The world is getting smaller, and global business is getting larger. Take the device on which you’re viewing this article right now — it’s the result of raw materials, parts, labour, designs, and technology sourced from multiple countries and continents!
Multinational businesses today are shaped by the ever-changing resources, regulations, values, and economies of its place of origin. Without experts establishing and overseeing global sourcing, exchange, and collaboration, these complicated chains can easily become disastrously inefficient, or fall apart altogether! That’s where international business professionals come in to make today’s network of global business possible — and the path to that is often an international business degree!
What exactly is an International Business Degree?
International business is a rapidly-growing area of study that deals with the development and management of multinational companies. Globalisation, global commerce and the development of communication technologies mean that many businesses now operate in the international marketplace.
As such, an international business degree gives you an understanding of the key issues involved in operating a business internationally in order to gain a valuable edge in the marketplace.
Sometimes called a “global business degree,” an international business degree is an academic degree that focuses on international business activities and markets. All forms of commercial transactions that take place across international borders fall under the scope of an international business degree, from starting corporate branches abroad to business culture in foreign countries.
At the most basic level, an international business degree is a degree in core business principles and skills that also incorporates studies in international production, trade, and marketing. As an international business major, you’ll learn primarily how to conduct business, then study how to conduct business in markets all over the world.
What is the difference between a business degree and an international business degree?
The term “international business degree” is often used to refer a business degree with a focus on international commerce.
In Singapore, most universities offer business degrees that include an area of academic emphasis, which is determined by a student’s choice of major. Examples include marketing, human resource management, and supply chain management. International business, or global business, is one such major.
What subjects are involved in this Degree?
At James Cook University, The Bachelor of Business (Majoring in International Business) offers choice and flexibility, with the option to combine International Business with a second major from Hospitality and Tourism Management, Marketing, Management, Human Resource Management. You have an option to combine any two fields of interest from a diverse range of study areas, and you can change your choices at any time in your first year.
Some of the core subjects include:
- Accounting for Decision Making
- Principles of Economics
- Principles of Data Analysis for Business
- Introduction to Management Concepts and Application
- Business Communication
- Marketing Matters
- Business Law
Additionally, students will choose one of the following Work Integrated Learning Capstone Subjects:
- Professional Internship
- Multidisciplinary Project
- Independent Project
Next, students are allowed to pick their majors which include the likes of:
- Principles of Finance
- Business Negotiation
- Operations Management
- Evidence Based Business Decision-Making
- Innovation Driven Entrepreneurship
- Managing a Global Workforce
- International Business
- International Marketing
At James Cook University, singapore, students conclude their studies with a core Work Integrated Learning (WIL) experience that connects them to the business community, enabling them to demonstrate their graduate skills to potential employers.
What are the career options and pathways after finishing an international business degree?
Those with an international business degree have both a wide range of job opportunities as well as working locations open to them. Often, they take on the role of bridging operations between two or more locations in a multinational corporation. They may also be employed by governmental agencies or international commercial and investment banks. Institutions like the World Bank, Amnesty International, or departments of commerce all employ international business majors.
Domestically and abroad, some of the most common jobs titles held by graduates with an international business degree are:
- Business development manager
- Supply chain manager
- Foreign exchange trader
- Foreign service officer
- Human resources officer
- Financial analyst
- Stockbroker
- Marketing executive
- Trade specialist
- Import/export coordinator
- External auditor
- Financial trader
Gain a head start in your career with an international business degree at James Cook University.
At James Cook University, you'll receive a high-quality international business degree in Singapore, with state-of-the-art facilities and the latest in advanced technology, allowing you to pursue studies that create a meaningful impact in your field.
Deepen your industry knowledge and attain a globally recognised Australian degree to expand your employability opportunities or pursue entrepreneurship.
Take charge of your future and the countless opportunities that await you! Enquire with us today!