What to major in? International business or political science, or both?

Hi,

Examples of Career options in International Business:

The growth of international business has created a demand for people who have knowledge of global markets. With an international business degree, you could work in a number of positions in many different industries. Some common job titles for international business degree holders include:

Management Analyst - Management analysts help to improve organizational efficiency, reduce costs, and increase revenues. Companies who are interested in expanding have a particular need for management analysts who can offer advice on doing business foreign markets.

Interpreter - Many companies with broadening international ties needs interpreters and translators to help them do business. If you are fluent in a foreign language and graduate with an international business degree, you could aid in communication in almost any foreign market.

International Sales Representative - International sales representatives and managers contact potential clients in foreign countries to sell products and services. They may handle sales campaigns, sales contracts, and similar tasks.

International Financial Analyst - An international financial analyst monitors and reports on finances for international operations. They may create budgets and assist with strategic planning.

Market Research Director - A market research director oversees marketing policies. They also help to research potential markets and plan marketing campaigns.

Entrepreneur - An international business degree can also assist you with entrepreneurial endeavors. The education that comes with this degree will make it easier to do business in the global marketplace.

In: http://businessmajors.about.com/od/degreeoptions/a/Should-I-Earn-An-International-Business-Degree.htm

International Business Manager Responsibilities and Duties

Administer all branch operations and develop appropriate marketing strategies to enhance growth.

Review all market strategies for customers and evaluate all advertising and marketing plans to achieve objectives.

Coordinate with vice president and prepare forecasts for region and provide aid to customers.

Analyze market and develop quarterly forecasts for market.

Manage various accounts and assist in credit availability.

Develop and implement various internal control measure for preparing reports.

Prepare plans and ensure compliance to all finance procedures and policies.

Coordinate with management team and ensure optimal results for all operations.

Design and implement processes for company and assist in registration for new markets.

Maintain effective relationships with various government departments and agencies of assign region.

Maintain efficient knowledge on all rules and regulations for various business operations.

Monitor all everyday activities and resolve all customer complaints appropriately.

Develop financial accounts and prepare reports to be submitted to management.

Prepare and analyze various promotional programs and assist in development of new programs.

Develop and implement various training programs for leaders.

In: http://www.greatsampleresume.com/Job-Responsibilities/International-Business-Manager-Responsibilities.html

Much success in this journey!!

HI Ksenia! I had a Political Science concentration in undergrad and went on to get an MBA in International Business and Finance. PoliSci will be most useful in 1) gaining better insight into the US government and 2) understanding the differences of government operations between the US and foreign countries. If you're interested in foreign affairs and business relationships, try to see if there are major international companies near where you live where you might be able to intern or see if any of top management people would be willing to sit down for an interview. (I've found that most business leaders want to share their knowledge with students). Working the government affairs/relations section of international companies would allow you to mix a bit of both. Industries such as aerospace/defense (e.g. Lockheed, Raytheon,etc), logistics (UPS, FedEx, etc) and financial institutions would have strong sections. I'd also like to echo the sentiments of the AGC above - definitely travel and study abroad. The experience you gain by doing that cannot be taught in any classroom and enhances your resume when you apply for an international entry level position.

Most of the people that I know in politics weren't political science majors, they've found their way into politics through their work or community activism. International business as a major will give you view of the world that will be helpful in any business, as well as working in government. If I were going to major in international business, I would travel and study abroad instead of minoring in political science.

If you have a passion for both fields, major in both if you can. If you have to pick one, I would start with international business and get you MBA (Master's Degree in Business Administration). Based on my experience, I think this would give you the most career options. Adding a political science degree later will give you more career options for sure.