30 Entry-Level Positions in International Business (With Pay)

International trade and the importation or exportation of products and services are essential aspects of international business. A variety of opportunities for career advancement in logistics, finance, accounting, and analysis are provided by the broad scope of an international company. Making an informed career decision can be aided by having a clear understanding of the positions available in international business.

International marketing, commercial operations, and financial policies are only a few of the basic business principles and concepts covered in international business schools. These programs frequently let students focus on certain international markets while including language learning in their education. International business majors can land a variety of profitable professions both domestically and abroad thanks to their highly technical cross-cultural and communication abilities.

We explore 30 international business positions in this post, together with the typical pay rates and job responsibilities for each.

Table of Contents

30 entry-level positions in international business

If you want to start a career in international business, think about the entry-level positions listed below:

1. An accounting clerk

National average yearly wage: $23,855

Primary responsibilities: Invoices, bills, and bank statements are maintained by an account clerk who also controls the company’s accounting records. These clerks keep records of the business’s financial transactions and create invoices to distribute to customers. Account clerks determine the balances of customer accounts and get in touch with them to provide payment reminders or delinquency notices.

2. A data entry worker

National average yearly wage: $34,549

Primary responsibilities: A data entry clerk is a member of the administrative professional who focuses on gathering, preparing, entering, and modifying data for use in computer networks and business records. These employees verify data input for errors while also processing, scanning, storing, and saving paper and digital records. Data entry clerks ensure that papers are stored in the proper filing cabinets and are kept secure with login information or cabinet keys.

3. An entry-level accounting assistant

National average yearly wage: $37,234

Primary responsibilities: An entry-level accounting clerk supports the firm’s accountants and financial projects with clerical work. In addition to preparing financial reports for tax filing, these clerks may also keep track of tax payments. To find any inconsistencies, entry-level accounting clerks assist with business transactions, deposit accounts, and transfers.

4. The account coordinator

National average yearly wage: $41,742

Primary responsibilities: An account coordinator handles client communications and offers administrative services to a business. In addition to managing client accounts and supporting documents, these coordinators also respond to client inquiries and communicate feedback between the two or more parties to guarantee satisfaction. Account coordinators organize meetings, keep track of accounts, and create contracts or reports for sales.

5. Logistics professional

National average yearly wage: $46,216

Primary responsibilities: A logistics expert supervises the entire manufacturing process, from the preparation of raw materials through the delivery of supplies. For fast delivery to customers, these specialists make sure that the supply chain stays within allocated schedules and costs. Logistics experts keep an eye on facility stocks and oversee the movement of those items from the facility to their final destination.

6. Immigration expert

National average yearly wage: $51,663

Primary responsibilities: An immigration specialist manages immigration matters and helps immigrants throughout the immigration or citizenship process in legal firms or government organizations. To ensure that their customers finish the immigration procedure precisely and completely, these specialists investigate immigration processes and policy modifications. Immigration experts give their clients the papers; applications, assessments, and other paperwork they need to assist them to achieve their objectives.

7. A linguist

National average yearly wage: $55,026

Primary responsibilities: A communication specialist with expertise in specific topic areas and jargon, like social science or economics, is someone proficient in more than one language. These professionals organize communication between speakers of many languages in professional settings like government bodies or organizations. To accurately translate for their clients, linguists investigate cultural facets of communication.

8. An accountant

National average yearly wage: $55,868

Primary responsibilities: An accountant is an expert at keeping financial records for businesses and creating tax forms for filing tax returns. To appropriately portray the financial data and performance of the organization, these specialists maintain, audit, and manage information. Accountants collaborate with other business teams to identify operating expenses, income sources, and profit-improvement plans.

9. Logistics supervisor

National average yearly wage: $60,167

Primary responsibilities: A logistics manager oversees a company’s performance and manufacturing flow. To identify opportunities for improvement, these managers assess the effectiveness of their staff and equipment. Managers of logistics devise workflow strategies and allocate resources to create an environment that is optimal for higher output and safety.

10. Auditor

National average yearly wage: $61,037

Primary responsibilities: A business’s financial records are examined by an auditor for discrepancies that can violate tax regulations. These experts note these errors to spot possibly fraudulent behavior and alert top management. A company’s stocks, invoices, ledgers, and other records are examined by auditors who then offer management guidance on how to prepare financial statements that are compliant with regional or national standards.

11. A reporting analyst

National average yearly wage: $65,540

Primary responsibilities: A reporting analyst collaborates with project leaders to produce status reports and updates that pinpoint the goals and outcomes of project development. These analysts design platforms to include features that fit the requirements of business operations and employ software to debug firm system applications. Reporting analysts collect performance information to monitor business growth and accomplishments.

12. Financial analyst

National average yearly salary: $67,656

Primary responsibilities: A financial analyst assesses the financial stability of a firm and pinpoints prospects for development. To foresee market changes, these analysts examine the past and current performance of the company and its rivals. Financial analysts produce analysis information reports and make suggestions for corporate finance and investment diversification plans.

13. Currency speculator

National average yearly salary: $69,665

Primary responsibilities: A financial expert who buys, sells, or trades various types of currency, from equities to supplies, is known as a foreign exchange trader. To assist their clients in achieving their financial and international trade objectives, these traders supervise client accounts and plan transactions. To determine when it is best to trade a certain currency, foreign exchange dealers keep an eye on market performance and currency exchange.

14. Business development manager

National average yearly salary: $71,695

Primary responsibilities: A business development manager does market and business research to create plans for business growth or expansion through new initiatives or advancements. These managers plan budgets to make the firm’s resources efficient and maximize investment returns. To build a loyal client base, business development executives put their marketplace research into practice by implementing marketing initiatives.

15. Business advisor

National average yearly salary: $72,647

Primary responsibilities: A business consultant looks at a company’s past and present performance to find possibilities for development. To create strategic recommendations to boost productivity and maximize resources, these consultants examine the company’s human, technological, and material resources. Business consultants can put business objectives into action to encourage growth and enhance the company as a whole.

16. Business analyst

National average yearly salary: $73,873

Primary responsibilities: A business analyst creates reports and visuals for business analysis to aid in making decisions for the organization. To show the possible effect of an investment strategy, these experts compute investment risks, profits, and other variables. Business analysts gather, purge, sanitize, and present information in a visual way using a variety of automation and intelligence applications.

17. Bank employee

National average yearly salary: $54,720

Primary responsibilities: A bank officer represents the bank. They create financial records, manage personnel, write reports, supervise banking operations, advertise and market the services of the bank, track performance, and assess budgets. Additionally, bank officers keep up with market trends and make sure that operations comply with security and banking regulations.

18. Public relations supervisor

National average yearly salary: $55,650

Primary responsibilities: The main responsibilities of public relations managers are to manage and enhance a firm’s image through properly planned PR plans and campaigns. Designing public relations campaigns is one of their roles, along with producing and developing news releases and marketing materials, attending and arranging sales promotions, conducting market research, and cultivating connections with customers, stakeholders, and the general public.

19. An advertising manager

National average yearly salary: $59,834

Primary responsibilities: Marketing campaign planning and execution are managed by an advertising manager. They create plans to boost sales and customer happiness, devise and execute marketing campaigns and tactics, and work in tandem with the accounting office on expenses and budgets. To ensure that advertising campaigns are timely executed and adhere to the client’s requirements, advertising managers collaborate with creative leaders and team members.

20. A marketing director

National average yearly salary: $63,373

Primary responsibilities: A marketing manager creates and puts into action plans to draw clients to a company and strengthen its standing in the marketplace. To create a marketing plan, assess rivals and market dynamics, and manage advertising campaigns, they work with the management team. Budgets for marketing are managed by marketing managers, who frequently collaborate with internal or external agencies to produce marketing collateral.

21. A trader in foreign exchange

National average yearly salary: $66,862

Primary responsibilities: International trade markets are managed by foreign exchange dealers for a company. In addition to managing a firm’s foreign exchange rate position, these professionals also execute foreign exchange trades, develop and communicate currency values depending on market variations, investigate market changes, and provide overseas clients with market dynamics and fluctuations advice.

22. A manager of human resources

National average yearly salary: $70.625

Primary responsibilities: Organizational administrative activities are planned, arranged, and coordinated by human resource managers. New hires are recruited, interviewed, and hired by them. Additionally, human resource managers serve as a conduit between management and the workforce. They provide new hire orientation, settle employee conflicts, and administer disciplinary actions. A human resource manager oversees support employees and talks with other departmental heads based on team member performance.

23. Policy expert

National average yearly salary: $76,162

Primary responsibilities: By examining and creating strategies for enhancing government policies, policy analysts advance organizational objectives. They pinpoint present or impending issues, examine policy drafts, conduct cost-benefit studies, and suggest alternatives to existing regulations. Research institutions, governments, businesses, and think tanks are a few of the organizations that hire policy analysts.

24. A supply chain supervisor

National average yearly salary: $76,779

Primary responsibilities: Supply chain managers are responsible for managing a firm’s supply chain plan. Supply chain KPIs are established, logistics strategies are planned and updated, logistic operations are monitored, inventory is updated, vendors are collaborated with, and operational performance is analyzed. The supervision and training of supply chain employees fall under the purview of supply chain professionals.

25. A procurement manager

National average yearly salary: $77,663

Primary responsibilities: Managers of procurement oversee the organization’s purchases of goods and services. They keep an eye on market trends, establish efficient acquisition strategies, calculate purchasing budgets, and build and manage connections with suppliers. Additionally, creating risk management protocols and writing purchase reports are part of the work.

26. A stockbroker

National average yearly salary: $79,070

Primary responsibilities: Stockbrokers purchase and sell securities and stocks on behalf of their clients, managing the financial holdings of corporations. They provide investment advice to clients, assess financial statements, track stock market fluctuations, and examine the movement of shares and other assets on the stock market. They also advise the client on new alternative investments. Stock brokers either work for brokerage firms or on their own.

27. Analyst in investment banking

National average yearly salary: $79,227

Primary responsibilities: Investment bankers develop and carry out financial plans and offer businesses financial advice on how to reach their objectives. They frequently sell equity and issue loans to raise money for their companies. They locate new company prospects, manage mergers, conduct financial transactions, and create financial paperwork. Analysts at investment banks collaborate closely with other experts such as public relations consultants, accountants, and attorneys.

28. Management analyst

National average yearly salary: $81,615

Primary responsibilities: Management analysts assess and examine the data of a business, spot problems, then create and put into practice solutions. They create performance-improving strategies after analyzing firm data such as business plans, objectives, employee structure, financial situation, and potential new enterprises. Management analysts create and carry out risk analyses, examine investment reports, and establish business plans that raise the perceived worth of a company’s goods or services in the marketplace to boost profitability.

29. Financial Manager

National average yearly salary: $90,816

Primary responsibilities: Financial decision-making that advances a company toward its long-term objective is the responsibility of finance managers. They build methods to reduce financial risks, create business strategies, prepare budgets, keep track of cash flow, conduct strategic analysis, create financial models, and compile financial reports.

30. Economist

National average yearly salary: $96,965

Primary responsibilities: An economist researches market trends and provides government and commercial clients with recommendations on fiscal and socioeconomic matters. They create and examine financial and social data, carry out surveys, create predictive models, and assess the financial effects of laws. To evaluate data, economists use several software tools, and they frequently make forecasts based on historical trends.

Professional experience

With chances in numerous industries and sectors, an international business degree will equip you for a worldwide, varied career. It is advisable to gain some professional experience before graduation because employers frequently want graduates to have prior experience working in a professional setting.

It’s advisable to demonstrate a genuine interest in other cultures if you intend to specialize in international business or aspire to work for a multinational corporation. You can show this by volunteering, international travel, and even proficiency in a foreign tongue.

Though most e-commerce and digital firms have an international clientele, keep in mind that doing business internationally doesn’t always need having a location outside of your own country.

Employers throughout the world will take notice of you if you spend a gap year overseas or teach English to others.

Why Choose an International Business Career?

People who pursue careers in international business have the opportunity to visit many different countries and network with prominent business figures. Even though the work can be fairly taxing, those interested in a profession in international business are in a good position to progress their careers.

Successful global executives often possess great leadership and interpersonal skills and tackle different cultures with flexibility and compassion because of the multicultural characteristics of international commerce. Additionally, these individuals frequently interact with a wide range of personalities in high-stress professional settings, making the capacity for adaptable reasoning and emotional intelligence essential.

Standard employers

Graduates of international business frequently work for employers in fields like marketing, human resources, finance, and sales that are directly relevant to their field.

Typical employers are:

  • Banks
  • Management consulting firms
  • Recruiting firms
  • Technological firms.

Big cities are frequently, but not always, the headquarters of global and worldwide employers, with London having the most openings for international graduates.

International businesses usually have independent early professional websites, and it is worthwhile to follow the ones that interest you through their social media profiles (especially on LinkedIn and Twitter).

Skills Acquired With a Degree in International Business

Students who pursue an international business degree are taught the basic business principles and cross-cultural competencies necessary to be successful in international endeavors. Some programs additionally offer or mandate extra language instruction. Understanding successful cross-cultural communication is crucial for organizational success as businesses enter overseas markets.

International business courses frequently try to build students’ cultural awareness abilities because different business settings and communication conventions necessitate that these professionals comprehend international business manners.

  • Skills in Communication

Developing and keeping international business connections require excellent communication abilities. As a foreign worker, you might interact often with foreign customers and clients who demand regard for and comprehension of their societal beliefs. Avoiding misconceptions and fortifying business connections can both be accomplished by knowing how to assess and react to clients.

  • Leadership Qualities

Students majoring in international business, like those who study general business, hone their leadership abilities to run their organizations effectively and oversee their departments. Leadership skills are especially important for managerial and executive jobs because they help professionals build strong business relationships when they interact with high-level customers and executives.

  • Skills for Responsive Thinking

International professionals frequently have to act fast and adapt to customer and client conditions. By anticipating potential conflicts and choosing the right response, students of international business understand how to thrive in a variety of constantly changing situations. Although it may be challenging to educate these soft skills, training, and practical experience can promote more adaptable thinking.

  • Skills of Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence, perhaps the most important quality, is essential for establishing connections and conducting international business successfully. Global professionals frequently deal with challenging business scenarios while working across various cultures. Building cross-cultural connections can be facilitated by developing emotional self-control and good empathy communication.

  • Analytical Capabilities

Analytical abilities are essential for understanding economics and marketing, particularly global operations, as they are for the majority of business occupations. Students who major in international business learn how to analyze global problems and come up with solutions. Additionally, devising plans to place a company for success abroad is a common duty for global professionals.

How to Launch Your International Business Career

All of the competencies and skills necessary for domestic companies, as well as a grasp of international markets, are typically required for careers in international business. As a result, obtaining the multilingual and cross-cultural skills necessary to work with the majority of global firms often requires a bachelor’s degree.

Many students who have degrees in international business go on to hold managerial jobs where they oversee various workforces and take advantage of international business prospects. While a bachelor’s degree plus work experience are sufficient for many managerial roles, larger firms may favor higher business credentials for upper-level and executive roles.

Associate Degree in International Business

Typically, associate degrees in international business require two years of full-time study and involve 60 credits. These programs cover essential business subjects including finance, accountancy, and microeconomics in addition to general education courses.

Students often only qualify for entry-level roles with multinational corporations and charity organizations because of the lack of rigor that these degrees offer in comparison to bachelor’s or master’s degrees. Sales agents, advertising assistants, and restaurant management managers are among the careers open to someone with an associate’s degree. For graduates to advance to higher jobs, they typically need to work for a while or go back to school.

How Useful Is an Associate’s Degree in International Business?

1. A sales representative

Average pay: $54,550

International sales agents concentrate on selling corporate items and marketing to new clients. They might also take care of some international business sales. After getting professional knowledge of the field and demonstrating high-performance metrics, sales professionals might pursue chances for career progression.

2. Assistant in international marketing

Average pay: $39,180

International marketing assistants support marketing managers in their work while also developing the strategy for global advertising campaigns. These professionals also keep an eye on the market and follow trends internationally. These assistants can pursue more education or accumulate years of suitable job experience to grow in their positions.

3. Food Service Supervisor

Restaurant managers who oversee food service oversee everyday activities and produce performance reviews. They oversee employees and handle complaints and difficulties from customers. These experts could work for companies offering international cuisine services in addition to the tourist and hospitality sectors.

Average pay: $55,320

International business bachelor’s degree

In contrast to associate degree courses, where courses in general education make up the bulk of credits gained, bachelor’s degrees in international business explore business themes in more depth. Students who join these programs examine concepts of international business while honing their cross-cultural communication skills.

In terms of employment possibilities and earning potential, a worker with a bachelor’s degree often has a major edge over one with merely an associate’s degree. Graduates interested in finance and analysis can work as managerial analysts, financial experts, and financial analysts for large corporations and government organizations. An alternative career path for individuals who have a natural aptitude for sales and marketing is that of a marketing executive, international sales supervisor, or global trade specialist.

How Useful Is a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business?

1. Business Analyst

These experts, often known as management consultants, increase productivity in their firms. They mentor other managers to increase productivity, cut expenses, and increase revenue. A bachelor’s degree is at least necessary for this position.

Average pay: $85,260

2. Manager of International Marketing

These marketing professionals are adept at bridging linguistic, social, and geographic divides with their campaigns. They modify their methods to what is popular in a given nation. Due to the particular knowledge needed for this role, many employers prefer individuals with some work experience.

Average pay: $135,900

3. Manager of International Sales

These managers are in charge of a firm’s exports to different nations. They look for chances to grow into new areas and assess market trends to gauge success. Managers of international sales must also make sure that goods are delivered to clients on schedule and without incident.

Average pay: $126,640

4. Financial Analyst

To ensure accuracy, thoroughness, and regulatory compliance, budget analysts review organizational spending and budgeting. They are in charge of creating budget reports, checking the effectiveness of financial allocations, and conducting cost evaluations. These analysts may work for both public and commercial organizations, including government departments, academic institutions, and international businesses.

Average pay: $76,540

5. Expert in international trade

These experts support businesses as they strategically enter new nations. They frequently specialize, working only in one nation or area. These applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree at the very least.

Average pay: $57,960

6. Financial Expert

These analysts carry out market research to support budget forecasts and investment decisions. They have excellent communication and analytical abilities, enabling them to offer their organization professional financial advice. Financial analysts frequently collaborate with multinational companies operating in sectors including healthcare, banking, and insurance.

Average Pay: $85,660

International Business Master’s Degree

Graduate students might think about participating in a master’s degree course if they want to work in senior and executive roles in the area of international business. These programs cover sophisticated subjects including international commercial law, foreign relations, and international finance in addition to basic business ideas.

International business master’s degrees can open doors to rewarding careers that let you travel and collaborate with clients from all around the world. Students who possess advanced foreign language and multicultural comprehension abilities can pursue senior positions in global financial institutions, governmental organizations, and multinational corporations.

What Can You Do With an International Business Master’s Degree?

1. Market Research Analyst

The information regarding the state of the market and prospective purchases of services and goods is gathered and studied by market research experts. They may be tasked with gathering and evaluating the information on demographics, rivals, consumer attitudes, and elements that affect demand from and satisfaction from customers. A master’s degree is necessary for many high-level, research-intensive worldwide positions in this field of study.

Average Pay: $63,790

2. Economist

Economists offer businesses and organizations advice on national and international economic developments. They research both domestic and international markets to find fresh company prospects. These individuals work in both the public and commercial sectors and frequently occupy roles with national and international corporations.

Average Pay: $105,020

3. Manager of Global Operations

These executives are in charge of managing organizational activities. They frequently oversee distribution operations, make financial projections, and try to enhance production techniques. Global operations managers frequently earn six figures in salary as a result of their job responsibilities and decades of professional experience.

Average Pay: $100,780

4. Manager of Human Resources

Managers of human resources plan and direct the business’s administrative activities. They frequently participate in employee engagement in addition to the employment and recruiting procedures. These esteemed managers may speak with executive executives to discuss employee productivity and organizational objectives, depending on the sector. These professionals can differentiate themselves from their contemporaries with a master’s degree.

Average Pay: $116,720

5. High Executive

Each firm has different top executive job duties. Global corporate executives typically concentrate on strategy development and corporate strategy. To develop and put into effect organizational regulations and systems, these experts work in conjunction with other top leaders. These senior-level positions frequently need extensive field experience and a sophisticated understanding of international operations.

Average Pay: $104,690

International business doctoral degree

Many Ph.D. courses in international business educate students for positions in academia, whether they are leading teams responsible for training and growth at multinational firms or working in university settings. These programs therefore often cover economic theory and are research-driven.

The majority of Ph.D. programs last 4-5 years to finish and end with a dissertation. The majority of graduates go on to find employment as researchers and professors; however, this is not exactly true in academic environments. Senior-level jobs in the commercial, government, and medical sectors are available for doctoral degree holders seeking employment outside of academia; however, a master’s degree is often sufficient for these roles.

What Can You Do With an International Business Doctorate?

1. Postsecondary Instructor

People with Ph.D. degrees in international business frequently work in academic environments, most frequently with colleges and universities. These academics create cutting-edge curricula and lesson plans for colleges that assist students in developing their commercial knowledge and abilities. Additionally, they might do a study and share their findings.

Average Pay: $79,540

2. International Policy Analyst

Policy experts, also known as political scientists, conduct economic theory research and development. Additionally, these analysts might study foreign politics and global relations. World market trends and rival strategies may become the focus of analysts who work for multinational corporations. Even though individuals can fill this position with just a master’s degree, getting a Ph.D. can open up more job options.

Average Pay: $122,220

3. Managers of international development and training

People with doctoral degrees who want to teach in institutional settings could consider careers as international development managers. These highly skilled experts design lesson plans to foster organizational potential instead of working in academics. They frequently impart techniques and abilities that support organizational objectives to teams of employees and supervisors.

Average Pay: $113,350

Skills for your resume

An international business degree not only introduces you to business in other cultures and nations but also equips you with several in-demand skills, including:

  • Respect for cultural diversity
  • Interacting with various audiences
  • Critical analysis
  • Planning and Administration
  • Solving issues
  • Investigation and analysis
  • Teamwork.

Most international business programs encourage study abroad or overseas employment, so you might be able to show that you have transferable qualities like curiosity, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity.

Additional studies

Although work experience is normally required before beginning one of these programs, some international business graduates prefer to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

International business graduates frequently choose to study or train overseas since it gives them more exposure to various nations and cultures. You may decide to focus your studies on a particular area of business, especially specialized areas like innovation or online marketing.

It is essential to do your homework because employers frequently mention their required professional qualifications. The following are examples of similar professional qualifications:

Career Prospects in International Business

As the global economy continues to become increasingly globalized, more American businesses are expanding their operations abroad. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the commercial and financial operations sector will increase by 7% between 2018 and 2028, which is faster than the national average for all occupations. The demands of globalization, which still generate jobs across several international firms, are substantially to blame for this.

International business specialists’ earning potential is influenced by a variety of factors, including their sector and vocation. For example, the standard managerial analyst hired by a local government makes $66,450 annually, compared to the average management analyst making $106,160 per year in advisory services.

Additionally, a worker’s income potential is substantially influenced by their amount of education, geographic location, and work experience.

Conclusion

An international corporate career may provide doors to positions that allow for global travel. Even if your profession doesn’t need you to travel, you could nevertheless deal with foreign clients and marketplaces.

Nearly every sector of the economy, including consumer products, healthcare, finance, and capital markets, employs individuals with international business experience. As a result, employment opportunities are not restricted to particular geographic areas but rather are available nationwide in almost every governmental and private sector.

International business specialists are employed by numerous multinational corporations, including Amazon and Google, to build worldwide teams and manage international operations. These experts are also employed by the public sector, including government organizations, to work as economists and foreign policy analysts.

Frequently Asked Questions on International Business

  • Is a degree in international business worthwhile?

An international business degree will be very valuable to those who want to learn about business from a global viewpoint. There are many attractive work prospects in the world of international business, yet earnings substantially differ by industry type.

  • Is a career in international business worthwhile?

Although it frequently necessitates significant travel to numerous nations, a job in international business can result in high wages and chances for career progression. As a result, persons who are seeking employment in an international company should respect cultural diversity and have a thirst for travel.

  • What can you accomplish with an international business degree?

Bachelor’s degree holders in international business can work in a range of positions. Sales professionals and international trade managers are roles open to people with a sales orientation, whereas financial experts, statisticians, and marketing professionals are options for those with a marketing and analysis orientation.