International business-related jobs pay an average of 13-18% more than domestic-focused positions. And with more global trade happening than ever before, there are new opportunities of many kinds. So, how do you get a job or build a career in global trade?
Where do you start? Who can you ask for help? We decided to ask some global business experts to give their advice and take your questions in this month’s live #TradeElite Twitter chat, How to Get or Build a Career in Global Trade. The result? Lots of useful advice and interesting insights. Highlights of the chat are below, and you can scroll through the #TradeElite hashtag to follow the entire chat.
Moderator: Nicole Chevrier, Content Marketing Specialist with FITT (@FITTNews)
The Panelists:
Marcela Mandeville, CITP, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), based in Alberta (@MsBrightIdea)
Audrey Ross, International Business expert, Orchard Custom Beauty, based in Toronto, ON (@tresAudrey)
Simon Slyper, CITP, International Trade Compliance expert, based in New York, NY (@SimonTradeBuzz)
Emiliano Introcaso, CITP, Export Help Advisor, Export Development Canada, based in Toronto, ON (@introcaso)
Floyd Simpkins, CITP, International Business Professor (@FloydSimpkins)
Pernille Fischer Boulter, CITP, President and CEO, Kisserup International Trade Roots (@PFB6)
Q1 What’s your advice for getting a good job in global trade?
A1 #TradeElite a good job should not only be considered based on pay, but also on the contribution you as a professional will be making. Is this job going to allow you better somebody’s life? What is the culture of the company? Researching the org is key! https://t.co/KVV8Ws4IxS
— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (Cand.) (@introcaso) May 9, 2019
A1. Get your #CITP designation from @FITTNews !!! #TradeElite
— audrey ross citp|fibp (@tresAudrey) May 9, 2019
it not only helps, but pushes your salary up a bit as well. Plus some for some jobs this is a MUST! #TradeElite #CITP #CITP20 #certification #designation
— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (Cand.) (@introcaso) May 9, 2019
Generally any extra training / certification is a salary boost.
Know more than one language? salary boost.
Really great w tech or know how utilize it & have it created by your tech team? salary boost.
Penny saver & can find efficiencies? salary boost.#TradeElite https://t.co/WM24eqBBGk— audrey ross citp|fibp (@tresAudrey) May 9, 2019
Good Afternoon! We are so excited to be apart of today’s chat! It is @PFB6 & the @kisserupInt team 🙂 Our advice is to get out there and network as you never know what connections that could bring. Also, volunteering provides a great opportunity to get involved. #tradeelite
— Kisserup Int. (@kisserupInt) May 9, 2019
Oooh – good ones. Networking was where I met @introcaso and volunteering has led to some great learning experiences (public speaking, networking, podcasts). #TradeElite https://t.co/ZEqenVBVrD
— audrey ross citp|fibp (@tresAudrey) May 9, 2019
A1. Stay on top of new technology. #tradeelite
— audrey ross citp|fibp (@tresAudrey) May 9, 2019
A1 In my experience you “good job” usually starts off on the periphery of where you actually want to go. In other words, be prepared to start off in a less than perfect job and work your way into the job you want, by gaining experience gradually. – Floyd Simpkins
Another point about networking …. join a local Chamber of Commerce. They are always looking for good people to volunteer on committees. Show them your “stuff” and opportunities will arise. – Floyd Simpkins
A1: learning as much as possible in areas where there is demand (e.g. @FITTNews certification), getting your CITP credential, and connecting with global trade professionals working in non-profit organizations and businesses #TradeElite
— Marcela Mandeville (@MsBrightIdea) May 9, 2019
Q2 Where should I look? What are the industries that are growing the most right now?
A2 #TradeElite look at where you think you career might take you. What kind of company would you like to work for? The company’s career section helps you learn of their current openings, the culture of the organizations, their corporate social responsibility (#csr), etc. 1/2 https://t.co/7tPtILkKlw
— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (Cand.) (@introcaso) May 9, 2019
A2 2/2 #TradeElite when it comes to other sources to find jobs, a career site such as @LinkedIn for example, is also a great tool to search. You can use keywords you are most interested in when it comes to this industry. Find jobs, in you current city or in other cities.
— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (Cand.) (@introcaso) May 9, 2019
A2 #TradeElite here’s a resource directly from @LinkedIn help pages: ? https://t.co/wR9UH8dQX6 #career #jobs #findjobs
— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (Cand.) (@introcaso) May 9, 2019
A2: Service exports are a good place to look, especially in industries experiencing significant change and disruption in markets of interest #TradeElite
— Marcela Mandeville (@MsBrightIdea) May 9, 2019
A2. Supply Chain! I often see openings in Customs & Logistics at entry level but would recommend you get expertise in compliance to take it to the next level. #TradeElite
— audrey ross citp|fibp (@tresAudrey) May 9, 2019
A2: Agree with @MsBrightIdea! #TradElite
A “good job” might not present itself right away, so also apply for roles that may offer you a path towards one. You need to build your skills, knowledge and experience and get your hands dirty as soon as possible
— Simon Slyper (@SimonTradeBuzz) May 9, 2019
A2: @PFB6 We totally agree with @SimonTradeBuzz & @MsBrightIdea
Getting a foot in the door is the first step! #TradeElite https://t.co/H8kM8FhA8a
— Kisserup Int. (@kisserupInt) May 9, 2019
A2 The logistics industry and any company that has an international supply chain are good places to look. Many of my students have started careers in trucking, customs brokerage, freight forwarding – all of which require international knowledge. – Floyd Simpkins
A2 Don’t ignore the big banks – TD, BMO, Scotia etc. They all have international operations and they provide very good training. – Floyd Simpkins
Q3 How do I know if I have the skills to get the job I want? If not, what can I do?
A3 #TradeElite Review the job posting… remember that is a “Wishlist” so you have to have some of those skills to be able to apply. If you have more than 65% of the skills, I think it is a safe “possibility” to be considered through the interview process. If… 1/2 https://t.co/eugBm2CUL2
— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (Cand.) (@introcaso) May 9, 2019
A3 2/2 #TradeElite if you do not have the skills, then you need to find ways to acquire those. Either through academic credentials (I studied @FITTNews skills at @SenecaPartTime) or via workshops, seminars, etc… check @TorontoRBOT if you are in #Toronto
— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (Cand.) (@introcaso) May 9, 2019
A3: Do not get discouraged if you do not have all the skills listed on the job posting. No candidate is 100%. Remember the job posting only lasts for so long, so don’t miss it. In the meantime, take courses such as are offered by @FITTnews to shore up your cred #TradeElite
— Simon Slyper (@SimonTradeBuzz) May 9, 2019
A3: @PFB6 There are many opportunities out there in order to advance your skills. Check out the CITP @FITTNews it is a great resource for international trade, a comprehensive course that covers all angels of International Business #TradeElite
— Kisserup Int. (@kisserupInt) May 9, 2019
If you want to learn but you are short on resources, there are tons of government websites, such as the @TCS_SDC where you can lookup guides and information, and that helps you train your brain too! #TradeElite
— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (Cand.) (@introcaso) May 9, 2019
A3: Look at the desired skills and ask a trusted advisor to help you identify where you are strong and need work, then you can find programs to build skills that could be improved. If you feel you could do the job and you would have a chance to work to improve, apply #TradeElite
— Marcela Mandeville (@MsBrightIdea) May 9, 2019
This is a great answer! ?#TradeElite https://t.co/uzznu6TlXU
— audrey ross citp|fibp (@tresAudrey) May 9, 2019
Q4 I want to work overseas – what’s the best way to find jobs abroad?
A4 The United Nations is actively seeking young people for internships. The UN has a career page and you can fill out your credentials and experience on-line. Follow the UN on Twitter and you will also see announcements about jobs. – Floyd Simpkins
A4 Again, government offices, banks, consulting firms operating in other countries sometimes hire “locally engaged” staff at their international operations. You have to be in the right place at the right time. It is a form of networking. – Floyd Simpkins
A4 #TradeElite well… sometimes when working in #InternationalBusiness you get to travel a lot and work overseas too! Maybe finding a job in a global company might be a good start. However…. 1/2
— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (Cand.) (@introcaso) May 9, 2019
A4 2/2 #TradeElite However, there are rules (and sometimes serious tax complications) as to how you can work in another country. As an example, you can take a look at what is required to work in the USA. ? https://t.co/znThKveeNi
— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (Cand.) (@introcaso) May 9, 2019
Your companies HR team is often tasked with re-location but it’s best to do some independent research too as they won’t necessarily be able to guide you on tax implications or support moving family members #TradeElite https://t.co/dIHFKqCfv8
— audrey ross citp|fibp (@tresAudrey) May 9, 2019
This is where you might need to engage with a good accountant well versed in international tax law, to know your tax repercussions (if there are not tax treaty between your home country and the foreign country you are going to work at). When in doubt, seek an expert #TradeElite
— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (Cand.) (@introcaso) May 9, 2019
Agreed @_LeighAnnR the @FITTNews blog is a fantastic resource for postings #TradeElite https://t.co/uisRL2D8wa
— PFB (@PFB6) May 9, 2019
A4: Look at businesses and organizations in your community, province and across Canada with ties to your countries of interest. Local connections can offer great opportunities into global work #TradeElite
— Marcela Mandeville (@MsBrightIdea) May 9, 2019
A4. Find a company with global offices, be up front in interviews that you are willing & wanting to travel and / or live abroad. Learn the language(s) of your ideal destination. #TradeElite
— audrey ross citp|fibp (@tresAudrey) May 9, 2019
Q5 What are your secrets of success?
Be curious! Be interested and dedicated to what you are focusing your time on. Find ways to think outside the box and be creative. #TradeElite
— PFB (@PFB6) May 9, 2019
A5: Not cutting corners, putting in the time to learn, asking questions, putting my best foot forward on a daily basis and not taking anything for granted, paying attention to detail; no room for complacency in compliance. #TradeElite
— Simon Slyper (@SimonTradeBuzz) May 9, 2019
A5 #TradeElite well… work hard, commit to the industry & continuous education + training. But there is no secret formula. Employers tell you what they want for a particular job, so if they ask for a designation, go and get one, if they ask for specific education, go get that!
— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (Cand.) (@introcaso) May 9, 2019
A5: Be open to possibilities, connect with as many people interested in and working in global trade in as many ways possible (e.g. through the @FITTNews community) to learn, share insights, build skills and find pathways to professional goals #TradeElite
— Marcela Mandeville (@MsBrightIdea) May 9, 2019
A5 Yes goals are very important. They bring focus to the effort and allow you to gauge how you are advancing toward what you want to achieve. – Floyd Simpkins
A5. It’s a combination of what you know and your work ethic and also a lot of opportunities are offered because of who you know.
Networking is not this for that, sometimes you need something but make sure you are giving back to the community too. #TradeElite— audrey ross citp|fibp (@tresAudrey) May 9, 2019
A5. Building relationships, saying yes to things outside my comfort zone, saying yes to things that don’t necessarily seem like the obvious “next step”, having an overarching long term goal of what I want to feel like in my work. #TradeElite
— audrey ross citp|fibp (@tresAudrey) May 9, 2019
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