International business professionals ranging from interpreters to export coordinators lead collaboration between South Carolina businesses and markets around the world. Global trade is increasing significantly in South Carolina, with exports totalling $29.7 billion in 2014, the fifth year in a row of record-breaking growth. The diversity of these exports and destinations demonstrates the state’s multifarious approach to international business.
In FY 2014, South Carolina’s top exports included:
- Transportation equipment, $12.1 billion
- Machinery manufactures, $3.9 billion
- Chemicals, $2.7 billion
- Plastics and rubber products, $2.6 billion
The top markets for the state’s exporters included:
- China, $4.2 billion
- Germany, $3.8 billion
- Canada, $3.6 billion
- Mexico, $2.1 billion
South Carolina’s strength in exporting various transportation equipment is unmatched in the U.S. In FY 2014, the state was the nation’s leading exporter in tires and completed passenger motor vehicles and the second leading exporter in gas turbines. Leading these efforts were foreign regulation specialists, supply chain managers, and multinational managers, among many others, who oversee every aspect of international trade.
International Business Careers: Choosing the Right Major
Graduates of international business bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are benefitting from South Carolina’s rapid progression in global exports. Through preparation in areas such as global trade regulations, foreign languages, and business practices, students become in demand for many top South Carolina businesses. Just some of the careers these graduates go on to:
- International economist
- International trade and customs manager
- Import/export compliance specialist
- International marketing director
- Financial analyst
- Wholesale buyers
- International management analyst
An increasing number of colleges and universities are offering international business programs online, which allow working professionals to continue their education with a flexible schedule. Many students of both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are pursuing this option, either through exclusive online coursework or in combination with courses on campus.
Bachelor’s Degrees
Bachelor’s degree programs related to international business educate students on aspects of international business ranging from ethical global collaboration to marketing in foreign nations, just to name a few. Examples of these courses may include:
- Business law
- Concepts of Community
- Business & the Entrepreneurial Mindset
- Cultural & Political Environment of International Business
- Economics and Accounting
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Hazardous Materials Management
- Business statistics
- International economics and finance
- International human resource management
- Global Business Strategy
- International Management
A bachelor’s degree gives aspiring international business professionals the option to pursue a career in the field or to apply to related master’s degree programs. Just some of the bachelor’s degrees related to international business:
- Bachelor of Science in International Business
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an International Business Focus
- Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Bachelor of Science in Business with a Global Management Concentration
- Bachelor in Business Administration in International Business
- Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy
- Bachelor of Arts in International Economics
Master’s Degrees
A master’s degree related to international business can be an invaluable tool for professionals looking to work high on the corporate ladder. Most master’s degree programs in the field allow students to prepare for specific careers in the field by taking courses directly related to different areas of international business. Examples of today’s master’s degrees include, but are not limited to:
- Master of Science in International Management (MIM)
- Master of Science (MS) in International Business
- Master of Science (MS) in Global Business
- Master of Business Administration in International Business (MBA
Areas of specialization within these programs may include:
- Development Economics
- International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
- International Business Relations
- International Information and Communication
- International Monetary Theory and Policy
- International Trade and Commercial Policies
The competitive world of business is reflected in the strict selection process of colleges and universities offering master’s degree programs. Just some of the criteria these programs look for in applicants includes a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in undergraduate studies, strong GMAT and GRE exam scores, and past experience in the professional business sphere.
South Carolina’s Big Players in International Business
South Carolina is a major player in the global economy thanks to the efforts of diverse companies and professionals in the state. Just some of the ways South Carolina and its international business experts are impacting worldwide business:
- Boeing South Carolina is a manufacturing and delivery site for multinational aerospace business Boeing. The site delivered 32 aircrafts to international markets in 2014, totalling roughly $7 billion in combined list price. Boeing South Carolina relies particularly on the expertise of import/export coordinators who oversee the import of manufacturing parts and the exports of major aircrafts.
- BMW, one of the world’s leading automobile companies, builds and exports cars out of a plant in Greer. In FY 2014, the company exported more than 70 percent of its 364,000 Greer-made vehicles to nations around the world. These cars alone accounted for more than 30% of all state exports in the fiscal year. To ensure the proper delivery of these exports, BMW relies particularly on supply chain managers who oversee areas ranging from storage of manufacturing parts to communicating with professionals in foreign markets.
- South Carolina is home to a number of wood mills. In fact, the state exports some $1.4 billion in forest products annually. To aid in the sale of products such as timber, companies rely on international marketing specialists who can reach profitable foreign markets that do not have access to similar forest materials.
South Carolina’s International Business Resources
South Carolina is home to a number of governmental departments and private organizations dedicated to driving international business in the state. These groups include, but are not limited to:
State Government
- South Carolina Department of Commerce
- South Carolina Department of Agriculture
- South Carolina Forestry Commission Forest Products
Nonprofit