Major Resource Kit: International Business Studies

Major Resource Kit

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International Business Studies

Professional education in Business Administration serves to develop the capabilities of students so that they may assume positions of leadership and responsibility at all levels of management in our society. Through its emphasis on undergraduate and graduate education as well as faculty research, the Department of Business Administration at the University of Delaware seeks to be a leader in the discovery, dissemination, and application of business related knowledge.

The B&E faculty develops each student through a variety of teaching techniques: lectures, case studies, role playing, seminars, and directed study. No single teaching technique is emphasized to the exclusion of others. To enhance the instructional process, the department faculty is actively involved with business and government leaders through research, seminars, and consulting activities.

The business curriculum is designed to give students both a broad liberal arts background and a strong professional education. The business program is accredited at both the graduate and undergraduate levels by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the sole agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the accrediting body of business schools.

International Business Studies is a collaborative major offered by the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics in conjunction with the Foreign Languages and Literatures Department in the College of Arts and Sciences. The major is designed to prepare students to live and conduct business effectively in a particular region of the world. With an equal emphasis on business and international studies, including advanced language training; students learn to apply principles from all business areas to a region of the world in the native language.

International Business Studies majors may choose among six languages, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, or Spanish. Their international studies curriculum also includes appropriate regional courses in Anthropology, Art History, Geography, History, International Relations, Philosophy, and Political Science. The business curriculum includes all of the core requirements of the other Business Administration and Finance Department majors plus a set of major courses which focuses on international business. Two requirements set the International Business Studies major apart from other business programs: 1) advanced language proficiency and 2) a semester abroad in a region of interest.

Potential employers will include multinational corporations, such as DuPont, Bank of America, and W. L. Gore & Associates, who hire other business majors from the Alfred Lerner College, as well as foreign-based companies that have operations in the U. S., such as AstraZeneca, Nestle and Sony.

Although some careers in business demand the expertise developed by graduate education, there are numerous opportunities for those seeking employment after college. Most graduates find positions in private business, although there are jobs for international business graduates in the media, in government, and with nonprofit organizations such as international agencies. Employment opportunities for graduates of this degree program include sales, marketing research, account management, insurance, advertising, merchandising, consulting, and supervision. For additional information, students should visit the departmental office, 236 Alfred Lerner Hall, (302) 831-2554, the Business department website , or the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics Office of Undergraduate Advising, 102 Purnell Hall, (302) 831-4369.

Sample Job Titles

Bachelor's Degree/Entry Level

public relations specialist
sales representative
TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language)
Foreign Services Officer
financial services
marketing assistant

Further Education/Experience Often Required

marketing director
development program manager
market research analyst
investmant manager
public relations manager
account executive

Check the Dictionary of Occupational Titles under section 164 for additional related careers.

Enhancing Employability

Participate in Internships, Field Experience Placements and Alumni Mentor Network.
Sample Field Experiences: World Trade Center, International Section: Office of Economic Development, Quiet Resorts Public Relations
Acquire good computer and statistical skills
Participate in Study Abroad and/or internships abroad.
Develop excellent communication skills and high energy level.
Gain experience through co-op or internship programs.
Join relevant student organizations to develop leadership skills.

Some Employers of International Business Majors

International Organizations
Import/Export Companies
Non-profit organizations (focused on topical or country related issues)
Federal Government (PEACE CORPS, Department of Commerce, State Department)
Banks/Financial Instructions
Manufacturing Companies
Business and Industry
Hotels and Restaurants
Healthcare Industry
Radio/Television Stations
Advertising Agencies
Pharmaceutical Companies
Consumer Products Companies

Other Sources of Information

The University of Delaware's Career Services Center does not support or endorse any specific website listed. Some sites are fee based and your personal information may be shared with third parties.

Going Global.com encourages and facilitates cross border employment by providing the global career seeker with everything he/she needs to know to make an informed decision.
Iagora is a site to search for entry level jobs and internship in Europe.
Council on International Education and ExchangeInformation about study, internship, and work opportunities throughout the world.
Jobs in Japan is the best source of job information for people wanting to work in Japan.
MONETOS International - European information portal. Includes professional and practical guides on the steps to take when moving to another country in the European Union.
Overseas Jobs provides job seekers with the opportunity to search jobs, view employers and access a career information center.
Transitions Abroad provides resources to explore information on working, studying, traveling and living abroad.
The Riley Guide One of the best sites to identify international resources. Covers worldwide resources.

Resources for Finding Employment

Look for additional postings and information:

The Blue Hen Career Guide will also provide you with helpful career tools including: Skills to Develop, Strategies for Contacting Employers, Interview Strategies, and Graduate School Information.

Remember Career liaisons are available to assist with your quest for employment. Schedule an appointment with your liaison today!

Visit the Sharf & Townsend Career Library & Resource Center at 401 Academy St, Newark, DE 19716