Esmeralda Rodriguez Arias embarked on her professional journey with full gusto and big dreams of being successful in her career. Her first job in 2009 was at the United States Embassy in Colombia, where she soon got promoted to the position of Visa Specialist in the Immigrant Visa unit of the Consular section. 

From the moment she started, she knew that this would mark the beginning of her foray into international trade, as it would give her a better understanding of the nuances of international business and how she could do her bit to further its cause.  

An impromptu decision on the spur of the moment

Esmeralda remembers with amusement the time she made a decision on an impulse, without having consulted her supervisors, only because she wanted to offer timely help to people who most needed it. It was the December of 2017, which is normally a holiday in Colombia. Esmeralda had been in charge of shipping 7 boxes with 300 immigrant visa cases to Cuba to be dispatched that very day. She had prepared and packed the boxes which were to be collected by the courier. At the last minute, due to some unforeseen payment issue, the boxes were not picked up from the embassy as planned. There was only an hour left before the flight would depart, so Esmeralda tried to call her supervisor. There was no response, so without wasting further time, she loaded the boxes into her car and dropped them at the courier service. Fortunately she made it there on time, and the flight left ten minutes later.   

This experience was funny, because I thought that I would be fired for making a decision without any authorization, but my sense of responsibility told me that I needed to take an immediate action to help all those families.

At the end of the day, Esmeralda’s act of going over and above the call of duty to deal with an unexpected situation  spoke volumes of her commitment to her job.  

Career highs and achievements to be proud of

Travelling to Guyana to train the Immigrant Visa Unit in that country is a task that Esmeralda counts among her most memorable ones. She was pleasantly surprised to learn that she also had the ability to train them in Spanish, her native language. This proved to be a fulfilling experience for her as she was able to share her knowledge with her counterparts in another country. 

They were so nice to me, and I felt that at that moment I was transferring part of my knowledge to them, which made me feel proud and happy.

Esmeralda was also in charge of organizing an Adoption Conference for International Adoption Service Providers with the participation of ICBF (Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar). It entailed building a strong network with applicants and familiarizing them with the services offered. The event was a success as it gave her team an opportunity to secure applicant contact details and open doors to nurture future communication with them. 

Esmeralda’s proudest accomplishment so far has been winning the Employee of the Quarter award.  This is one of the most coveted forms of recognition that an employee for the Department of State can aspire for. 

Flexibility and adaptability are key attributes for a business professional

During the time she worked for the embassy and when she began studying for her International Business Post Graduate Program, Esmeralda learned the importance of molding one’s habits and behaviors to match with those of your international clients. 

I learned that when you are dealing with businesses in different countries you need to adapt to them not only culturally, but also in the way you deal with documents, customers and communication.

International trade training that helped discover her strengths

For Esmeralda, signing up for FITTskills training was an unforgettable experience as these courses helped her to discover something that went on to become her greatest passion – the importance for companies to include the principle of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in their core objectives.   

Her favourite courses are Global Value Chain, International Market Entry Strategies and International Sales and Marketing. 

I liked Global Value Chain because I learned how to handle inventories, supply and management inside of the businesses; International Market Entry Strategies and International Sales & Marketing because these courses taught me that different products and different customers will need different approaches and marketing strategies to enter into the market.

Esmeralda went ahead with applying for the CITP designation because she wanted to combine her experience and expertise with the validation that the credential brings with it. She is excited about the prospects of new and challenging professional opportunities coming her way with the addition of the elite designation after her name.  

I felt excited, happy and proud of all the efforts and challenges I had to overcome before getting this designation. For me, this is proof that all the things that you do with dedication and commitment are possible. I really think that this designation will definitely open doors to a new world and will help me to constitute a successful career.

We absolutely second Esmeralda’s confidence and are certain that her professional journey is all set to lead her from one success to the next. 

The post CITP Spotlight: Esmeralda Rodriguez Arias – Visa Specialist, United States Embassy appeared first on Trade Ready.

Armel Ndounkeu Tchouankeu’s career in international trade dates all the way back to 2001, when he began his first job with an international maritime and port services company in Cameroon. Today he is now an experienced trade professional with a career spanning almost two decades. 

Hard work overcomes every challenge

Armel has come a long way from the time he saw the first bill of lading in 2001 and  wondered what all the terms meant. It seemed impossible that he would be able to familiarize himself with all the potential issues and learn to resolve them. Looking back, Armel has experienced firsthand how hard work and perseverance can help surmount challenges, no matter how complicated they may appear. 

Today, I know that even when something sounds difficult, if you like it, and work towards it with the right attitude, you can become an expert.

Armel’s proudest professional achievement

Working as Cameroon Project Manager for GS Group on the SAIL (South Atlantic Inter Link) project is a tenure Armel feels extremely proud of. The project entailed establishing an underwater fiber optic connection between Forteleza in Brazil and Kribi in Cameroon. 

Market analysis is by far the key aspect of project management

Armel emphasizes the importance of analyzing the market before beginning to focus on your skills and strengths. He believes that most mistakes are an outcome of allowing your products/services to take precedence over conducting market research and analysis.  

The desire to learn how to systematically analyze markets prompted Armel to sign up for FITTskills courses. He found the resources and case studies provided within each of the units informative and insightful.  

I’m now able to more carefully study a new market in Africa or elsewhere before deciding whether to enter there. Thank you FITT!”

“For sure my favorite FITTskills course was “Feasibility of International Trade” because it mainly deals with market analysis. A close second was Global Value Chain, which helped me to understand how to manage a supply chain using the worldwide supplying potential.” 

A designation that is the most important reference for international trade worldwide

Ever since he first heard of it, it had been Armel’s professional goal to earn the CITP |FIBP designation. He knew that as a trade professional, it was crucial for him to equip himself with the most current and industry-backed credentials. He  applied for the CITP | FIBP designation, looking forward to opening up a whole new world of career opportunities.  

It was a dream of mine to earn the designation ever since I became aware of it. It is the most important reference for international trade worldwide. I am so excited and proud to have earned it!

Armel is confident that the CITP designation is going to be the steppingstone for success in his future endeavors. As it officially validates his competency in international trade, he feels more comfortable to take on more challenging projects in the near future. 

We wish Armel the best of luck and success as we eagerly watch him add more laurels to his already accomplished career.  

The post CITP Spotlight: Armel Ndounkeu Tchouankeu – Project Manager, Yamo International Inc. appeared first on Trade Ready.

Praveeni Perera’s journey into international trade began when she was managing international development projects while working for a non-profit.  This ignited her interest in intercultural relations leading her to pursue an MBA in International Business. Upon completion of her post graduate degree, Praveeni  started  her own consulting company specializing in international expansions. 

I really enjoy meeting business people from around the world and learning about doing business in different cultures.

Praveeni’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit have led her to experience a wide variety of career highlights and accomplishments. 

Meeting business leaders and Bollywood stars

Early in her career, Praveeni took on an internship in Colombo, Sri Lanka to be part of the team organizing a Global Business Forum for the International Film Academy Awards held in Sri Lanka that year. The highlight of this experience was not only getting to meet business leaders from around the world but also seeing some of her favourite Bollywood stars. 

A plethora of career highlights and accomplishments

It was a great honor and pleasure for Praveeni to represent Canada at the OECD last year. She was the Project Manager for Canada on an international study the OECD was organizing on social and emotional skills in children.  

 As part of her education, Praveeni decided to pursue a certification in international protocol and attended the Protocol School of Washington. This proved to be a unique and memorable experience as some of her classmates included a protocol head at the Pentagon and a crew member of Air Force One.  

“I even have some souvenirs from Air Force One, this was during the Obama administration, so they all have his signature.” 

Among Praveeni’s cherished experiences is teaching the International Business Management graduate certificate program at Algonquin College where she gets to meet and teach new international students every year.  

“I truly enjoy this experience and look forward to meeting new students each semester.” 

Writing the book on relationship building

Praveeni wishes she had known the importance of networking and building relationships when she first started out in international trade. She views it as essential to network and develop a rapport with others among your target market as that can facilitate your expansion plans.  

Relationships are so important in international trade as having a rapport with someone in your target market can make your expansion or exporting activities so much easier.

Praveeni is so passionate about this aspect of career building that she wrote and published a book on it,  “Cocktails & Conversations: a guide to networking.” 

Another valuable nugget of advice from Praveeni is to appreciate cultural differences. Being born in Sri Lanka and raised in Canada, she was fortunate to experience the best of both worlds. 

Broadening the horizons of her knowledge

The logical next step for Praveeni was to sign up for the industry recognized FITTskills training in international trade.  

I really enjoyed taking the FITT skills courses as they helped strengthen and broaden my understanding of international trade. I found the course content easy to navigate and the textbooks were convenient and easy to read.

“My favourite course was International Sales and Marketing.” 

As Praveeni thoroughly enjoys marketing, this course was a great refresher for her. She particularly loved learning about how companies have adapted their products or services to better suit a specific market. She found that she could apply many of the useful pointers in there to the  fashion and lifestyle blog that she runs as a hobby. 

Praveeni applied for and was awarded the CITP designation in June 2020, viewing it as the perfect addition to her qualifications.  

Having worked in international trade for many years and completed my MBA in international business I thought the CITP would be a great complement to my current skill set.

What adds to the sense of excitement and accomplishment on earning the CITP designation is the fact that Praveeni completed four of the six courses that make up the educational requirement of the designation during the COVID-19 lockdown. 

Along with being a great addition to her existing skill set, the CITP lends the perfect finishing touch to her education in international trade.  

I hope to continue my work and consulting in international business and I definitely feel the CITP designation helps with building trust and credibility with potential clients.

Praveeni also gives back to the global business community by teaching the International Business Program at Algonquin College.  

With her ambition and deep knowledge of international trade, we have no doubt that Praveeni’s expertise will help her shine as she goes on to accomplish everything that she has set her mind on.   

The post CITP Spotlight: Praveeni Perera – Professor, Algonquin College appeared first on Trade Ready.

Updated July 24, 2025

Encouraged by his parents, Urvish developed a habit of reading newspaper articles on business, economics and politics while he was a student. Through this reading, he gained a deeper understanding of the vital role international trade plays in driving global economic growth and development. He learned about the Indian government’s new Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization (LPG) policy introduced in 1991, which was opening the economy to global markets.

This realization sparked a sense of purpose within him, and he knew that his future was in the dynamic world of international trade where he could contribute to global growth and innovation.

Spurred by an eagerness to learn from and interact with people from different cultures, he went on to pursue a BBA with specialisation in exports management to gain a basic understanding of international business.  In order to fine-tune his skills and better prepare himself to face future challenges as a global citizen, Urvish continued with his education and earned an MBA in international business.

While studying for the MBA, he got an opportunity to intern with Dresser-Rand India – A Siemens Business, and a leading manufacturer of compressors for oil & gas, petrochemical and refining power and pipeline transportation. In this role he gained hands on experience in various aspects of international business, global heavy engineering industries, and engineering including international project bidding, cost-estimation, project management, international supply chain and logistics, and customer service.

Developing new global markets from scratch

After earning his MBA degree and few years of industry experience, Urvish began working as a senior international business executive with Sumip Composites Pvt. Ltd, tasked with securing new business opportunities in unexplored markets. He decided to explore the then untapped markets in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Africa, including UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, among others. He went after these opportunities despite knowing how challenging it was going to be and would entail starting from scratch.

Urvish went to work deploying his vision with patience, persistence and diplomacy. This included communication with government authorities, end clients (IOCs, State Owned Companies, Private investors), engineering consultants, EPC companies, sub- contractors,  and local representatives.  During this process, Urvish enjoyed his work engaging with the diverse stakeholders across countries, navigating cultural nuances, balancing conflicting interests, and ultimately driving collaboration towards a shared goal. While hard at work, he also had the spectacular experience of journeying from iconic global landmarks to the most remote corners of the world. The lessons he learned while working on developing these markets have been incredibly beneficial to his subsequent roles.

A collaborative approach to securing major clients

Urvish’s work to secure the bid for one of the UAE’s most prestigious state-owned oil & gas projects was another remarkable milestone. In the face of fierce competition from a leading international manufacturer, he recognized early on that winning would require more than just technical expertise—it would demand a strategic approach and collaboration with the in-country team.

With a clear goal in mind, he took charge, working hand-in-hand with the management team and the representative company to craft a compelling initial proposal. His ability to understand the client’s technical and commercial needs, anticipate potential challenges, and fine-tune the details set his team apart. After presenting the proposal, Urvish led multiple rounds of revisions and negotiations, consistently ensuring that his company’s offer stood out. His relentless focus and sharp business acumen paid off when he received the exciting news that the contract was awarded to his company.

For Urvish, this achievement wasn’t just about securing a contract. It was a tremendous confidence and credibility booster, and a testament to his ability to turn challenges into opportunities. This  achievement also opened doors for his company to other projects from the same client and market expansion opportunities in Middle-East region.

In a world that’s constantly evolving, there’s always room for growth

Urvish believes we are all interconnected within a vast ecosystem, and that collaboration is essential for navigating this dynamic landscape and addressing the unique challenges of global markets.

A valuable piece of advice he would pass on to those embarking on their career journey is that it’s crucial to cultivate curiosity and a relentless commitment to self-improvement to excel in life. Urvish’s guiding mantra, inspired by ancient Indian philosophy, emphasizes the importance of constantly seeking knowledge and becoming a better version of oneself.

This continuous pursuit not only equips us to overcome challenges but also empowers us to make a meaningful contribution to the greater good of society.

A one-of-a-kind designation that validates business expertise at a global level

After migrating to Canada in 2018, Urvish was networking with professionals to understand more about the local culture and opportunities when his attention was drawn to the CITP designation.  After learning more about the credential he was convinced that it would provide him with the much-needed validation of his expertise in international business. Although he already had a Master’s degree in international business and several years of relevant experience, he saw the value of the CITP designation in validating his capabilities on a global level.

It’s a great honor and pleasure to have earned the CITP designation. It reinforces my expertise in international business, ensuring that my skills and knowledge are aligned with global standards, while also providing opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals.

As a new immigrant, Urvish is steadily gathering valuable experience and progressing in his career. In a recent role, Urvish worked with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, where he made valuable contributions to international market research, supported business development, and led special projects.

He worked collaboratively with the province’s international offices and industry associations to amplify Saskatchewan’s presence internationally. Additionally, Urvish supported the Minister’s Office in advancing agri-trade initiatives, including diplomatic visits and meetings, to further promote Saskatchewan’s agricultural interests on the global stage.

He is currently working with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Trade and Export Development, where he supports investment attraction activities aimed at promoting investment opportunities in the province’s strategic sectors, including agriculture, mining, oil and gas, critical minerals, and other priority industries.

Armed with an elite, internationally recognized designation, guided by an ancient wisdom, and fueled by passion and talent we look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next.

The post CITP Spotlight: Urvish Patel – Investment Attraction Specialist, Ministry of Trade and Export Development, Government of Saskatchewan appeared first on Trade Ready.

Samantha Kussmann has always been intrigued by the interconnectivity of the world’s goods and how countries overcame barriers to trade. This fascination soon grew to become her career path.  She embarked on her journey into international trade upon completion of her undergraduate degree in European Studies and Economics after she returned home from a year abroad in Granada Spain. 

Her next step was doing a post graduate degree in Global Business Management and she subsequently interned with Holt Renfrew in their buying department. It was here that Samantha got interested in focusing her efforts on increasing opportunities for suppliers to connect with large retailers. 

I decided I wanted to work to benefit the suppliers and to enhance their ability to connect to large retailers and began working with the Peruvian Trade Commission in Toronto, ON as a Trade Coordinator.

Coordinating meetings with foreign delegations

Samantha’s most memorable career stories are from the time she was working with various Peruvian exporters and suppliers at trade shows like the Canadian Health Food Association, SIAL, and Expoalimentaria. She particularly enjoyed interacting with the people while coordinating B2B meetings for an Estonian and Croatian delegation, gaining insights into what those countries have to offer the Canadian market. The icing on the cake was accompanying the Prime Minister of Estonia at these events – a career high she is immensely proud of.  

Samantha’s long list of career accomplishments include:

Moving to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania as a Business Lead Advisor for the TLED (Tanzanian Local Enterprise Development) project being implemented within 6 regions of Tanzania to support Micro and Small to Medium Enterprises (MSME’s) in accessing markets within the agribusiness value chain sectors.  

Collaborating with government officials, such as SIDO, TWCC, and TCCIA, as well as international donors such as GAC and private sector stakeholders while providing programmatic support to SMEs receiving services from the $15 mil TLED project.  

Serving as Co-President for the Organization for Women in International Trade (OWIT) from Jan 2019-June 2019) Presenting on trade opportunities in the Canadian retail market to a large audience at Peru’s premier fashion trade-show in April 2017 

Speaking about trade opportunities in the Canadian retail market to a large audience at Peru’s premier fashion tradeshow in April 2017 

Be precise and stay current with the changing regulations

A piece of advice Samantha wishes she had received early on in her career is how important it is to do research and be accurate and specific at all times. Her top tips to those starting out on their professional journey would be to hone communication skills and to make it a habit to verify regulations and procedures, as they are ever-changing. 

Do your research, communicate well and be specific. Double check ever-changing guidelines and regulations, and have fun!

The importance of formalizing trade knowledge and earning a professional designation

For Samantha, taking the FITTskills courses gave her a chance to brush up on her international trade knowledge and Incoterms®. 

“My favourite FITTskills course was International Market Entry Strategies” 

On completion of her FITT Diploma in International Trade, Samantha went on to apply for the elite Certified International Trade Profession (CIITP) designation. There were several reasons that prompted her to earn the industry-backed designation for trade professionals. Firstly, it would establish credibility for her within the international trade community. Secondly, the CITP designation would help her advance her career as employers are increasingly listing it as an asset for many plum roles.  

Last but not the least, it would strengthen her knowledge and confidence to assist businesses going global and with the strategies they need to get there. 

Samantha earned the CITP designation in May 2020.  

“I am very proud to have earned the CITP designation and am excited to place it beside my name on all professional roles.” 

I foresee the CITP designation contributing to further respect and credibility within my career in international trade and supply chain management. I know it will open more doors for me moving forward.

As she builds her business expertise, her knowledge and credentials are sure to prove to be her ladder to success and fulfilment.  

The post CITP Spotlight: Samantha Kussmann, Business Development Manager, Export Development Canada appeared first on Trade Ready.

Although Yuzuru Mizohata had been interested in international trade since his early days, it was only while working for a Japanese used goods company that he became aware of the high demand for technologically advanced Japanese products. Conversely, it also brought home the fact that many products sold in other countries were no longer used in Japan.    

Overall, the experience offered him insights into the Japanese market, giving him valuable pointers about the type of products that would be viable for overseas suppliers to export to Japan.  

He began his international business career in 2018, after graduating from Sprott Shaw College, where he completed the International Trade Program.

He worked for a food importing company, where he handled logistics, procurement, and negotiations with suppliers. He made sure to provide contractors with all the relevant information as early as possible, even if it meant working across different time zones.

His responsibilities involved negotiating with suppliers regarding prices and delivery dates, managing sales contracts, shipping instructions, shipping schedules, and shipping documents for importing various foods from around the world.

It was there that his forte of nurturing strong business relationships came to the fore when he translated the latest information on agricultural products from around the world to his Japanese clients.

“I built wonderful relationships with every person in charge by supplying them with the necessary information in a timely manner,” Yuzuru said.

His efforts led to a significant increase in sales and established his reputation for bridging gaps between foreign suppliers and Japanese clients/consumers.

After working for the company for several years, he established his own company with a friend, which is an international trading and overseas expansion consulting company.

Establishing a new importing company in 2020 

As with any new venture, Yuzuru adjusted to the complexities and challenges that such a project entails, doing his best to stay on top of all the questions his overseas suppliers were likely to ask.

These usually centred around his proposed Japan marketing strategy and the anticipated sales. He also worked to provide the contractors with every bit of relevant information as early as possible, even though it often meant working across different time zones. 

“I learned a lot of things while taking on new challenges to continue earning a profit,” he said.

After selling his company, he moved to Germany to work for one of the largest logistics companies in Japan.

Taking on a new challenge as VP of an overseas expansion consultant company

As the world becomes more interconnected, businesses of all sizes are looking to expand their operations overseas. However, this is often easier said than done, with a host of challenges to navigate, from cultural differences and language barriers to legal and regulatory requirements.

That’s where Yuzuru steps in as an experienced overseas expansion consultant specializing in helping businesses successfully expand into new markets around the world as Vice President of Mars Global Expansion Consulting.

With years of experience and a deep understanding of global business practices, he and his team provide clients with a range of services designed to help them achieve their international expansion goals.

“There are many differences that need to be overcome when expanding overseas. Every business is different, with unique needs and goals. That’s why I take a personalized approach to overseas expansion consulting, working closely with each client to understand their specific challenges and develop customized solutions to meet their needs,” says Yuzuru.

Expanding into a new market requires a deep understanding of local business practices, consumer preferences, and cultural norms. To help his clients with this, he conducts extensive research and analysis to provide clients with the insights they need to make informed decisions about their overseas expansion strategy.

“Building strong relationships with local partners is key to success in overseas markets,” says Yuzuru.

He and his team help clients identify and develop relationships with trusted partners in their target markets, ensuring a smooth and successful entry into new markets. He is confident in providing clients with the guidance and support they need to successfully expand into new markets around the world.

Yuzuru’s greatest strength – building productive relationships 

An accomplishment Yuzuru is particularly proud of comes from his time working for a food importing company. His tasks consisted of negotiating with suppliers regarding the price and delivery date, managing sales contracts, shipping instructions, shipping schedules, and shipping documents related to importing the various foods from all over the world. It was there that his forte of nurturing strong business relationships came to the fore when he went on to translate the latest information regarding agricultural products from all over the world to his Japanese clients.  

“I built a wonderful relationship with every person in charge as I supplied the necessary information in a timely manner for them.” 

Yuzuru’s efforts led to a significant increase in sales and established his reputation for being able to bridge every gap between foreign suppliers and Japanese clients/consumers.  

Communication skills and respect for foreign cultures is key to succeeding at international trade 

Yuzuru believes that it is important to maintain frequent dialogue and discussions with foreign clients in order to keep communication channels open. The other essential ingredients for building successful international business partnerships are an understanding of and respect for foreign customs and culture, without which no trade endeavour can be possible.  

Upskilling to receive a well-rounded training in international trade 

Yuzuru soon realized that he needed a deeper understanding of the trading industry as he often found himself struggling with different aspects.   

He enrolled at Sprott Shaw College to receive in-class FITTskills training, with the aim of gaining holistic knowledge and getting current with the latest trends in global business. The trade training not only helped him gain business know-how but also brought him in contact with students from diverse cultures. This gave him an opportunity to learn about their experiences, lifestyles and preferences – valuable insights for any aspiring trade practitioner. 

What Yuzuru enjoyed most about the FITTskills courses was that they covered all aspects of international trade – from assessing the feasibility to market research, and from logistics to product development and marketing.  

My  favorite FITTskills course was “Products and Services for a Global Market” because I could gain practical knowledge I could put to use right away. When it comes to importing products, we sometimes need to adapt or customize products as well as comply with regulations and law. Before importing products, we need to analyze how these differences may impact cost, product testing, sales and marketing, and so on. This course is especially necessary for all importing companies.

Adding an industry-backed designation to take him closer to his professional goals 

Yuzuru said he had two main reasons that prompted him to apply for the CITP designation. The first reason was to prove his competence to potential overseas clients who want to expand their businesses worldwide and gain their confidence. Since he is responsible for the American and Europe regions, he is excited to showcase his abilities and fulfill his responsibilities.

The second reason was to set an example for his employees and motivate them to enhance their business knowledge by receiving training in international business. He believes this will enable his team to work together in a more organized and systematic manner.

Yuzuru earned his CITP designation in April 2020 and feels honored to join this distinguished community of global business professionals. It is an important step that allows him to effectively carry out his tasks. He is keenly aware of the ethical responsibility and commitment to international business that are intrinsic to the designation, and he firmly believes that it will contribute to his success.

I am sure that the CITP designation will lead my company to succeed globally.

As Vice President of Mars Global Expansion Consulting, Yuzuru’s talent, energy and love for his profession will not only spur him on to achieve his goals, but is sure to also raise the bar for his team – inspiring them to reach their full potential.  

The post CITP Spotlight: Yuzuru Mizohata – Vice President, Mars Global Expansion Consulting appeared first on Trade Ready.

For Mathieu Cousineau DeGarie, bridging cultures and societies is a passion. It was this enthusiasm that led him to do a Master’s degree in the study of International Relations. He soon realized that the best way to follow his interest and incorporate it into his profession was to pursue a career in international trade. 

Helping a young team secure their first overseas contract 

One of Mathieu’s most memorable experiences was helping a startup from Sherbrooke in South-East Quebec with the financing they needed to get their technology to their client – a university in Greece. The startup consisted of a small team of engineering students who had developed a prototype of solar panels that were very cost-efficient and easy to install for high volume heating systems.  

Mathieu believed in their project and was convinced of its viability. After calling a dozen colleagues from various departments at his bank, he was able to offer them a comprehensive service (overseas payment solutions, contract guarantees, cashflow financing, etc).  

“When my client got their first payment in from their Greek client, I got an ecstatic call from them. I think it was one of the most rewarding moments, to have made something that seemed impossible a reality for a young business.” 

An impressive array of career highs  

Mathieu has an impressive array of professional accomplishments to his credit: 

Helping a growing tech company from Montreal set up shop in Nantes, France and turning a long-term project into a concrete new step in the business’ history.  

Promoting foreign exchange risk hedging within the Canadian TV and Motion picture industry and getting a lot of production companies to include this strategy in their business plan and budget.  

Supporting a small medical equipment distributor in securing a deal equal to three times its previous annual revenue to supply a Quebec City hospital during the COVID-19 crisis. 

Be curious and ask questions 

A great piece of advice from Mathieu to young entrepreneurs is to think ahead and ask questions that go beyond one’s field of expertise. This is crucial to be able to fully comprehend your client’s situation and offer timely, relevant assistance – either by yourself or by referring the client to a trusted partner. But this can be possible only if have the know-how to ask the right questions and get the answers to properly help our clients overcome challenges and achieve their goals. 

“Being an international trade specialist is being able to have an end-to-end view of your client’ sales cycle.” 

Exploring the finer points of international trade 

Mathieu signed up for FITTskills courses for a chance to delve into aspects of international trade that he had not yet explored in his career. It helped him acquire a holistic understanding of the subject and to fill in any knowledge gaps he had.  

The FITTskills courses really helped me deep-dive in fields of international trade related to mine that I never really got to explore. They also provided me with that famous end-to-end view of an international trade sales cycle. I am now more confident when I talk to clients and am more precise in my conversations with them.

Global Value Chain was my favourite course because logistics are so far from the reality of a banker! I really enjoyed all the detail about customs and inventory management.

Earning an elite designation in a specialized field 

Mathieu then went on to apply for the CITP®|FIBP® designation after learning about how it was a one-of-a-kind credential in the field of international trade that was industry-backed. He believed it was important for him to earn this recognition, proving his dedication and hard work throughout his career.

Most importantly, the designation would validate his competency and commitment to his craft among other trade practitioners, allowing him greater opportunities to grow his network and further his career.   

I also want to capitalize on the solidarity within our professional order and therefore boost my career by improving networking with my peers.

Mathieu was conferred the CITP designation in April 2020. It fills him a sense of great pride and accomplishment to earn the prestigious certification.  

It marks the culmination of a two-year study and practice that made me grow greatly as a professional, and to see my efforts recognized is amazing.

Today, as Manager – International Trade at National Bank, Mathieu hopes to leverage the designation to hone his networking skills. He also looks forward to taking advantage of the continuing education offer, so he can stay on top of the latest developments in his field. 

Mathieu’s qualifications, energy and compelling passion for his profession are just the ingredients needed for a fulfilling and successful career that remains ever on the upswing.  

The post CITP Spotlight: Mathieu Cousineau DeGarie – Manager – International Trade appeared first on Trade Ready.

From a young age, Saman Hosseinzadeh took a keen interest in his father’s career in international business, fostering a natural curiosity about that type of work.  It came as no surprise that he decided to pursue higher studies in the same field. He soon earned his bachelor’s degree in Customs Management and then topped it up with a Master’s in Marketing. 

For the last eight years, Saman has been working across various industries that include adhesives & sealants, leather, tires and other related chemicals. In his career so far, he has been successful in finding and striking deals with new customers from several countries including Russia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Iraq, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Turkey and Italy.  

Saman’s favorite career high – finding a way to break into the Turkish market 

When Rock Chemie, a well-known manufacturer of chemicals for the leather and textile industry in Iran, sought to expand its business to Turkey, Saman was assigned the task of finding a way to enter the target market. His fluency in Turkish ensured that he wouldn’t face any language barrier, but there were other complexities that needed resolving. 

The main challenge was that Turkey already had established and reputed manufacturers of the same products, which meant that Rock Chemie would face stiff competition. Saman knew he had found the solution when he discovered a trading contract between Turkey and Iran with a mandate that neither country could implement non-tariff barriers for chemical products.  

“After getting to know this fact, the task became less complicated. I started communicating with several Turkish chemical trading companies with the aim of securing a potential deal for our agency.” 

In order to encourage their customers to give their product a chance, they decided to choose the penetrating pricing strategy. In addition, they provided a three month credit for payment, making the offer difficult to ignore. The strategy worked and Saman achieved his first shipment when his company successfully exported one truck of sodium sulfide to Turkey. This worked as a catalyst and they found themselves flooded with orders from textile factories in Turkey. 

“The first order opened the floodgate and the orders from textile factories in Turkey started pouring in one after the other.” 

Another proud accomplishment for Saman is spearheading the import of Turkish tires into Afghanistan.  

“The Afghanistan market is full of variety of brands in tire industry, but I managed to import Turkish tries to the country and sell around 2,000,000 USD in 2019.” 

Don’t overlook the complexities of international markets 

A valuable tip Saman would like to share with entrepreneurs just beginning their foray into international trade is to always look beyond the obvious, beyond what you already know. 

I was thinking about international trade like a domestic market. I was taking simple factors into consideration, like price and quality. But after doing business at the international level I found out that there are many other factors that influence the market for a particular product…

A simple example to support this fact is Saman’s observation that Turkish buyers are not as influenced by television commercials as Iranian buyers are. Marketing strategies therefore need to be molded to suit specific audiences, their cultural preferences and their attitudes.  

Filling in the gaps by building the complete picture of international trade 

Saman signed up for the FITTskills courses to acquire a well-rounded understanding of the various branches of global business and trade. He realised that the formalized business training would enhance his skillset, complement his experience and boost his professional performance.  

International trade finance was my favourite course. It was full of useful information about payment, which I needed the most to complete my puzzle of knowledge in international business.

A designation that distinguishes him from the rest 

Saman then went on to apply for the prestigious CITP®|FIBP® designation which he was awarded in February 2020. The industry-backed designation is a globally valued benchmark for competency and credibility for trade practitioners and business professionals. 

It is the world’s leading designation in international trade. There is no equivalent designation up to the level of CITP.

Saman correctly observes that while there are several certifications available for technical roles, there were few standardized credentialing possibilities for international trade professionals. This was his opportunity to upscale his know-how and earn a unique designation recognized as a stamp of excellence and commitment to his field.  

On earning the elite professional designation, Saman feels

very proud, high in confidence and full of energy for the future.

I think the CITP designation can help me a lot in my career path.

We totally share Saman’s confidence and are sure that this is just the beginning of many successes in store for him in the years to come.  

The post CITP Spotlight: Saman Hosseinzadeh – Export Sales Specialist at Barez Industrial Group appeared first on Trade Ready.

Graham began his career in international trade as a small business consultant, gaining valuable experience for his next role as lead consultant of the Global Business Centre, launched by Global Affairs Canada. The centre had been initiated with the aim of supporting Canadian import/export businesses, and his new role provided him with the perfect opportunity to build on his earlier experience. 

“As the lead consultant of the Global Business Centre, I used my foundation of small business fundamentals to build further knowledge and experience working with trade-related businesses.” 

Nothing more satisfying than watching clients take their project from concept to fruition  

After having worked with several hundred businesses over the past five years, Graham has accumulated many interesting stories to tell. The most rewarding of those is hearing back from clients who have either successfully made their first shipment to an overseas customer, or who have successfully received and sold imported goods. 

“I have assisted many early-stage clients.  Seeing them move from the idea stage to execution is very rewarding.” 

Developing trade-related resources and researching target markets 

The launch of the Halton Global Business Centre has been one of Graham’s most interesting projects. What made it particularly challenging was creating a strong value proposition and a library of resources for businesses engaged in trade. It allowed him to work with trade professionals at the provincial and federal levels, as well as a wide range of businesses from start-ups to established international companies.  

Also among his proudest accomplishments has been developing the Foreign Direct Investment for the Town of Halton Hills. This gave him the opportunity to think outside the box and apply his international trade knowledge in a different way. This included researching key target markets, developing investment business cases, identifying leads and planning trade missions.  

Valuable lessons Graham has learnt from his journey in international trade 

Always do your research and don’t re-invent the wheel if you don’t need to.

According to Graham, there’s a lot one can learn and appropriate by simply studying how other companies manage their trade activities.  

Always maintain focus and set realistic goals.

It’s best to focus on the core task rather than trying to do too many things at once. For example – exploring several markets or products simultaneously drastically reduces chances of success. 

The importance of investing in ongoing professional development

Completing the FITTskills courses provided Graham with a solid overview of all aspects of international trade. What impressed him the most is how the training familiarized him with the myriad processes of international trade, giving him a more wholesome understanding of the topics. 

The whole spectrum of activities is covered, along with lots of pertinent case study examples and critical thinking exercises. The content was immediately applicable to my clients.

The self-directed study method and the flexible process worked well with his schedule and enabled him to complete FITTskills training exactly as he had planned. 

The Global Value Chain course was a highlight and a particularly pithy course. It was quite challenging, but also addressed the major questions that my clients have related to distribution, inventory and logistics.

Preparing for the transition to international trade consulting 

Graham felt that it was time to expand the scope of his career from small business consulting to offering consultation services at an international level. He believed that earning the elite CITP®|FIBP® designation would validate his international business knowledge and make the transition to international trade consulting a smooth one.  

Equipped with an international credential, Graham feels greater confidence in his knowledge and skillsets and better prepared to take on new international trade initiatives.  

Having the CITP designation will certainly indicate to others (foreign investment influencers, overseas business leads, etc.) that I have a solid foundation of knowledge in international trade-related matters. I also foresee being able to tap into the established network of CITP professionals as a significant benefit as well.

The journey ahead looks to be full of promise for Graham as he continues to guide businesses to achieve their goals, helping the economy thrive and prosper.  

The post CITP Spotlight: Graham Lowe – Senior Economic Development Officer appeared first on Trade Ready.

For Rodrigo Osorio, it all began in Shanghai, China where he was working to develop his Chinese language skills in a corporate environment. At the time, he came across a position at an international trading company doing business between the Americas and China. This presented itself as a win-win opportunity for him, as it would not only help him further hone his Chinese language skills, but also allow him to leverage his fluency in Spanish to communicate with clients. It was this exposure that formed his interest in international trade, and since then there has been no looking back. 

“The exposure the procurement position gave me to Chinese and international business when visiting export expos such as the Canton Fair, various supplier factories, and trade negotiations immediately gave me a passion for the industry.” 

Opening his eyes to opportunity

Attending the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, China proved to be a turning point in Rodrigo’s career in international business. The eye-opening experience drove home the fact that China was an important player in global trade and this could surely open the doors to greater business opportunities with countries and continents across the world.

“Physically seeing the number of suppliers and products at the Chinese Expo illustrated the importance China has and will have in the business world, where there will surely be even more business opportunities opening between the country and the Americas.” 

How knowledge of Chinese facilitated important negotiations 

According to Rodrigo, one of his proudest professional accomplishments was conducting trade negotiations with suppliers in China on behalf of buyers who could only speak Spanish. It was his efforts and commitment to learn the Chinese language that made possible his professional achievements in the form of successful discussions and business deals. 

“Studying Chinese has been a huge investment of resources and time, so being able to use it as a tool in a professional environment is a super rewarding accomplishment”  

A piece of career advice from Rodrigo – “Learn as much from various business sectors as you can” 

International business spans every industry we can think of, which means that there’s much to learn from the various sectors. As a business professional, it’s essential to take advantage of the wide exposure to diverse industries and try to grasp the nuances of their products, market trends, and strategies. Gathering industry-specific knowledge is key to assessing potential business ideas and making plans for future ventures.  

“Whenever a client or supplier approaches you with their product, take the time to understand their market and competitive advantage to identify possible business initiatives.” 

It is perhaps this desire to better understand the various aspects of international business that prompted Rodrigo to formalize his professional experience into a solid foundation in global trade. Therefore his logical next step was to sign up for FITTskills courses to build upon his business skills and drive career growth.  

Completing the FITT courses allowed me obtain an understanding of valuable terms and transactions important in international business….

Not surprisingly, Rodrigo’s favorite course is International Trade Finance, as it helped fill all the gaps between finance and international business functions.  

I enjoyed International Trade Finance the most as it provided me with a deep understanding of how transactions are conducted and how risk is handled in international business.

Earning a designation that spells competence and credibility  

After completing his FITT Diploma in International Trade, Rodrigo went on to apply for the CITP®|FIBP® designation to achieve the benchmark for excellence in international business and trade that earning it brings. The designation demonstrates proficiency in both theoretical and practical aspects of international trade, thus recognizing the credential holder as an expert in his field.  

For Rodrigo, the FIBP® designation marks the culmination of several years of dedication, discipline, and hard work. It spurs him to continue using his skills and experience to challenge his abilities and advance his career.  

It’s very pleasing to see my dedication to excellence in both work and study throughout the years come to fruition.

Opening up new possibilities as an FIBP®   

The value of the FIBP® designation is that it validates his industry-backed competence as a global trade professional to his clients, partners and peers. Rodrigo believes that the credential greatly enhances his profile and will therefore open windows to new possibilities. 

Currently working as Procurement Manager at Asia Grupo, Rodrigo continues to use his skills and experience to help companies in Latin America accomplish successful business transactions in China.  

We’re confident that Rodrigo’s efforts and talents will open many doors for him and take his career trajectory ever upwards in the years ahead.  

The post CITP Spotlight: Rodrigo Osorio – Procurement Manager at Asia Grupo appeared first on Trade Ready.