Document Actions
FAQ
Up one levelFAQ overview
- Can you describe the international-business (IBS) major briefly?
- What are the different areas within IBS?
- What are some current trends and developments in IBS?
- What kinds of academic skills are important to succeed in the IBS program? In my career?
- What kinds of entry-level positions are open to graduates who lack relevant work experience?
- What electives in other disciplines would complement my major courses?
- What does the foundation course in the major cover?
- What courses are offered every semester? Once a year?
- Are new courses being planned?
- What special events, seminars, etc. does the program sponsor that students might attend?
- What kinds of research is the faculty currently engaged in?
- What else should I know about the IBS program?
Can you describe the international-business (IBS) major briefly?
The international business MBA major develops knowledge and skills for jobs in international trade (as when goods and services are exported from and imported into the United States) and international direct investment (as when U.S. companies establish and operate branches and subsidiaries in other countries). These activities are carried out by firms of all sizes and in all industries - all the way from small family firms to huge and diversified "multinational enterprises."
What are the different areas within IBS?
For MBA students, the IBS major is the only graduate international program in the Zicklin School of Business. This major includes courses in international business analysis, marketing, finance, management, human resources, strategy, law, CIS and communication. It is also possible to focus a MS degree in Marketing on international courses, with the MS degree being shorter because it assumes that students have already taken some core business courses at the undergraduate level. Both the MBA and MS degrees are relatively equivalent in terms of preparation for an IB career, although some firms prefer an MBA degree.
What are some current trends and developments in IBS?
International Business has become global because practically all 200 countries of the world now engage in international trade and investment to a significant degree. This trend is facilitated by easier and cheaper communication and transportation as well as by countries opening their borders to foreign goods, services, capital, labor, technology and firms. This development is threatened by wars, political upheavals, economic recessions and anti-foreign feelings - as has always happened in the history of business and is now expressed in opposition to "globalization."
What kinds of academic skills are important to succeed in the IBS program? In my career?
The IBS major helps develop analytical skills as well as sensitivity to differences among countries and people. The quantitative skills provided in the core program are sufficient to handle IB courses. All professional careers require intelligence, diligence, discipline and initiative - possibly more so in international business which is more complex.
What kinds of entry-level positions are open to graduates who lack relevant work experience?
International trade offers the most obvious entry-job opportunities because there are many exporters, importers and intermediaries involved in buying and selling across borders. Foreign markets have to be studied, sales and purchases have to be negotiated and payments made, goods have to be transported, the financing of sales and purchases - often in foreign currencies - has to be secured, patents and brand names have to protected, and many regulations have to observed. Fortunately, the Greater New York area as well as New York State have thousands of firms involved in these activities. Large multinational firms are very active in international trade and investment although they typically require starting in a "domestic" rather than an "international" position. Our internship courses (assisted by the Weissman Center for International Business) help MBA and MS students acquire valuable experience in all sorts of IB firms.
What electives in other disciplines would complement my major courses?
All functional areas at the Zicklin School of Business - marketing, management, finance, accounting, computer information systems, etc. - offer "domestic" courses that are either prerequisites for "international" courses or deepen the students' expertise. Our IB courses provide the international knowledge and skills that give an extra edge to the business education offered at Baruch in terms of our graduates being able to operate in a world marked by global competition and growing business opportunities.
What does the foundation course in the major cover?
IBS 9760 (International Business Analysis) highlights the differences - economic, social, political, cultural, legal, etc. - among countries, and it trains students to analyze those threats and opportunities associated with international trade and investment. All of our MBA programs require taking an "International Elective," and IBS 9760 is eminently suited to provide an overview as well as basic skills in the international area. It is a prerequisite for many IB courses, but ECO 9741 (International Economics) also serves that purpose by explaining patterns of international trade and investment and related topics.
What courses are offered every semester? Once a year?
IBS 9760 is offered both Fall and Spring semesters - usually in double section of 50-60 students, but also in the Summer as a single section of 35 students. More advanced IB courses are typically offered at least once a year in a single section of up to 35 students.
Are new courses being planned?
Recent additions to our IB offerings include International Logistics (MKT 9774), Internet Marketing and Global Business (MKT 9764), International Business Communication (IBS 9756/COM 9656) and Globalization and Technology (CIS 9230).
What special events, seminars, etc. does the program sponsor that students might attend?
The Weissman Center for International Business offers internships in IB firms, arranges study and visiting classes at foreign universities ("Study Abroad Programs"), and schedules luncheon discussion sessions open to all students and dealing with current IB issues.
What kinds of research is the faculty currently engaged in?
The full-time IB faculty is active in research dealing with such topics as international business-government relations, the regulation of advertising around the world, U.S.-Japanese relations, the location of foreign firms in the New York area, organizational behavior in transitional economies, the roles of expatriate managers, the telecommunication industry, and the cultural dimensions of business, management and marketing.
What else should I know about the IBS program?
If you need further information, check the Zicklin website, attend our "MBA Open Houses," consult our Graduate Bulletin or contact Professor A. Grein at (646) 312-3341 or at andreas_grein@baruch.cuny.edu