International Business
International Business graduates understand the international contexts of business decision-making.
International Business students study how global, regional and local forces, such as economic, political, technological or environmental factors shape global markets and business strategies. Focuses include globalisation, de-globalisation, trade, exports and international management. Students develop practical skills in problem solving, creative thinking, situational analysis and gain a global, multi-cultural perspective on issues.
Roles and career pathways
Analysing key business issues from a global perspective gives International Business graduates the knowledge and skills for a wide range of roles. Early roles for graduates may be administrators, coordinators, graduate advisors or analysts before moving to more senior or management positions. They may work as business development adviser, international marketing executive, logistics coordinator, management consultant, project or programme coordinator, import/export agent, procurement adviser, global sales account manager or HR adviser. Some of these roles will require additional study or experience.
It is common for International Business students to study another commerce major for example Human Resources and Employment Relations (HRER), Management or Marketing. They can also include an outside major or degree in Law, Science or Arts, where subjects such as History, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Development Studies can all complement an International Business degree. Postgraduate study can lead to research possibilities or policy roles or academic research and teaching. The Master of Global Marketing and Master of Global Management are popular courses for people interested in these areas.
Where International Business graduates work
Graduates work across the private and public sector in a wide range of organisations that operate in a global environment. These include non-profit organisations, Government agencies, global organisations such as banks or logistics and IT companies, and professional services firms such as management consultancies, recruitment and talent search agencies.
Recent International Business graduates have worked in organisations such as:
- EY Consulting
- Davanti business and technology consulting
- Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
- ANZ
- BNZ
Build relevant skills and experience
Relevant part-time work and volunteering during study all help to increase your job prospects when you graduate. Many employers offer internship roles, where you can gain valuable work experience and connections before completing your studies. You can explore internships on the NZUni Talent job board and find out more about internships here.
Victoria Business Consulting Club offer real-word opportunities to work on business problems with local employers during competition events. CAPE (Centre for Asia-Pacific Excellence) offer internships, and other initiatives to support New Zealand's businesses, communities and students to understand the key countries of the Asia-Pacific region. The WFHSS Internship course run by the Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences helps develop leadership skills and practical workplace experience in Wellington. Programmes such as Wellington Plus and Wellington International Leadership Programme (WILP) offer opportunities to gain diverse volunteer and leadership experience.
Make career connections
Networking associations such as the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Wellington Young Professionals offer various events and opportunities for networking. VicCom is a student-led group that offers a range of business networking and social events for Commerce students. The Victoria University of Wellington Alumni as Mentors programme for final-year students also helps enhance your connections and employability while studying.
Graduate career stories
Nikki Everton
Travel sparked Nikki’s interest in International Business, a programme that helped her develop speaking and presenting skills she’s used in several roles.