What can you do with a International Business degree?

First, some facts. Of the International Business graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 1108 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 55%, International Business graduates have a much lower likelihood (-12%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 55%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 32% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most International Business graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random International Business graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 68%

We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2012 from Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK) with a Bachelor of Business Administration - BBA in International Business. Also pursued further education since (see below).

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Logistics Coordinator
Valmet Automation
Jan 2014 - Jan 2018
As a Logistics Coordinator, this role may utilize some basic business skills such as coordination and planning, but it does not require specific international business knowledge on a daily basis.

Logistics Engineer
koda Transtech - Finnish member of the koda Transportation Group
Feb 2018 - Feb 2020
The position of Logistics Engineer directly applies knowledge of international business practices and logistics management, essential in this technical role that requires understanding global supply chains.

Proposal Engineer
Valmet
Apr 2022 - Aug 2023
The Proposal Engineer role may involve some understanding of international business principles to prepare proposals, but it does not fully utilize the core qualifications of the degree on a daily basis.

Project Manager
Valmet
Aug 2023 - Present
As a Project Manager at Valmet, the job requires comprehensive skills in managing international projects, fully utilizing the knowledge and competencies acquired through a degree in International Business.

FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING
Master of Business Administration - MBA
Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK)
2018 - 2020
ABOUT

I am result- oriented and highly motivated University graduate with a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in International Business Management with more than eight years working experience in different global manufacturing companies. Aiming to leverage academic experience and a proven knowledge from project management to performance improvement, logistics and international business activities. Frequently praised as efficient, and team player by my colleagues, I can be relied upon to help your company to achieve its goals.

What jobs can you get with a International Business degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


When diving into the professional trajectories of individuals with degrees in International Business, a variety of job roles emerge, showcasing a diverse landscape of career paths. From analytical positions at financial institutions to management roles in logistics and marketing, these positions reflect the multifaceted nature of the degree. However, the relevance of these roles to the field of International Business varies significantly. Many graduates find themselves in jobs that, while requiring general business acumen, do not fully leverage the specialized knowledge and skills gained during their studies.

A common theme among the jobs held by International Business graduates includes roles in sales, customer service, and operations management. Positions like Sales Representative or Account Manager often appear, highlighting a tendency for graduates to gravitate towards customer-facing roles that may not necessitate a deep understanding of international markets. Such roles might utilize interpersonal and negotiation skills acquired through their education but fall short in applying the broader, strategic knowledge integral to International Business. This trend underscores a gap between academic training and real-world application, indicating that many graduates end up in positions not directly aligned with the global perspective their degrees offer.

On the other hand, several graduates do secure roles that directly relate to International Business, such as positions in logistics, import/export coordination, and roles with significant international dimensions, such as working with multinational companies or in global trade sectors. Positions like International Business Analyst or Project Manager in global firms demonstrate a clear application of their academic background. However, these instances are often overshadowed by the number of graduates who find themselves in positions that inadequately leverage their specialized education. The high prevalence of roles in customer service and marketing suggests that while International Business education provides valuable skills, the job market may not always recognize or require those particular competencies, pushing graduates into more generic business roles.

Ultimately, the job landscape for International Business graduates reveals both the diverse opportunities available and the challenges they face in finding positions that truly utilize their degree. While some find fulfilling careers that leverage their understanding of global markets and international strategies, many others end up in roles less reflective of their educational training. This disparity calls for a reevaluation of career services and guidance for International Business students to help them navigate the job market more effectively and identify opportunities that align more closely with their academic preparation.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for International Business graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do International Business graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When analyzing the career trajectories of individuals who graduated with a degree in International Business, it's clear that they embarked on a range of vastly different paths, reflecting an array of professional outcomes. Many graduates tended to start their careers in roles that align closely with their field, such as analysts, sales representatives, or other positions that facilitate business operations across international borders. For instance, a graduate from the State University of New York Maritime College is currently an Analyst at an investment firm, showcasing a typical first job in a business-related field. Similarly, those entering roles like account managers, business consultants, or marketing associates also demonstrate a connection to their degree, indicating that many have successfully secured positions that are relevant to their studies right after graduation.

However, as we look five or ten years down the line, the trajectories start to diverge significantly. While some graduates have found their footing in international business and have advanced to managerial or director-level roles in respected firms, many others have veered away from their initial paths. For example, a graduate of Hawaii Pacific University transitioned from admissions representative to senior roles that appear to be more sales-oriented rather than strictly international business-related. Furthermore, some others settled into positions that may not tie directly back to their International Business education, with a few pursuing niche roles in teaching or unrelated industries altogether. Overall, while many graduates do find success in fields pertinent to their degree, there is a notable portion who may not maintain their initial career focus or may find themselves in unconventional roles that do not leverage their International Business training.

In conclusion, a degree in International Business presents a solid foundation for a variety of roles post-graduation, as evidenced by the early career paths of these graduates. However, it also reveals a trend where many have shifted their careers in unexpected directions over time, indicating a dynamic and potentially unpredictable nature of career advancement in today's job market. It's essential for students considering this field to remain adaptable, as the job landscape can be versatile, with opportunities arising in different sectors that may not directly correspond to their academic experiences.

How hard is a International Business degree?

A Bachelor’s degree in International Business can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you enjoy subjects like economics, marketing, and global studies, you might find it more manageable and even exciting. However, there’s a lot of group work, presentations, and sometimes even learning new languages involved. Plus, you’ll deal with different cultures and business practices, which can be a bit tricky if you’re not used to that kind of stuff. Overall, it’s probably about average in difficulty compared to other business degrees, but if you keep your skills sharp and stay organized, you’ll be just fine!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in International Business.

Do International Business graduates tend to make good money?

When looking at the career paths of these international business graduates, we can see a wide range of job earnings and trajectories. Some graduates have moved into roles that suggest a decent income, especially those in management or strategic positions, such as the Account Manager at Stryker, the Senior Manager at Chamberlain Group, or the Global Financial Lead at Siemens Energy. These positions typically come with competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement. Others, however, appear to have started in more entry-level roles or have job histories that suggest less lucrative paths, such as teaching or positions with nonprofits, which often pay less. The variance is quite significant, influenced heavily by the type of roles, industries chosen, and also geographic location.

In general, it looks like many of them have landed jobs that can lead to good earnings, particularly as they gain experience and move into higher-level roles. However, some may face challenges in reaching high salary levels without a clear trajectory toward management or specialized roles. Ultimately, their financial success will likely be influenced by their ability to leverage networking, continually upskill, and find opportunities that align with their career goals.

What buzzwords do International Business graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in International Business. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for International Business?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in International Business (ordered by the average relevance score of their International Business graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
Florida International University - College of Business 67 13
Berkeley College 62 11
Rollins College 61 10
University of North Florida 59 10
University of California San Diego 59 10
The University of Texas at San Antonio 55 10
Florida International University 54 32
San Francisco State University 49 16
The University of Memphis 49 10