada, Israel, Japan, Hong Kong, Germany, and more. These trade offices promote trade and exchange between the State of Florida and some of the world’s most bustling economies.
- Global Trade Chamber – This Florida-based organization focuses on business counseling and trade missions, helping Florida-based businesses learn first-hand about international trade opportunities and global markets. Along with this, the Chamber offers business expansion tools, foreign exchange services, global market research, global shipping, international trade law information, and more.
- Florida District Export Council – This council provides leadership and international trade expertise to Florida businesses through export counseling, export financing options, export research, and more.
- World Trade Center Miami – This association facilitates international trade between businesses in the Miami area and vital foreign stakeholders.
Links to the leading international business organizations located in Florida are shown here: