Pursuing an international business career is not an easy task, it usually requires extensive traveling, fluency in a second language which is almost always a requirement in international business, and of course working in this profession necessitates flexibility to fit into very different cultures than your own.

International business specialty offers different paths one could take. The many opportunities for professionals in American business are the same opportunities overseas some of which includes advertising and sales professionals, product managers, retail buying, travel and tourism business, banking, managers and trade experts. International companies must compete in the challenging market thus requiring the need for knowledgeable and business minded professionals.

A bachelors degree in business is often required for most people who choose a career in international business. Jobs can often be competitive and so many aspiring business students go the extra mile of earning their masters degree in either business administration (MBA) or international business (MIB). A bachelors degree is a four year course and a masters degree is usually one to three years after a bachelors degree.

Some programs are much more aggressive than others. However, for any of these programs, a high school diploma or its equivalent is a minor requirement. Since international business also involves working together and communicating within the cultures, fluency in a second language is another requirement. Programs of bachelors and masters degree are usually the most competitive and require a high GPA to be accepted. Consulting with a college career counselor is a good way to know the specific requirements for entry into specific programs.

Online programs offer all levels of preparation for elite individuals who aims towards a career in business. A lot of programs offer classes that can be completed at home. Specific programs can also be offered online such as a bachelors or masters degree in business administration, or associates in international business.

International business careers are very rewarding and yearly salaries in this field can vary greatly depending on the company and the type of business. Chief international executives can have pays ranging from $200,000 to $400,000 annually. Lower level directors and representatives may have salaries ranging from $50,000 to $130,000 per year. Higher end pay scales are most likely for those individuals who have a masters in international business and many years of experience.

Some of the leading schools that offer International Business programs are the University of Phoenix Business; Walden University; Ellis College; Regent University; Strayer University; Keiser College eCampus; Kennedy western University: Argosy University (Business & IT); National American University Online; LeTourneau University; Keller graduate School of Management; Berkeley College Online; Jones International University; and Cardean University.

‘Professional coaching is an ongoing professional relationship, that helps people produce extraordinary results in their lives, careers, businesses or organisations. Through the process of coaching, clients deepen their learning, improve their performance and enhance their quality of life……………………….. Coaching accelerates the clients progress by providing greater focus and awareness of choice’ International Coach Federation. www.coachfederation.org/abouticf/standards.htm

Effective coaching helps coachees in many ways, here are a few:

Unlock a person’s true potential through helping to raise their self awareness through enquiry, Find different perspectives to situation Build a ‘can do’ attitude’ Give the coachee specific time to focus solely on themselves Increase an individual productivity Ignites their passion Clarity about life purpose and goals

Research conducted by Manchester Consulting in 2001, found that there was a direct link between coaching and mentoring to bottom business results!!! 22% in profits over the term of their project!!

‘My tax partners know that in teaching tax technical skills they can instruct using the I will tell / show you technique, or they can use the ‘Here is a problem – what do you think is the solution?’ approach. The former may be more time efficient, the latter may lead to deeper understanding’ Bridget Allen, Head of Coaching KPMG

Did you realise from the quote about, that KPMG has a ‘Head of Coaching’? What does that tell you about the importance of coaching to businesses?

Do you have a personal coach either at work or externally? If yes, great!! If not, what is holding you back?

Don’t you want to accelerate your career or business, have greater self awareness, improve your business relationships and increase your performance/ productivity / profits?

I have been providing business mentoring and coaching services for years now and I also have a business coach and my coach Terri Levine http://www.levinebusinesscoaching.com/about has coaches for her different areas of focus!!! Tiger Woods even has a coach and he is the best in the world!!!

People ask ‘Why does Tiger have a coach?’ Do you know the answer? The answer is because he cannot see himself!!!!

For us to become the ‘Tigers’ in our businesses, organisations and in our lives, we need help from experienced people to help us ‘see ourselves’ and to help us to grow.