What are the benefits of working in international trade?

International trade is a fast-growing industry with a wide range of careers that offer competitive salaries and, in some cases, the potential to travel. The skills needed to be successful in international trade, such as networking, cultural sensitivity, and customer service, can transfer to many other job opportunities.

What skills are in high demand in the international trade industry?

In general, valuable skills in international trade include sales, customer service, leadership, problem-solving, collaboration, and cross-cultural competency. Depending on your desired position, you may also benefit from skills in global politics, intellectual property rights, legal trade agreements, supply chain management, sustainable trade policies, or a foreign language.

What types of employers hire international trade professionals?

Employers for international trade professionals include international corporations; federal, state, and local government agencies; large and boutique consulting firms; logistics companies; and even foreign policy or economic think tanks.

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International Trade | Introduction Image Description

What is international trade?

International trade refers to the legal import and export of materials, services, products, and personnel to foreign countries in adherence to federal trade regulations. Managing this global supply chain includes sourcing materials, negotiating deals, manufacturing goods, directing logistics, and navigating the nuances of legal compliance and global diplomacy.

International trade professionals may be employed by government agencies, international trade firms, private corporations, or nonprofits. The industry offers career opportunities in several fields, including business management, operations, supply chain management, manufacturing, finance, law, sales, and economic policy.

edX's online international trade courses and degree programs span numerous fields of study and provide the flexibility and affordability to fit your career goals.

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Choosing the right international trade program for you

When choosing an international trade course or program on edX, consider factors such as:

Your desired career and any educational requirements
Program length and any suggested hours of weekly study
Your budget or financial constraints
Possible requirements for industry-recognized credentials or certifications

Here are some of the learning options you can find on edX:

Courses

Courses are ideal for beginners who want to dip their toes into international trade or professionals interested in learning about an industry topic, like regulatory compliance or sustainable supply chain logistics. On edX, you can find a range of free online courses on topics such as macroeconomics, emerging markets, and sustainable trade.

Professional certificates

Experienced professionals looking to develop their practical or technical skills can earn a professional certificate in specific areas, such as supply chain management, corporate finance, or macroeconomics. These programs can deliver a résumé boosting credential that can help you stand out from other job applicants or prepare you to advance in your field.

Executive education programs

For senior-level executives and corporate leaders, executive education programs integrate your expertise in business strategy and leadership with key aspects of international trade, including sustainable finance, data analysis, and public policy analysis. These programs offer flexible schedules that help you balance other commitments with your coursework.

Degrees

Comprehensive bachelor's, master's, or doctoral programs in areas like economics, international relations, and business administration provide a well-rounded education in international trade that can open doors to long-term careers in the industry.

Jobs in international trade

Employment in business and financial occupations, including the international trade industry, is projected to grow much faster than average for all other occupations, according to 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Graduates looking for a career in global trade or supply chain management, especially those with industry-standard certifications or credentials, may be recruited for work in government agencies and corporations.

Here are a few roles you could pursue in international trade: