Is a Degree in International Trade Worth It? (2023)

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As technology continues to make it easier for buyers and sellers to connect around the world, a career in international trade has become more lucrative than ever before. Today, nearly every large company operates multinationally. And even small business owners who make money online are increasingly finding opportunities in international markets.

So is a Degree in International Trade worth it? Yes, a Degree in International Trade is worth it if you value versatility in your career path. Many International Trade graduates go on to start their own Import/Export Business. But the degree can also open the door to a variety of jobs at Fortune 500 companies. Nowadays, every type of business needs employees with global expertise, and a degree in International Trade is one of the best ways to standout from other applicants.  

Continue reading for detailed answers to these FAQs:

international business degree

What Will You Learn in an Online International Trade Degree Program?

International Trade students graduate with an understanding of the management and operational requirements to trade successfully and legally in International Markets. 

Here’s a list of courses you’ll find in a typical International Trade degree program:

  • Fundamentals of International Business
  • Product Sourcing and Delivery Methods
  • Global Supply Chain Operations 
  • Cross-Cultural Communication & Negotiation 
  • Disruptive Trade Technologies: AI, IoT and Blockchain
degree in international trade

Jobs You Can Get With a Degree in International Trade

Advances in technology and global trade policy make career prospects in International Trade both lucrative and plentiful. The job market is expected to grow by 9% thru 2028 by some estimates. Read ahead to see careers you can have with a degree in International Trade:

Global Market Research Analyst – $65,810/yr

Market research analysts study global market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service to consumers in other countries. They help businesses determine what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price. As an global market analyst you will:

  • Monitor and forecast global marketing and sales trends
  • Measure the effectiveness of cross-national marketing programs and strategies
  • Gather data on foreign consumers, competitors, and international market conditions
  • Prepare reports and present results to clients and management

Supply Chain Manager – $107,480/yr

international trade degree

A supply chain manager is responsible for the management of equipment, hardware, and other logistical details of a business. It is their job to coordinate all of the steps needed to purchase raw materials, deliver it to various global checkpoints, ensure there’s enough product to meet customer demand, and deliver the output to the right foreign destinations on time. Supply Chain duties include:

  • Oversee the import or creation of raw materials to be used by a company
  • Track the materials as they are combined into new products
  • Monitor product inventory and ensure it is adequate for the demand

Purchasing Manager – $125,940/yr

Purchasing Managers oversee teams of purchasing agents who buy products and services for a company to use or resell. They also develop a company’s procurement policies and procedures to ensure there are no conflicts of interests between suppliers and customers and that ethical standards are met. As a purchasing manager you will:

  • Evaluate suppliers on the basis of price, quality, and speed of product delivery
  • Interview vendors and visit suppliers’ plants and distribution centers to assess product quality
  • Attend trade shows and conferences to learn about new industry trends
  • Negotiate contracts on behalf of their company 
  • Monitor contracts to ensure that vendors and suppliers comply with the terms & conditions 

Global Investment Fund Manager – $134,180/yr

international trade degree

Global Investment Fund Managers design and coordinate a fund’s investment strategy and manage the portfolio to maximize return on client investments. A Fund manager with international trade expertise is especially adept in currency exchange, commodities futures and options. Some of the day-to-day duties include:

  • Research and select specific investments for purchase by the Fund
  • Monitor financial performance of individual investments
  • Adjust investment portfolios to meet clients’ risks and return preferences 

The options for International Trade graduates are so vast that we can’t possibly list every profession here. But suffice it to say that with a degree in International Trade, you’ll be more than prepared to tackle the dynamic world of global markets.

How Entrepreneurs Can Benefit From a Degree in International Business & Trade

Not interested in working for someone else? That’s okay. A degree in International Trade is still worth getting and can be a valuable asset for launching a successful business of your own.

In 2021 an Import/Export business is one of the most popular and lucrative options for aspiring entrepreneurs interested in International Trade. 

An Import/Export Business can take on many forms, but it’s essentially the practice of finding valuable products for cheap in one country, and reselling them to high-income consumers in another country. 

One example of this is my friend Kustam, who treks across Central America to find handicrafts made by indigenous artisans, and then sells these prized collectibles to American (USA) buyers. It’s basically dropshipping or arbitrage but way more interesting because of the global travel involved. 

With a degree in International Trade you’ll have the expertise to easily find the best foreign markets and products to run a profitable Import/Export Business. 

Take the Next Step!

Still not sure if a degree in International Trade is right for you? Explore the rest of FutureYoupedia.com for other degree programs and in-demand careers hiring now.

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