What are the jobs in international trade and how do I get there?

Discover the different professions in international trade and how to get there after a few years of study at a Grande Ecole business school.

What is international trade?

International trade refers to all flows of goods, services and capital between different countries. Although it has been practised for centuries, its nature and methods have been profoundly transformed by globalisation, the liberalisation of international markets and the resulting increase in imports and exports, the digitalisation of the economy, the constant fall in transport costs and the consideration given to the environmental impact of international trade. As for the international trade professions, they have also evolved considerably and the missions of the professionals in this sector are now as much focused on sales administration as on finance, law, logistics or international marketing.

Why go into international trade?

The numerous activities and professions linked to this sector offer many opportunities and outlets for young students whose professional project is internationally oriented. Indeed, this type of career gives you the opportunity to travel, to discover other cultures but also, for those who wish, to work in an international environment while remaining in France. If you dream of going elsewhere, are curious, have a good general knowledge, are gifted in languages, and are attracted by commercial negotiation and international business, do not hesitate to embark on studies that will guarantee you a successful career abroad. Finally, in terms of professional integration, it is important to know that graduates of a business school such as IPAG easily find a job after their studies and that their salaries are higher when they work abroad.

Which studies to do in international trade?

From Bac+2 to Bac+5, there are many courses of study to train for the different professions in international trade. For example, here are the programmes offered by a school such as IPAG to train operational executives or future managers in this sector.
 

BTS International Trade (Bac+2)

The "BTS CI" allows you to study the main principles of international operations, from prospecting to purchasing, sales techniques and the marketing of products on foreign markets. At IPAG, this BTS course can be followed on a work-study course (professionalization or apprenticeship contract), which gives you the opportunity to acquire a maximum of professional experience during your first two years of study in higher education.

Discover our BTS

Bachelor in International Trade (Bac+3)

After a BTS, you can naturally continue your studies in a Bachelor's degree in International Trade, to obtain a diploma at Bac+3 level and prepare yourself to occupy positions with greater responsibility. With this in mind, you will deepen your knowledge of international logistics, development strategy, etc.
 

Master in International Management or Trade (Bac+5)

Two Master's cycle specialisations of IPAG's Grande Ecole Programme (Bac+5) focus on international business in the broadest sense: "International Business and Supply Chain" and "International Management". The first is aimed at students who wish to become import-export zone managers, international development managers, buyers in foreign markets, etc. The second will train managers with a profile of international business. The second will train managers with a versatile profile, capable of managing multicultural teams. This 5-year course can be taken immediately after the Baccalaureate or, in parallel, in the 3rd or 4th year. For holders of a Bachelor's degree or equivalent, there is an alternative to the PGE: the Master In Business Administration (MBA) in International Business Development. This Master's degree in International Business also offers good career prospects abroad, particularly thanks to the reputation of its diploma.

Learn more about the Grande École Programme

Some examples of jobs in international trade

Let's now come to the list, which is not exhaustive, of the different jobs you can do after an appropriate training in a Business School:

• International purchasing manager
• Business development manager
• Director of import operations
• Export manager
• Sales manager
• Import/export manager
• International Development Director
• Etc.