Centre for Career and Personal Development Degree Profiles
International Business
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.
Key Skills & Knowledge
Global awareness and cultural intelligence – Deep understanding of global business environments; Sensitivity to cultural norms, practices, and expectations in diverse regions; Ability to navigate international workplace dynamics
International trade and economics – Knowledge of international trade theories, balance of payments, tariffs, trade agreements, and global economic institutions (e.g., WTO, IMF); Understanding foreign investment flows and exchange rate dynamics
Cross-cultural communication – Communicate effectively across languages and cultures; Navigate multilingual settings with professionalism; Understand non-verbal communication across cultures
International marketing and strategy – Apply marketing principles in a global context; Conduct international market research; Adapt branding and messaging to local markets; Understand global competitive dynamics
Global finance and risk management – Manage currency risk and international financial operations; Familiarity with foreign exchange markets and international banking systems; Analyze and interpret global financial data
Political and legal awareness – Understanding how international and regional politics, legal systems, and regulations affect business operations; Awareness of import/export laws, trade sanctions, and compliance standards
Language and regional expertise – Knowledge of one or more foreign languages for professional use; Specialized insight into the history, politics, and economies of specific world regions
Analytical and research skills – Evaluate foreign markets using data; Analyze case studies and trends; Interpret geopolitical, economic, and business reports to inform strategy
Negotiation and relationship management – Navigate cross-border negotiations; Build and maintain partnerships with international stakeholders; Understand the influence of culture on decision-making and conflict resolution
Adaptability and resilience – Comfort with ambiguity and change; Ability to operate in unfamiliar or fast-changing international environments; Maintain professionalism under pressure
Sample Job Titles
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
Potential Industries
- Exports/Imports
- Global manufacturing
- Head Hunters
Aligned Majors
Associations & Professional Development
Additional Resources
Did you know?
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.
Key Contacts
Faculty Contact
Haskayne School of Business
Scurfield Hall | Mathison Hall
T: 403.220.5685
E: undergraduate@haskayne.ucalgary.ca
W: haskayne.ucalgary.ca
Haskayne Career Centre
Career & Student Experience Services: MTH 206
Academic Advising & Student Services: MTH 424
T: 403.220.6743
E: careercentre@haskayne.ucalgary.ca
W: haskayne.ucalgary.ca/services/career-centre/welcome
Clubs on Campus
Commerce Undergraduate Society (CUS)
Centre for Career & Personal Development
MacEwan Student Centre, Room 188
T: 403.220.8020
E: csstdnt@ucalgary.ca
W: ucalgary.ca/career-personal-development
