International trade is a growing industry with a corresponding need for skilled workers. In fact, trade growth is expected to rebound to 3.2% in 2024 according to the World Trade Organization. In today’s tricky global job market, it’s a great time to look at the opportunities within the fastest growing international trade jobs in 2023.
With a recession being predicted to hit the U.S. economy in late 2023 and early 2024, the job market is slowing down as fears continue to mount. The tech industry in particular contributed to mass layoffs this year, driven by some of the biggest names in the world including Microsoft, Meta, Google, Yahoo, Amazon etc.
Google’s parent company Alphabet reduced their workforce by approximately 12,000 roles. CEO Sundar Pichai wrote in a letter to Google employees “we hired for a different economic reality than the one we face today.”
The global economy is slowly recovering from the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic and grappling with situations like regional conflicts and disrupted trade routes. This also means that the international trade landscape is evolving drastically and so is job insecurity.
In such a dynamic job market, there are certain roles that are growing increasingly popular. The demand for skilled professionals in these job roles is skyrocketing.
So, if you’re looking for jobs with good scope and stability globally, consider exploring international trade. Let’s look at some of the fastest growing international trade jobs in 2023 globally and how you can break into these thriving sectors.
Marketing international trade jobs
The global marketing landscape is more diverse than ever before. A career in marketing usually involves good pay and quick growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics there is expected to be a 10% employment growth rate for marketing managers from 2021 to 2031. Professionals who understand international markets and consumer behavior are in high demand. Here are some of the most in demand global trade jobs that in the marketing sector.
1. Global Growth Manager
As an increasing number of businesses continue to expand globally, the demand for multifaceted professionals who can identify and capitalize on opportunities for expanding businesses internationally is greater than ever. Forbes talks about hiring the right leaders as one of the keys to getting global expansion right. Here is where Global Growth Managers come into the picture. They meticulously research market dynamics, consumer behavior, and emerging trends to formulate strategic plans for global expansion. By leveraging data-driven insights to navigate international business landscapes, they are indispensable assets in the quest for sustained global growth.
2. International Business Development Executive
International Business Development Executives are instrumental in fostering global growth for companies operating in today’s interconnected world. Their job role involves nurturing strategic partnerships, collaborations, and alliances with businesses and organizations worldwide. With a deep understanding of international markets and the skills needed to identify new business opportunities in various regions and industries, these executives are at the forefront of forging international connections and creating synergies in the global marketplace.
E-commerce international trade jobs
E-commerce has become a cornerstone of international trade. With global e-commerce expected to show an annual growth rate of 11.17% from 2023 till 2027, it’s safe to say that it’s a thriving industry. Hence, it’s no surprise that the demand for skilled professionals to fill e-commerce jobs is at an all-time high right now. So, let’s explore some jobs that are increasingly growing in demand in e-commerce.
3. E-commerce Operations Manager
At a time when e-commerce is thriving, E-commerce Operations Managers act as the driving force behind the seamless functioning of online businesses across borders. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that approximately 2,300 new jobs will be added for general and operations managers in e-commerce between 2016 and 2026. E-commerce Operations Managers are responsible for orchestrating and optimizing the day-to-day operations of e-commerce platforms, ensuring efficient order processing, inventory management, and timely delivery to customers around the world.
4. E-commerce Business Analyst
Analytics is taking the world by storm and more businesses are recognizing the importance of leveraging big data in their expansion strategies. According to the World DataScience Initiative, about 80% of global enterprises are investing in a data analytics division, creating a great demand for analysts. E-commerce platforms collect a wealth of data and here is where E-commerce Business Analysts come into the picture. They are responsible for deciphering and decoding data and transforming it into actionable insights that drive strategic decisions. They are the analytical minds behind the success of international online businesses.
5. E-commerce Project Manager
Project Managers are a crucial part of every organization and industry and e-commerce is no exception. The Project Management Institute’s ‘Project Management Job Growth and Talent Gap 2017–2027’ report predicts that by 2027, employers will need nearly 88 million individuals in project management-oriented roles. E-commerce Project Managers take on the responsibility of planning, executing, and overseeing critical e-commerce initiatives. Their role is pivotal in delivering projects on time and within budget, which is a necessity in today’s rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape.
International supply chain jobs
The supply chain sector is the backbone of international trade – transactions within global supply chains account for 76% of world trade. This is why it comes as no surprise that in today’s rapidly evolving global marketplace, supply chain professionals are at the forefront of ensuring that businesses can adapt, grow, and remain competitive. Here’s an in-depth look at the top supply chain jobs that are growing in prominence.
6. Director of Procurement
Procurement is an essential aspect of the supply chain and the role of Director of Procurement is a crucial one. These individuals are responsible for securing the necessary materials and resources for businesses to operate on an international scale. This includes sourcing products globally, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier relationships.
7. Supply Chain Analyst
Several predictions highlight that the demand for supply chain graduates will go through the roof in the next two years due to the fragility of global supply chains. Those will the skills of a Supply Chain Analyst should have no trouble landing a position. Supply Chain Analysts are experts who gather and analyze data on inventory, transportation, and production to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies. They use this data to make informed decisions that enhance the supply chain’s efficiency and responsiveness to market changes.
8. Process Improvement Manager
Process Improvement Manager is a relatively new job role but one that is rapidly growing in popularity. Their key responsibility is to find ways to enhance the overall efficiency of supply chain operations. They do this by identifying opportunities for streamlining processes, reducing waste, and improving the overall productivity of the supply chain. By implementing Lean and Six Sigma principles, they strive to drive continuous improvement, in an effort to make supply chains more agile and cost-effective.
International trade finance jobs
The finance sector in international trade has grown leaps and bounds over the past decade, with professionals playing a pivotal role in both financial management and technological adaptation. Diverse job opportunities and the integration of technology into financial practices means that the finance sector offers a promising career path for those seeking to navigate the financial frontier of international trade. Let’s look at some roles gaining more attention.
9. Financial Risk Analyst
According to the Association for Financial Professionals Risk Survey, financial risks were among the top four risks having the greatest impact on earnings in the next three years. Financial risks can often make or break a business and this is where the role of Financial Risk Analysts becomes crucial. These professionals identify and manage the financial risks associated with international trade, including currency fluctuations, credit risk, and market volatility. They also curate risk management strategies to protect businesses from adverse financial events and help them navigate the complexities of international markets.
10. Fintech Consultant
With the global fintech market being expected to reach a market value of $326 billion by 2026, the need to leverage this innovative technology in international trade is becoming imperative. Fintech Consultants help businesses achieve this by advising them on how to harness financial technology (fintech) solutions to improve their international trade operations. They help companies adopt digital payment systems, blockchain, and AI-powered financial tools to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
Navigating the fast-growing world of international trade jobs
International trade is flourishing and so are opportunities for those equipped with the right skills and knowledge. If you have the right training and credentials, you’re one step closer to landing one of these lucrative jobs. Invest in specialized education, such as degrees in supply chain management or finance, to get the foundational knowledge needed to excel in these fields.
In addition to that, credentials that show you have knowledge and skills in key competency areas of international trade will give you a competitive advantage in this job market.
Staying informed about the latest industry trends and global market developments is also crucial. Follow trade organizations on social media (we recommend connecting with FITT’s growing LinkedIn community), sign up for industry newsletters, and look for networking events in your area.
Lastly, hone your language skills, especially if you want to land import and export jobs, as proficiency in multiple languages can enhance your appeal to global employers. Once you have developed the skills to grow your global trade career, the world of international trade jobs is yours to explore.
disqus comments