International trade has been an active industry since 1900 B.C., but they were of course not using terminology such as “international” back then; rather, any trade occurring over long distances has developed into the international trade industry today. Trading over geographic and cultural boundaries gives the world access to new and exotic products. Trade is such a significant part of any country’s economy, that it is extremely important that trade relations remain stable. Therefore, jobs in international trade are plentiful, for individuals with diverse skills from all over the world.
Why Work Abroad in Trade
Those interested in a career in international trade should take time to work abroad in order to develop a better understanding of how the trade industry functions within different cultures, governmental systems, and societies. After working abroad in international trade, you will have a host of beneficial knowledge and insight to share and utilize when you begin new jobs in the field at home. Though international trade jobs can be challenging, your time will be well spent and you’ll foster a very strong cultural competency in the field of business, which will be highly valuable in any career you choose to pursue. Working in international trade abroad will allow you to play a vital role in the expanding global economy, by seeing how trade is conducted and managed in other parts of the world.
Locations
International trade jobs abroad will provide you with more of an interculturally rich experience. When trying to decide where to look for jobs in international trade abroad, you may want to look into some of the countries that are top trading partners with your home country to give you a chance to see how trade works from the other side of the market. Some popular destinations that foreigners often seek out work in international trade abroad include:
Germany. As the world’s third largest exporter of goods and Europe’s largest national economy, Germany is a no-brainer for anyone interested in working in international trade. Frankfurt is known as the financial center of Europe, so not surprisingly it was Germany that introduced the Euro as the currency for the European Union. If you work in Germany you’ll have access to major multinational German companies like Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Porsche, which are the driving force (pun intended) of Germany’s economy, and also major international exporters. It doesn’t hurt that Germany consistently ranks among the best countries for expats looking to live and work abroad either.
China. One of the world’s top exporters and importers in the international trade market, China has its hands deep in the clothing, furniture, toys, and miscellaneous plastic products industries. Trade has been a very important part of China’s economy, helping to modernize the nation in recent years and continue to push development. Chances are, if you look through them, a number of items lying around the house were made in China!
Japan. The Japanese government recognized that trade was essential to their economic growth and began to promote their exports in the world market. The Japanese became a leader in international trade by developing industries that are first-rate. They are known as leaders in the world market for their quality products and exceptional designs; their products are always in demand due to the high quality exports.
International Trade Jobs Abroad
International trade is surely an industry that never sleeps, however that doesn’t mean you don’t have to! Depending on the type of job you obtain, you will most-likely work full time, yet the hours you work may fluctuate depending on what type of work you will be doing and with whom on any given day. Since the global trade industry is on every timezone imaginable, don’t be surprised if you may need to work odd hours throughout the week. There are a variety of international trade jobs that exist abroad, each one’s responsibilities depending on how you will be involved in the trade industry.
Finance jobs in international trade can be very involved. These positions are very important to the success of international trade, as finance officers make sure payments are made and agreements are maintained.
Management jobs in international trade are available within organizations that conduct business overseas. These types of international trade jobs require experience in negotiating and knowledge of trade laws and regulations.
Marketing jobs abroad in the field of international trade can be quite exciting. When a business is hoping to break into the international market, it requires someone with marketing knowledge to successfully brand its product cross-culturally.
If you are working across multiple time zones, be sure to invest in a watch with two faces (or just fire up the world clock app on your phone, either/or). Time change will certainly be a factor when working abroad in international trade, since you’ll be closing various business transactions throughout the world. Depending on the type of international trade job you obtain, you may work on your own or in a group. When working with various products, collaboration may be necessary in order to understand it better and how it can be utilized in a certain cultural context.
Familiarity with a foreign language or culture will be key to your success in international trade, albeit not always mandatory for every job opportunity. In a professional setting, language skills will provide you with insight in how different cultures handle business transactions, and understanding the language may even represent a larger sign of respect.
Benefits & Challenges
International trade is a growing and ever evolving field where the benefits are seen regardless of the country or part of the globe you end up working in. Working abroad in international trade will give you insight into why international relationships are so important to the economic growth of a specific nation. Working in international trade abroad is no doubt a great way to travel the world, however it has so much more to offer as a career.
Challenging. If you are interested in redundant, monotonous work, then this is not the job for you! International trade is a challenging industry, as you’ll be required to work alongside the global economic system and all its relevant players too, which are always changing. Every day will be different.
Opportunities. Trade encompasses many different sectors, which makes the industry a very promising place for jobs abroad. International trade jobs abroad allow people from different backgrounds and experiences to come together to skillfully maneuver the global economy in a collaborative effort. Take a look and see how your knowledge can fit into this high demand industry, regardless of your educational background.
Every day is different during international trade jobs abroad. You will cease to be bored working amidst the ever evolving global economy in such an exciting industry. If you think you can keep up, find an international trade job abroad today!
