We’re not into prognostication here, but this one is a softball — as economies across the globe become more and more connected, careers in international business will continue to grow at a faster-than-average pace. So it’s hard to go wrong with almost any field in international business but some stand out. Here are 7 that are showing signs of catching fire in 2024 and beyond.
Note: all numbers are based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average growth rate for all occupations is 5 percent.
1. Management Analyst
- 2018 Median Pay: $83,610
- Job Growth (2018-2028): 14%
Navigating the ins and outs of growing a business internationally takes a huge amount of organization. Management analysts look at organizational processes within a company and brainstorm ways to make things run more smoothly. By breaking down company data and economic trends, they may devise new strategies for operation, help with sustainably scaling the company and find methods for adapting to change.
More specifically, global management analysts help companies deal with the complicated machinations of international business. This means understanding how to allocate resources in overseas offices and implementing practices that work better on an international scale.
2. Market Research Analyst
- 2018 Median Pay: $63,120
- Job Growth (2018-2028): 20%
Market research analysts study markets to understand what consumers need, what they want, and what they’re willing to pay for. They might help a company know if their product will find buyers, where their product will find buyers and how to make sure their product makes its way to buyers. This is important for domestic companies, but it’s arguably more important for companies marketing a product to other countries, in other languages and for other cultures. Market research analysts typically need at least a bachelor’s degree.
3. Human Resource Manager
- 2018 Median Pay: $113,300
- Job Growth (2018-2028): 9%
Human resource managers coordinate staff within a company. This can mean connecting employees to management, making sure everyone is paid and taking care of any grievances through mediation. HR managers are also often in charge of recruiting, interviewing and hiring new staff members. In an international business setting, HR managers are particularly indispensable; they work to keep staff — who might be separated by thousands of miles — connected, which can go a long way toward maintaining smooth operations. A bachelor’s degree in business management, IT, finance or education, is usually enough to land a job in this field.
4. Training and Development Specialist
- 2018 Median Pay: $60,860
- Job Growth (2018-2028): 9%
Training and development specialists are in charge of devising, planning and implementing training courses and seminars for employees within a company. They may also conduct assessments of staff members and teams to make sure they’re living up to expectations. Continuing education is a huge part (and often a required one) of many finance and business occupations around the world. Companies also want people who understand language, culture and diplomacy, so the demand for training and development specialists is expected to grow by 9 percent from 2018 to 2028.
5. Cost Estimator
- 2018 Median Pay: $64,040
- Job Growth (2018-2028): 9%
Going into a major project without having a good idea of the cost is a recipe for disaster, especially for companies operating overseas. Cost estimators look at all sorts of factors — labor, materials and market prices, for instance — to help companies get a clear picture of how much a project will cost. Cost estimators are in high demand domestically, especially in construction and manufacturing fields, but their services are even more desirable when you factor in foreign markets and currencies. These professionals typically start with a bachelor’s degree in finance, business or engineering.
6. Computer and Information Systems Manager
- 2018 Median Pay: $142,530
- Job Growth (2018-2028): 11%
With employees spread across countries, continents and time zones, keeping everyone connected and on the same page is a gargantuan task. It’s a task that falls to computer and information systems managers. They set up computer systems and digital platforms that help employees, managers and clients exchange information, give presentations and communicate in real-time. Demand is expected to grow as companies take on more and more foreign employees and cyber threats call for increased security. While a bachelor’s degree might work for entry-level positions in this field, many professionals hold a graduate degree.
7. Financial Analyst
- 2018 Median Pay: $85,600
- Job Growth (2018-2028): 6%
Financial analysts study markets to look for signs and patterns that might reveal investment opportunities for their companies. As investing becomes a more global enterprise, companies are looking for analysts who know foreign markets including currencies, language, culture and overseas stock exchanges. Financial analysts who understand political trends, regulations and economies will be in particular demand.
For more on the educational paths you can take to these careers and other career options, check out Study.com.
Nicola Holder 