An online MBA in International Business program prepares students for advanced careers in general business, trade, and management. Students take on coursework, internship opportunities, and more to gain the skills and knowledge needed to work successfully in their chosen industry.
Online MBA programs are much more convenient and allow you to study at your own home. Students develop skills necessary for dealing with the complexities of business. With the way markets continue to expand globally, it is important to have a strong understanding of different cultures, social customs, and business principles to be successful in marketing or management.
This particular master’s degree program is similar to others in that it typically takes two years to complete. There are accelerated programs that may take less time. A typical prerequisite for the program is that you already have your bachelor’s degree. However, universities may require you to have a certain GPA or test score to be accepted.
Benefits of an Online MBA in International Business
Pursuing an online MBA in International Business opens up several career opportunities for you. Markets are becoming more and more global and those who know how to conduct business beyond their own region are in high demand. In fact, a majority of corporations operate on a global scale, in some regard.
This degree program fully prepares you for the responsibilities of working with international markets. If you want to find success in business and a career that puts you at the top of your field, then an online MBA may be the right program for you. Below are just a few benefits that come with completing the program.
More Job Opportunities: Typically, people who enroll in international business MBA programs already have some work experience. An MBA from a well-established institution will put you ahead of the competition. This means you’ll have a higher chance of being hired by your chosen company.
If you already work with your dream company, you can still benefit from earning your MBA in International Business by demanding a higher salary or the opportunity to take on more advanced positions. Some jobs are only available to people who’ve earned their MBA and you’ll have access to them as soon as you graduate.
Better Knowledge for Entrepreneurship: Many students in business school have ambitions of starting their own business. Taking courses in an MBA program for international business gives you hands-on experience with businesses, management, and becoming successful. The knowledge you gain throughout this program won’t just help you start a business, it will give you the knowledge needed to make it a global one.
Expanding Your Network: In business, networking is vital. Building a strong network allows you to make connections that help you find a job, start your own business, and much more. Throughout your MBA in International Business program, you’ll come into contact with various business professionals. This may be through your coursework, internships, or seminars.
An international business school gives you ample opportunity to meet people in industries you’re interested in and create connections to advance your career. You also have the benefit of connecting with alumni from your chosen school. The best schools have expansive alumni networks with people in industries all over the world.
Greater Communication Skills: One of the more significant benefits of going to an international business school is improving your communication skills with more diverse groups. Many business schools host students from a wide array of countries, cultures, and communities.
Being exposed to and working with a diverse group of people better prepares you for communicating and working with people from all walks of life. Once you’ve earned your degree, you have the potential to work with people from anywhere in the world.
Living Abroad and Traveling: Depending on your chosen career, an MBA in International Business may lead you to various countries. You could help companies expand their market into a new area or consult in various marketing campaigns for different cultures.
You may even serve as a vital expert for international partnerships. Not only will you live abroad and travel, but you gain knowledge of different cultures, customs, and could even learn a new language.
What Jobs Can You Get with an MBA in International Business?
When you earn your graduate degree, there are more job and career opportunities available to you. An MBA in International Business allows you to work in several management positions. Below is a list of some of the jobs available to people who’ve earned their degrees in international business.
Marketing Manager: A marketing manager is responsible for discovering potential markets and predicting the need for services or products their company or organization offers. Marketing managers deal with the development of products and create a marketing plan to generate interest. A marketing manager’s duties also include creating pricing strategies, discussing marketing tactics, working with sales and public relations staff, and managing staff.
Risk Management Director: Risk management directors establish mitigation plans to keep damage done to a business from leading to it closing permanently. Several thousand liability claims are made every year, which are caused by vandalism, fire, cyber infiltration, and natural disaster. International organizations must be able to identify threats to their business, potential losses, and find means of protection. All of this work and much more is done by risk management directors.
Business Analytics Manager: A business analytics manager compiles data so that businesses can make more informed executive decisions. These positions require drawing data, recording sales volume, drafting finding reports, presenting insights, and creating performance improvements.
Information Security Director: An information security director defends a company’s network. They implement precautions to project data within the company and keep hackers away from private networks. International companies hire these people to install firewalls, conduct tests on security measures, fix weaknesses in the system, and perform disaster recovery if a security breach occurs.
Management Analyst: A management analyst, also referred to as a management consultant, improves various aspects of a business, such as its efficiency, business and organization structure, and profit margins. With a specialization in international business, management analysts help companies overseas improve as well. These individuals are hired by large and small companies to help improve a company’s overall growth.
Best Schools for an Online MBA in International Business
If you’re interested in a career in international business, then earning your degree from a reputable school is the best way to open up new and exciting opportunities for you. Below is our guide to the best colleges and universities for an online MBA in International Business.
These schools don’t just have incredible programs, but they also have well-known networking opportunities and alumni. All of which help increase your chances of finding success in international business.
University of Scranton
The University of Scranton offers an MBA online degree program where students can specialize in international business. Through core MBA coursework and courses specialized in international business, students develop a strong foundation in the skills and knowledge needed to successfully work in the international business market.
Within the program, students learn how to sell, trade, and buy goods effectively in international markets. Beyond the movement of goods, students also learn about cross-cultural negotiating and management across international lines. They also learn about macroeconomics and microeconomics on a global level.
Upon graduating from the program, students are fully prepared to work in key positions, such as international sales director, chief executive officer, international management consultant, and international relations director.
Northwestern University
Northwestern University offers an online MBA in International Management. The program is designed to help students meet the requirements to take on leadership roles in international settings. The program emphasizes giving students the skills and knowledge needed to deal with the complexities of business relations on a global level.
Students in the program work through various core MBA courses, which include ethical leadership, marketing, and business communications. Niche study is done in courses such as international marketing, global social entrepreneurship, and global supply chain management.
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Lehigh University
Lehigh University has a Flex MBA degree program with a concentration in international business that prepares students to enter various leadership roles in international business settings. The program primarily consists of core MBA courses with niche studies in international business.
Students also have the opportunity to take part in an international immersion program where they spend a brief residency at locations in South America, Europe, or Asia.
Throughout the program, students enhance their ability to lead organizations in more diverse, international environments. This includes global retailers, multi-national corporations, and international financial agencies.
American University
American University offers an online MBA degree program where students can choose a concentration in international business. Students participating in this program study to take on leadership roles in international business settings.
Throughout the program, students increase their ability to deal with the complexities of business in global environments. They learn about cultural sensitivity and how to handle situations with nuance. Upon graduating from the program, students are prepared to take on roles as international marketing directors, international operations manager, and chief executive officer.
Washington State University
Washington State University has a Department of Marketing and International Business that offers an MBA online degree program where students can specialize in international business. Students take on core MBA courses, along with international business courses, and opportunities to study independently or abroad.
The program places a strong emphasis on various concepts related to international business, such as issues in international finance, marketing concepts in the global marketplace, and management practices in cross-cultural settings.
Upon completing the program, students are prepared to pursue various careers as operations directors, international management analysts, international sales directors, and more. Many of the positions students have available to them are administrator or management roles.
University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota hosts a wide array of diverse programs at all levels. The school maintains a strong commitment towards student success through various means, which includes its online programs.
The university offers an online MBA degree program with a concentration in international business. This program is for students seeking to advance their careers in an international business environment. Students develop strong skills in the field to help them deal with the complexities of the international market.
Throughout the program, students explore a wide array of topics, such as ethical decision-making and marketing strategy, and leadership models.
Upon completing the program, students are prepared to enter various professional roles in international finance, international corporations, global industries, and large retailers.
George Washington University
George Washington University has a School of Business that offers an online MBA degree program with a concentration in global management. The program is designed for students seeking leadership roles in global business.
Students take on a combination of MBA coursework with specialized courses in global management. The program develops students’ knowledge of fundamental concepts of business, such as marketing, organizational leadership, and financial management.
In addition to traditional coursework, students may partake in a study abroad program in various international locations, which gives them hands-on experience and knowledge in international business.
Is an Online MBA in International Business Right for You?
An online MBA in International Business is extensive and takes you through advanced concepts of international business. Many people who participate in this degree program are working professionals.
These MBA programs allow you to take on leadership roles that may not be available to those with just an undergraduate degree. In addition to earning your degree, the knowledge you receive from these programs is significant.
Learning how to communicate on an international level and deal with cross-cultural communications, and understanding the nuances of different peoples and places is vital for success in an international business setting.
Finally, for those that wish to become an entrepreneur, an MBA in International Business gives you the experience and knowledge to better deal with starting a business on a global level. You’re no longer restricted to your own region and instead can start and manage your business from anywhere you wish.
If you have a passion for business on a larger scale and you wish to work across multiple cultures in various countries, then you can reap significant benefits from earning your online MBA in International Business.
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