Career Possibilities

International trade specialist/global sourcing specialist

Locates sources of supplies (components, raw materials) and prepares import or export documents for transportation intermediary companies such as freight forwarders or customs-house brokers, and for commercial banks to ensure compliance with domestic and foreign government regulations.  Training for this position requires knowledge of specialised legal regulations, a foreign language, international trade credit practices, and business customs in other countries.  Normally, the regulatory specifics related to international transportation are learned on the job.

Research analyst

Requires the ability to interact with decision-makers by providing background data on new business opportunities (foreign environmental screening and international market research).  While these positions may start out with solely domestically related projects, they evolve to require ability in assessing data for internationally oriented business opportunities.  Thus, familiarity with a foreign language, area studies and international business practices will be an asset.  A concentration in business finance, marketing and e-commerce would improve an individual's chances of obtaining this type of position.

Marketing representative

Typically oriented to the generation of sales for manufacturers or service companies.  Responsibilities may include developing relationships with agents, dealers, distributors, licensees and/or strategic alliance partner firms in other countries.  Typically, such opportunities develop after a proven period of success in developing one or more segments of the domestic market.  A concentration in marketing is a helpful complement to an international business major.

International accounting specialist

Handles cross-border transactions, overseas trade agreements and other activities related to international business.  Possesses comprehensive knowledge of foreign laws, tax structures and business practices.  Usually fluent in two or more languages.

Import/export

Importer: Importers bring goods into a country.  This requires specialised knowledge in transportation, the customs and regulations of the country into which goods are imported, knowledge of international business and languages.

Exporter: Exporters send goods to other countries. This requires specialised knowledge in transportation and the markets where the goods are to be exported. Knowledge of international business and languages is needed.

The information published on the Study at ANU 2010 website applies to the 2010 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2009 website.