The State of Massachusetts is an international leader in the global economy. As such, international business contributes a significant amount of income to the state’s economy.
For instance, the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) stating that international students contributed an estimated 1.389 billion to the state’s economy in the 2010-11 academic year.
International business contributes to Massachusetts in more ways than just education, however. For instance, the U.S. Department of State indicates:
- International trade supports more than 900,000 Massachusetts jobs
- Clients in over 210 foreign countries are consumers of Massachusetts-grown products and services
- In 2012, Massachusetts produced over $25 billion in goods exports
- In 2011, the state produced $22 billion in service exports
- International trade and investment between 2011 and 2012 worked together to save Massachusetts families over $10,000 per year
- A deal between Massachusetts-based InterSystems and the Chilean Government was formed, spelling out $185 million in profits for the state
- Massachusetts formed partnerships with Brazil, Canada, and Mexico through the Small Business Network of the Americas
Finally, the Massachusetts Office of International Trade works to develop and strengthen international business ties throughout the state through investments, exports, international agreements, partnerships, and key initiatives.
Two of the Office’s significant international partners include:
- International Monetary Fund (IMF) – a coalition of over 180 countries dedicated to fostering global trade, sustainable growth, and international development
- World Bank – dedicated to reducing international poverty and supporting international development through providing financial assistance and loans
Along with this, international agreements have been made with countries such as:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
Overall, the State of Massachusetts works through many different initiatives to facilitate a global environment of development, innovation, and partnership through top-notch international business partnerships and programs.
International Business Degrees to Launch a Career in Massachusetts
Students who want to get involved with international business in the private sector, with nonprofits, or in governmental agencies, often major in international business, giving them both the business skills and international relations skills necessary to be a well-rounded professional.
International business schools generally offer both online and on-campus programs, allowing young professionals to gain or advance their education without leaving home.
Earning a Bachelor’s Degree to Begin an International Business Career
Students looking to become an international business major will get to choose between a bachelor of arts, which will emphasize foreign language learning, or a bachelor of science, which will emphasize business, financial, and analytical principals.
Students can choose among varying international business majors, including:
- BA or BS in International Business
- BA or BS in International Relations: Business
- BA or BS in Business Administration: International Business
International business majors will take management, marketing, economics, business, accounting, and international relations courses, such as:
- French in the Business World
- French for International Business
- International Economic Development
- Comparative Economic Systems
- Export-Import Financing
- Principles of Global Management
With a bachelor’s degree in international business, business professionals will be trained to enter international business jobs in Massachusetts such as:
- International Sales Representative
- International Business Translator
- Import/Export Coordinator
- Global Air Import Specialist
- International Campaign Organizing Coordinator
Advancing to a Master’s Degree and Advancing a Career
Although many international business professionals can begin their career with a bachelor’s degree, most top-notch companies and government organizations will prefer to hire and retain professionals with master’s degrees, or extensive experience, in the field.
To enroll in a graduate degree in international business, applicants will need to meet their university’s admission criteria, which generally include requirements such as:
- Holding a bachelor’s degree in international business, business, or another related field
- Holding a 3.0 GPA in bachelor’s degree coursework
- Submitting official GRE or GMAT scores
- Obtaining professional experience
Advanced international business degrees are designated by varying titles, including, but not limited to:
- Master of International Business (MIB)
- Master of International Management (MIM)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Relations
- Master of International Business & Master Arts in International Studies (MIB/MA)
Although courses vary from degree to degree, most international business graduate programs will include courses such as:
- Global Financial Strategy
- International Accounting
- International Marketing
- International Business Policy
- Managing Global Production
With a master’s degree in international business, business professionals will be trained to enter international business jobs in Massachusetts such as:
- International Sales and Marketing Manager
- Director of International Sales
- Associate Director of Global Marketing
- Senior International Trade Compliance Specialist
- Global Trade Controls Manager
Example jobs are listed here in order to illustrate the type of qualifications necessary for advanced international business jobs in Massachusetts (for illustrative purposes only; jobs do not constitute a job offer):
- Sales Engineer enLabel Global Services Inc. in Boston – applicants to positions such as this should hold an MBA and have international experience in order to prepare them to actively drive and manage new technology for global clients.
- Director of International Sales with T2 Biosystems in Lexington – applicants to this position should hold an MBA in international relations or have five years of experience with international marketing strategy in order to effectively develop and execute near- and long-term international market strategies.
- Director of International Programming, Finance, and Administration for Northeastern University in Boston – applicants to this position should hold a master’s degree in international business (or a related field) and have 6 or more years of business experience in order to effectively lead, plan, and execute day-to-day international programming, including compliance assessments and government reporting.
Massachusetts-Based Organizations Dedicated to Promoting International Trade
Some of Massachusetts’s private businesses and nonprofit organizations dedicated to enhancing the state’s engagement in international business include:
- Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) International Business Council (IBC) – hosts seminars and roundtables, fosters referrals, and recognizes global trade awards in order to help Massachusetts employers engage in international trade and expand their global visibility.
- International Institute of New England – based in Boston, this institute works for international workforce development training through small business development services, assessment, and microenterprise programs.
- Massachusetts Export Center – by offering export counseling, technical assistance, international market research and analysis, international business development assistance, and export training programs, this center works to support international business initiatives throughout the State of Massachusetts.
- British American Business Council of New England, Inc. – based in Boston, this nonprofit is an association consisting of over 100 New England-based companies involved in international trade.
- WorldBoston: A World Affairs Council – this nonprofit works to foster engagement in issues of international importance in every field, such as education, government, business, and more. By encouraging citizen diplomacy and hosting international visitors, WorldBoston brings foreign dignitaries to Massachusetts to speak on topics such as Entrepreneurship in Bolivia, Women’s Entrepreneurship in Iran, Urban Planning in Iraq, and Multi-Regional Trade.
International Business Organizations and Agencies in Massachusetts
Massachusetts’s top private, nonprofit, and government international business organizations include, but are not limited to: