What Can You Do With an International Business Degree?

Key Takeaways

• A degree in international business can open career opportunities in a wide range of fields, such as human resources, business development, or finance, among others.


• International business degree graduates have potential job opportunities in multinational companies, government agencies, and financial organizations around the globe.


• The top positions for graduates with an international business degree can earn higher than average salaries.

Bottom Line: A degree in international business can help students build skills and competencies that open career opportunities in a wide range of fields.

Auditors are responsible for investigating the financial records of a business to find any discrepancies and loopholes. They also review a company’s internal processes and compliance with risk management policies.

Most employers require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree by auditors. You must pass a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) to work as an external auditor. This is not an essential requirement for the internal auditing job. You should get the CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) certification to become a credible internal auditor.

The choice of certifications depends on the specialty you want to master. For example, fraud examination requires CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), and information system auditing requires you to collect CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) certifications.

• Annual Salary: $85,155
• Job Growth Rate: 4% (2022-2032)
• Average Job Openings per Year: 126,500
• Reputed University for Higher Education: Binghamton University State of New York

Accountants manage the financial records of a business, track transactions, reconcile accounts payables and receivables, create budget forecasts, file tax returns, manage payrolls, and oversee all finance-related procedures.

A university-level degree is desirable; however, it is not necessary. A degree in mathematics and economics followed by a higher-level degree in finance and accounting is the perfect academic credential. However, many professional bodies offer courses and qualifications for accountants of all levels.

• Annual Salary: $62,397
• Job Growth Rate: 4% (2022-2032)
• Average Job Openings per Year: 126,500
• Reputed University for Higher Education: University of Alaska Southeast

Logistics managers are mainly concerned with managing inventory and shipment. They deal with the inbound and outbound delivery of supplies, expenditure control, and contract negotiation with carriers.

You can enter junior-level logistics roles after a bachelor’s degree and take certifications offered by various universities along with a bachelor’s or as a standalone course. To reach leadership roles, you must pursue a master’s in supply chain management or an MBA.

While certifications are unnecessary in this field, you can still pursue professional certifications to differentiate yourself from competing candidates. Some certifications like CLTD, CML, CLT, CPL, and DL are available for logistics managerial roles.

• Annual Salary: $72,036
• Job Growth Rate: 18% (2022-2032)
• Average Job Openings per Year: 21,800
• Reputed University for Higher Education: California State University Bakersfield

The primary role of business analysts is to optimize business operations to enhance productivity and efficiency. They work with finance and IT departments to prepare business analyses and financial models.

You should pursue a bachelor’s degree in business, economics, finance, IT, or related fields. While a bachelor’s is enough to join the market as an entry-level business analyst, you may need a master’s degree for more specialized or senior-level roles.

• Annual Salary: $84,444
• Job Growth Rate: 10% (2022-2032)
• Average Job Openings per Year: 92,900
• Reputed University for Higher Education: Rutgers University Business School

Human resources managers oversee the business’s administrative activities and hire new staff. They also collaborate with the training department to conduct training sessions depending on the employees’ needs.

A bachelor’s degree or diploma in HRM is the minimum requirement to enter the human resources field. However, for managerial-level roles, some organizations may require a master’s degree in business or HR subject.

While certifications are optional in HR, you can still pursue them to polish your skills. Several certifications are available, such as SHRM-CP, CPLP, and SPHR.

• Annual Salary: $80,782
• Job Growth Rate: 5% (2022-2032)
• Average Job Openings per Year: 15,500
• Reputed University for Higher Education: Purdue University Northwest

Finance managers are the key personnel working to reduce a business’s financial risks and improve the cash flow. They create financial models and statements, make financial decisions, manage budgets, and identify opportunities for cost reduction.

You can enroll in a bachelor’s degree as a minimum requirement for entering the finance sector. You can start your career as an accountant, financial analyst, or auditor before becoming a finance manager. While the certifications aren’t a requirement by employers, several certifications like CFA, CTP, and CPA can give you an edge over the competition.

• Annual Salary: $106,980
• Job Growth Rate: 16% (2022-2032)
• Average Job Openings per Year: 69,600
• Reputed University for Higher Education: San Diego State University