Centre for Career and Personal Development Degree Profiles

International Business prepares students with the cultural, political, economic and linguistic background required to work effectively in the variety of environments encountered by the international business person. International courses can serve as preparation for a career in international business or as a basis for further education in fields such as international law.

Courses offered include an introduction to international business as well as specialized international courses in functional areas such as marketing and finance. Geographically focused courses which concentrate on specific regions (such as the USA or Japan) are also offered. Such courses are often taught by visiting faculty from the regions.

Direct entry-level jobs in international business are scarce in Canada. The most common career pattern of those in the field is to work domestically for companies with an international focus to gain experience.

Finding international work quickly may be accelerated through striving for a coherent program and international experience. For example, taking related language and area studies courses, and then going on an exchange, aids students in finding work.

Specific application of these skills is dependent on the role, industry and organization’s size:

• Ability to work under pressure
• Adaptable
• Cultural sensitivity
• Curious and intuitive
• Flexible
• Highly motivated
• Interest in travel
• Negotiation skills
• Resourceful
• Strong communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Team player

Please note some of these positions may require further training, certification or education. Check out the occupational profiles to review the full details for the occupations that interest you at alis.alberta.ca/occinfo

• Airline Route Planning and Marketing
• Business Development Manager
• Business Information Representative
• Buyer
• Conference Manager
• Coordinator of International Relations
• Customer Service Representative
• Export Manager
• Field Marketer
• Import/export compliance specialist
• International banking
• International economist
• International Internship
• International marketing director
• International trade lawyer
• Location Manager
• Management Trainee (retail)
• Manager internal operations
• Research Assistant

• Academy of International Business (AIB) 
• Canadian Global Affairs Institute
• Canadian Manufactures and Exporters (CME) 
• International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) 

Student Clubs

• Commerce Undergraduate Society

• Haskayne Student Association 

• The International Business Students' Association 

• Women in Business

Aligned Majors

• Economics

• Geography

• International Relations

• Law and Society

• Political Science

Formal Career Assessments like the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers Briggs Type Indicator can be helpful tools for your career development.  These assessments have been used for decades to help individuals choose a major, explore career options during and upon completion of a degree and to further understand yourself in relationship to the world of work.  Inquire with Career Services if you are interested in these formal assessments.

Faculty Contact

Haskayne School of Business
Scurfield Hall, 351
T: 403.220.6593
E: undergraduate@haskayne.ucalgary.ca 
W: haskayne.ucalgary.ca

Haskayne Career Centre
Scurfield Hall, 350
T: 403.220.6743
E: careercentre@haskayne.ucalgary.ca 
W: haskayne.ucalgary.ca/services/career-centre/welcome

Career Services
MacEwan Student Centre, Room 188
T: 403.220.8020
E: csstdnt@ucalgary.ca
W: ucalgary.ca/careers