This is a guest post by Marissa Krause on careers in International Business. You can read the guidelines to guest posting at our write for us page.
Are you thinking about getting an international business MBA, but you’re not sure if you would really like it?
Take this quiz to get an idea if you are on the right path when considering international business as a career. (Keep a pen and paper handy so that you write down your responses.)
Do you speak, read and write in more than one language proficiently?
a. No, I am only fluent in my native language, but I am willing to learn another.
b. I speak a little of one or two languages in addition to my native language, but I would be willing to learn more.
c. Yes, I am multi-lingual.
Change in our lives can be difficult. How adaptable would you be when living a country with many cultural differences (religious beliefs, etc.)?
a. It would depend on what kinds of differences there were. I have my own beliefs, and there are some changes that I may not be able to deal with well. I would try to overcome any problems before I made any type of judgment.
b. I feel that I adapt to change fairly well; living in a different culture may be hard at first, but doable.
c. I’m a chameleon! To adapt well, I would research the particular country that I would be working in and become familiar with their ways of living so that I can learn to deal with any situation that should arise.
If you were suddenly given a last-minute deadline, how would you handle it?
a. It would depend on what I was doing when I found out about it. I would probably finish what I was doing and then jump right on to the other project.
b. I would locate my supervisor immediately and find out what he/she wanted me to do.
c. I would use my skills and knowledge to meet the deadline.
If you were told by your employer that you were moving to a new country in a week, how would you react?
a. Shocked! A week’s notice?
b. Kind of surprised; I’d ask if there was any way that I could have a little more time to pack.
c. I packed yesterday.
If you are married or in a serious relationship, how hard would it be for your significant other to move to another country?
a. Pretty difficult; my partner has worked in the business for a number of years.
b. It would be hard, but my partner and I would work out what’s best for us.
c. I am not in a relationship; it is of no consequence.
How important is social media to international business?
a. I can see how it could help.
b. Social media is becoming more and more prominent; it would be a good way to establish relationships with overseas companies.
c. Social media is one of the most important aspects in any type of business today. It is the way to connect with anyone in the world through the Internet. It can be used for international business in numerous ways; for example, you could use it to familiarize yourself with a company and its associates if you have to visit their country.
And finally:
Which is more important in international business, experience or a degree?
a. A degree is essential; the experience will come after you are hired.
b. Experience is the most important; you can count on what you know. A degree can only help.
c. Both are equally important, but a degree is essential.
What the quiz says about you:
If you answered mostly A’s, then working in the United States for a company that does business internationally is a viable option for you. You wouldn’t have to relocate, which is the biggest obstacle for you. In addition, you understand how important a degree is for this career.
If you answered mostly B’s, then working for a US-based company that can send you to different countries would be a good way for you to go. You could experience travel without having to live in another country, yet you are adaptable enough to work there, albeit temporarily.
If you answered mostly C’s, then a career in international business and living overseas is ideal for you. You do not care about moving from place to place on a moment’s notice, and you are comfortable with the idea of cultural differences. In addition, you speak many languages fluently, which is the most important part of international business communication. Finally, you understand the importance of an international business degree.
Conclusion – Is international Business the right option for you
If you are considering a career in international business, do some self-evaluation. There are many challenges in an international business career. Most importantly, stay true to yourself, your ambitions and what you want to achieve in life. That way, you can never go wrong.
About the Author:
This guest post article was written and provided by Marissa Krause who finished her MBA international business degree this last fall and has begun working as a public relations specialist.