As an economics major I was being introduced to viewing the world from a macro point of view, so all of this began my passion for global business.

After I graduated from university, the global economy was in a significant downturn, and filled with economic uncertainty.

Given the climate of the job market, I decided to educate myself further in order to be able offer even more to an organization.

This is when I found FITT and the CITP®|FIBP® designation.

Taking a business education to the next level with international trade training

I took the FITT-accredited program at Mohawk College, and was immediately surrounded by people of European, Asian and South American decent. I thought back to what Thomas L. Friedman said in his book; the world truly is flat.

I soon learned different ways of doing business in countries around the world from my classmates and professors.

For example, have you ever received a business card from a Chinese business person? You’d better make sure you know how to accept it. In China, there are also certain colours that are not to be given as a gift. Black, for instance, is often associated with death. Also, many European and Asian suppliers and customers prefer establishing personal relationships before committing to long-term business. In contrast, North Americans can establish relationships and do business without even meeting in person!

The FITT-accredited program taught me everything from international marketing to global supply chain logistics. As someone who lacked physical experience in the global workforce, the program’s global business education equipped me with the tools I needed in order to succeed.

After graduating from the program, I was ready to apply my skills to a career, and I was fortunate enough to get hired by a medium-sized, publicly traded, international company located close to home.

The beginnings of a global career with an international company

Opta Minerals Inc. operates in four continents, selling loose abrasives and steel products and services.

I was able to recall and use many of the skills I had learned through my university career and particularly from my FITT-accredited training immediately after starting my career.

Incoterms, marketing strategies, terms of trade and research techniques became part of my daily routine. Pricing strategies for internal use and for customers can become confusing when dealing with different currencies, weight factors and freight costs, but developing this skill to think globally is something I use as an advantage to help others.

As a Market Research Analyst, it’s my job to assess the company’s current and future position, as well as the feasibility of new products. A large portion of my job involves understanding the trends and movements of our global competitors. This enables us to create proactive and, if required, reactive strategies.

A day in the life of an international Market Research Analyst

A day in my office consists of phone calls and emails to Asia and Europe in the morning and conversations with staff on the U.S. West Coast in the mid and late afternoon.

Stretching from one side of the globe to the other, I can almost feel the world spinning at my desk!

Working for a global enterprise has also enabled me to travel within and outside of Canada, attending trade shows and conferences. This has been extremely important for my communication and networking skills.

One experience that stands out for me was exhibiting at a trade show in Salt Lake City, UT. I was required to run the booth by myself and interact with every visitor as both of our sales reps’ flights were delayed until the next day due to inclement weather. This was a great learning experience because it forced me to chat with and get to know our potential customers in that market.

I’ve had many great accomplishments during my tenure at Opta Minerals. Within the last few months I fully integrated and launched a new product offering to our customers in Ontario. Almost everyone has baking soda in their fridge. But did you know that it can also be used as an abrasive -material? Well, I didn’t a few months ago. Together with my colleagues from the product and sales team, I found the new and desirable product we’d been searching for for quite some time.

From contract negotiations to marketing, I was responsible for the full product life-cycle of this new product. This required several face-to-face meetings with the supplier, going out to the market and finding interest, and determining what positive impact this would have on the company’s bottom line.

We understood where our competitors stood on pricing, and made every reasonable effort to use this to our advantage. We successfully sold and met the quantity expectations of the supplier within a three month span, and we continue to sell this product with great success.

For those pursuing a career in global business, I’d recommend that when you’re taking the road untraveled, you ask advice from those who have walked it before you.

You’ll be amazed to see what you can learn from a simple conversation with anyone who has international experience: on a plane, at a trade show or from your colleagues.

The post How global business education made the business world more accessible to me appeared first on Trade Ready.

More often than not though, small and medium-sized enterprises don’t have extra funding to spend on costly foreign market research, which significantly limits their expansion opportunities and makes growth more risky.

However, delayed decision-making can force businesses out of the market entirely, and there are effective cost-efficient ways to do the market research you’ll need to make good business growth decisions.

1. Do your research before you start your market research

Before you even start gathering information, it’s necessary to understand how the market works, where products come from, and how customers are buying them.

In many countries such as Canada, businesses that consider establishing their presence in certain areas can benefit from various government incentives, such as free target market research.

Together with Marilia Brasil, my peer from Fanshawe College’s FITT-accredited International Business Management program, I was offered the opportunity to assist the London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) with such research back in 2014. We were invited to conduct a market feasibility study for a European manufacturer of medical disposables seeking expansion opportunities abroad.

The European medical device market is highly saturated; the competition is fierce and companies have to look for new opportunities globally. For this reason, LEDC’s client was assessing their chances to reach North America.

For the European client, quality of information and thoroughness of research were supposed to determine the viability of their investments into the new venture. The reliability of data and precision in estimates were crucial for the company’s economic well-being and global reputation.

As a newcomer to Canada who has been lucky enough not to need any medical help in the past, I was not familiar with the specifics of the Canadian health care system, not to mention the system in the U.S. For this reason, I had to do the research for my personal understanding before I could start discussing the project with stakeholders.

2. Know the product, know the company and know the industry

First, it was important to understand the current state of the industry and the main factors that could influence the business. Second, advisors who’re educated on a subject matter convey confidence to the client and are able to deliver sound consultation advice. Finally, the first stage of research teaches you how to ask the right questions in order to discover vital information and focus on the most relevant business problems.

Ask your client for as many details about their business as you can.

[Tweet “No one understands your client’s industry better than your client does.”]

This will help you identify solutions to your client’s pain-points.

At the initial meeting with LEDC, my partner and I tried to learn as much as possible about the company and objectives of both parties. The main goal of the company was to validate the potential of the North American market, and to identify which of the two countries—Canada or the U.S.—is more suitable for their new venture in terms of risks and benefits.

Predictably, there were many questions at the early stage, and the European enterprise was very responsive to all inquiries. But because the client was still in Europe, all of our communication was virtual. Luckily, once you adjust to the time difference, there are now technologies which allow you to exchange information almost instantly.

Once we had everything clarified, it was time to plan the project.

3. Just as you segment a market, segment your market research into manageable pieces

Marilia and I developed a detailed project scope to cover all aspects important to the client’s business and to inform both LEDC and the company about anticipated milestones of the research.

We broke down the project into several general sections grouped by country, product category and specific area of study. In that way, it was easy to divide responsibilities, organize the data, and present it in a logical way that would be convenient for the client to read.

After receiving the client’s approval, we started gathering data.

4. Most of the time, you need several sources of information to confirm the reliability of your data

Due to time and money constraints, we collected information from publicly available secondary sources. We were very sensitive about the reliability and relevance of the data, and we tried to verify everything we collected through several sources.

In today’s information economy, most industry data can be easily accessed by the general public via the Internet, printed media, periodic publications, yearbooks, etc. Because the main goal of European manufacturer at that point was to test the viability of new market entry, it was acceptable to rely on secondary sources.

Nevertheless, existing data is often outdated, generic or not able to answer all questions that interest organizations. When companies need to make complex business decisions, develop a detailed action plan or launch innovative products in new markets, the cost and time needed to conduct quality primary research is justified, and moreover, required for the success of a venture.

5. Choose visuals over text to present your foreign market research

It’s much easier for the majority of readers to understand charts, diagrams, infographics and tables rather than countless paragraphs.

Therefore, our final report was well-structured and supported by various visuals to represent the data. It contained relevant information about political, economic, social and technological environments, as well as market size, customer segments, distribution channels and the competition in both Canada and the U.S.

The client was particularly impressed with recent market trend lines and promising projections presented in coloured bar charts. Without visual demonstration, the significance of this information would have been lost among words.

6. There is no single approach to international market research that fits all

Research for each industry is different; each company within the same industry is different; and each project for the same company is different.

Based on our research, we concluded that the Canadian market seemed to be a more suitable option for the company’s medical device products.

While the Canadian market is about ten times smaller, the business environment in the U.S. is characterized with extremely high levels of competition coming from large multinational corporations that have a broad range of products and established control over existing distribution channels. Additionally, imperfect health care, complicated reimbursement systems and slower market-growth in the U.S. create significant barriers for new market participants to enter.

Canada, on the other hand, has one of the most developed heath care systems among peer countries. Competition here isn’t as intense, and there are many distributors open to cooperation with new manufacturers. Sadly, the number of ill people in Canada is growing very quickly, resulting in a growing demand for medical products.

Furthermore, geographic and cultural proximity permits businesses to operate in the U.S. market from Canadian business locations.

7. Follow up your market research with actionable plans

After the client was given time to review our research, we connected for a video conference call and delivered a short summary of our findings with some practical recommendations and a list of potential business contacts.

Our presentation was well received and was followed by an active discussion. Subsequently, a representative from the European firm expressed their intention to discuss possible cooperation with LEDC.

The outcomes of our joint work were beneficial to everyone:

• The European client received access to inside information necessary for making important business decisions;
• LEDC was able to show and grow London’s economic potential, and to connect qualified graduates with a foreign business;
• My colleague and I received a unique opportunity to get our feet wet and to add some Canadian work to our set of achievements.

Finally, it’s important to remember that market research is not a one-time event—it’s an ongoing process. Companies that adopt such mindset are able to anticipate future industry trends and satisfy their customers’ needs before they can even realize they have those needs.

Continuing market research also helps to identify potential business problems and new opportunities, set achievable goals, and generally make well-informed decisions that align with market demand and provide competitive advantage.

As a result, these organizations become the most innovative and successful in their field.

Businesses should decide whether to have an internal department dedicated to market monitoring, to outsource such services to reputable consulting firms, or to have a combination of both. This decision is usually affected by an industry type, company size, existing needs, and resources available.

How do you approach market research in your organization?

The post 7 important tips for the success of every foreign market research project appeared first on Trade Ready.

The beginnings of a career in export development

This interest grew throughout high school and led me to the University of Ottawa’s International Studies and Modern Languages program. During my studies, I completed a semester abroad at the Universidad de Granada in Spain. The travel and interaction with people from around the world solidified my love for international relations.

After university I took a position teaching English in South Korea to gain more international experience.

Upon returning to Canada from South Korea in 2009, I was faced with the challenge of finding my ideal position in an increasingly competitive job market.

My desired field of international trade was already competitive and my interest in export development narrowed job opportunities even further.

Openings in that area were rare, and being compared to applicants with more experience made it difficult to even get invited for an interview.

Getting the global business skills to set myself apart

After six months of job hunting and becoming increasingly frustrated, I decided I needed more marketable skills and hands on experience to set myself apart.

The FITT-accredited Graduate Certificate in International Business offered by Sheridan College allowed me the opportunity to further develop my skills, to network and connect with professionals, and to ensure my education was formally recognized.

I was attracted to the FITT-accredited curriculum offered by Sheridan because the courses were practical and looked at international trade from all angles.

The projects I worked on involved real companies, and they gave me an excellent idea of how business works on a global level. Our major project involved working with a Canadian medical equipment company to develop a plan for their expansion into the United States. We were able to apply the knowledge we had acquired from our classes to analyze financial records, perform market research and determine relevant regulations.

Best of all, I was able to leverage my experience from the program into tangible proof of my existing knowledge of regulatory compliance and cross-border trade during the job interviews that followed.

As part of my program at Sheridan, I earned a co-op position as a Trade Assistant with the State of North Carolina’s Canadian office. My job was to help small and medium sized North Carolina businesses navigate regulations and find the market contacts necessary to start selling their products in Canada.

It was exactly the area I had been hoping to work in, and discovering opportunities with other countries opened a lot of doors for me.

While working with North Carolina, I earned my CITP®|FIBP® designation. It was an effective way to further separate my resume from others, and it illustrated my international trade knowledge to potential employers.

Using my skills and experience to help companies export

I now work for the United States Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service in Canada as an Agricultural Marketing Specialist. My FITT knowledge continues to be invaluable as I assist U.S. food and beverage companies in their exporting efforts. Each day brings something different.

Whether I am helping an appetizer company to solve its hold-ups at the border, explaining labelling regulations to a Hawaiian coffee company, working with a pork company to identify potential buyers, or helping wineries and breweries understand Canada’s complex liquor laws, my FITT knowledge serves me well.

One of my favourite projects since beginning my current position was organizing a reception hosted by the Ambassador at the Hockey Hall of Fame. More than 50 members of the food and beverage trade attended and were able sample U.S. products and network with U.S. producers.

In addition to working directly with companies on market and regulatory questions, I also coordinate trade show pavilions, meet with industry representatives on policy issues and have been part of a team effort to relaunch the tasteUS! brand, which is a united front for U.S. commodity groups in Canada.

I am very happy with my decision to obtain my CITP®|FIBP® designation. Not only was it a great advantage during my job search, but also the FITT-accredited courses I took to earn the designation have provided me with a solid foundation on which I can continue to build my knowledge of international trade.

Prior to beginning my current position, agriculture was not a field I had much experience in, but the skills I have learned are relevant in every industry.

I greatly enjoy my current field of international trade and feel that my work is interesting and important. I am involved with products that Canadian consumers eat or drink every day. We work with U.S. companies to ensure they meet Canadian food safety regulations and are able to offer a variety of quality products year round. My office also coordinates with the Canadian Government to align both countries’ regulations.

I hope to continue my career in agricultural trade for many years to come!

The post How I distinguished myself in the competitive international business job market appeared first on Trade Ready.

I have had a passion for learning foreign languages since childhood, and I enjoy travelling, meeting people from different places, and learning about their cultures and traditions.

At one point in my life, while I was a Market Analyst in a dynamic international business consulting company in Eastern Europe, I felt I was lacking knowledge and understanding of international business specifics outside of that region of the world.

[Tweet “I decided to fill in this gap with education, and perhaps some work experience abroad.”]

Filling gaps to reach my international trade career objectives

The FITT-accredited International Business Management program offered through Fanshawe College seemed to be a perfect fit for me.

First, its curriculum covered all the topics that I required for my career development. Second, I was tempted with the idea of receiving professional credentials from FITT along with my college diploma.

During the transition period I rushed through all stages of culture shock. In the first month everything was new and fascinating: new food, colourful and diverse culture, and great people. Every time total strangers greeted me on the street with the most sincere smile, it made me feel welcomed and inspired!

Ironically, I then started to feel overwhelmed and frustrated for the same reasons: new food, unfamiliar culture, and a lack of personal communication and close friends.

Once the school year started, I realized that there was simply no time for being homesick. Together with the very high workload, our curriculum was so catching that I dove into studying from the start and quickly adjusted to my new routine.

A global trade learning experience that exceeded my expectations

The program was very multicultural and enabled us as students to build strong cultural-competency and sensitivity while working on various group assignments. The program brought together more than 40 students from around the world: India, China, Western Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and of course Canada.  Where can you gain more knowledge on international business culture than from actual foreign professionals?

The program also supplied us with a toolbox for each stage of the international business life cycle.

This includes analysis of market fitness and choosing the proper market entry strategy, to managing marketing and legal aspects, finance and logistics.

Not only do the FITTskills textbooks cover valuable and up-to-date concepts of international business, but as students, we also had the chance to work on a number of realistic projects on topics such as international trade research, business planning, financial planning and marketing planning.

Coming from the Ukraine—a civil law country—the Legal Aspects of International Trade course was something that I required to augment my skills. It helped me become knowledgeable about regulatory specifics in common law and international business relations.

The International Trade Finance course helped me to expand my vision of international financial markets and the various tools available for cross-border transactions.

My previous role as a market analyst involved consulting with businesses that were seeking growth, either internationally or locally. They were very limited in terms of resources, and they were operating in a highly unfavourable business environment with practically no access to project or trade financing.

With my newly acquired knowledge, I know I would now be able to provide quality advice on some of the instruments that are available to such organizations abroad.

Applying my new international trade skills in the real world

After the first semester, several students in the program who demonstrated their dedication and achieved the highest GPAs were invited to apply their skills to real business situations. Being one of them, I volunteered to conduct a market feasibility study for a European medical device manufacturer seeking expansion into the North American market.

My research was structured based on two projects, including one based specifically on international trade research, and the other on international business planning. These projects were required in order to finish the FITT-accredited program and earn the FITT Diploma in International Trade.

Working on the study provided meaningful industry insights, demonstrated the real advantages of Canada over the U.S. as a viable market, and offered practical recommendations for possible market-entry and partnership opportunities.

This experience prepared me and gave me the skills to be able to gather, analyze and interpret data through primary and secondary research. It also gave me the skills to develop concrete recommendations for practically any industry.

A helping hand to guide my career in the right direction

In addition to this, the program’s teaching staff had their own incredible international business experience and perspectives, which they shared willingly. The personal and professional support we received from the professors was limitless.

With a genuine interest in international market research, there were many times when I turned for advice to my International Trade Research and International Trade Management professor and mentor, Murray Morgan.

In order to complete an international trade research project I was working on for a waste management solution company, I was expected to do primary research in the target market. I initially attempted to conduct primary research several times through various questionnaires and surveys.

However, the response rates were too low to draw conclusions. When I expressed my concerns to Professor Morgan, he pointed out that it was not so much about the instrument itself; but rather it was about asking the right questions to the right people.

Instead of addressing my survey to administrative offices in targeted organizations, I invested a great deal of time to obtain direct contact with people who were related to custodial services or facility management. The outcome was amazing! I received answers from most of the respondents within hours, and I was able to confirm my preliminary conclusions.

Professor Morgan’s natural talent for teaching and remarkable work experience motivated me to continue my career path in international business. Even after graduation, he has supported and guided me in my career development and he continues to help me build my professional network in Canada.

For this purpose, I am planning to work towards my CITP®|FIBP® designation. I believe that this will give me more credibility and exposure to the community of international trade professionals, and will truly unlock my potential.

Looking forward to my growth opportunities in international trade research

In the international market research field, I see myself providing practical business development consulting to internationally focused companies that are exploring new horizons.

Since I am now more educated on different aspects of international business management, I will be able to look at my future research projects from a totally different and broader angle.

I think this will enable me to become a more insightful specialist.

In this world where information quickly becomes obsolete, being able to transform data into intelligence and draw practical business recommendations is a valuable skill that I’m glad I possess!

The post How I unlocked my career potential in international market research appeared first on Trade Ready.

While Alberto was trained and experienced in electrical and mechanical engineering, he was unable to find work in his field once he immigrated because he didn’t have any Canadian experience.

After some career counselling, Alberto was urged to transfer his skills and go into sales to help companies grow their business into foreign markets. He took that advice, signed up for FITT-accredited international business courses, and made a game-changing shift in the direction of his career.

Launching a career in international trade

Before Alberto could even finish his courses, he was offered a job as an export sales manager. The company sold products used in mining, and was looking to grow its business into Latin America; specifically Chile and Peru.

Since starting in international trade, Alberto has worked in over 20 countries around the world. He speaks English, Spanish and French fluently.

His current role now has him specializing in the sales and marketing of electrical and HVAC equipment to global markets, including Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Middle East and Asia. He says his technical engineering background provided him with the strong foundation he needs to understand complex applications and the implementation of new technology.

Looking beyond the risks to start succeeding international business

Alberto’s company is now expanding into his home country of Mexico, and that’s his lead role.

“It’s very simple in a way,” says Alberto of entering new foreign markets. “You just have to find and understand the market, map out who your customers are going to be, and develop a strategy to go out and get them.”

Although the process can be simple, there’s still a lot of hesitation within other Canadian companies to grow globally, says Alberto.

Canadians are particularly conservative and they don’t enjoy risk as much. It’s a Canadian cultural fear.

But that fear of risk is also a good thing in some ways, he admits.

“Canadians being conservative and a little bit risk-adverse is what saved us during the financial crisis in 2008,” he says. “You don’t go out and buy a house and then borrow more money from the bank to go and expand your business.”

However, that aversion to risk becomes harmful for Canadian companies when it comes to succeeding in international business.

There are a lot of mechanisms to make it safe, and there are always ways to reduce the risk. And the reward is there. There are always so many opportunities.

Alberto also feels that having the benefit of the U.S. right next door deters a lot of Canadian companies from looking elsewhere to do business. They become comfortable and familiar with doing business so close to home, and expanding beyond that seems risky and obstacle-ridden.

But like with anything in life, knowledge can help companies overcome the obstacles and manage the risks in order to succeed, he says.

Contributing to the global business community

Alberto finished his FITT-accredited courses in 1996 and went on to become a CITP in 1998.

Once I became a CITP, it became clear to me that the designation needed to be known. There’s strength in numbers.

Twelve years later, he affiliated himself with FITT even further by being elected as a member of its Board of Directors. In this role, he continues to spread the word about the designation, and reinforces the benefits and standards it provides to the global business community.

Alberto is very passionate about the work he does in international trade, and he sees many opportunities for Canadian companies to do more business all over the world.

“I think as a Canadian who wasn’t born and raised here, I’ve done very well in Canada and I want this country to be better, and the only way we can have a better economy and a better life for everyone is if we trade more.”

The post Succeeding in international business by having the knowledge to overcome trade risks appeared first on Trade Ready.

I always had a fascination with culture and different traditions. Growing up, I was fortunate enough to travel and experience life outside of Canada and North America, and by the young age of 18, I was already learning about how to live and do business abroad.

My first experience working in the international arena was volunteering with World Youth International. Since I was travelling with an NGO, I had to fundraise for my trip. Through personal determination, I was able to raise approximately $3,500, and I took the brave leap to move to Cusco, Peru for three and a half months to participate in a humanitarian development endeavour.

The program consisted of three projects. La Mantay Casa is a shelter for girls who fall victim to father-daughter rape and become pregnant at a young age. At the home, these girls are taught how to cook, clean and care for their children.

The second project brought us to an inner-city community center, where young street children, removed from school to beg in the streets and provide for their families, would attend educational programs in exchange for a hot meal.

The final project brought us to Amantani Island on Lake Titicaca, where we lived without electricity and running water. Here we tore down and reconstructed a kitchen for the local school.

My decision to be involved in international business

With the newly gained perspective and appreciation for different cultures I received living in Peru, I chose to pursue a degree in international relations. I completed an honours degree in political science, with a concentration in international relations, from Carleton University, mixed in with a few years spent living in Western Canada working on ski and golf resorts.

While I was in Whistler, British Columbia, meeting people from all over the world, I knew with certainty that my dream job involved extensive travel and liaising with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

However, despite the value of my degree, I recognized that I would need to gain further skills in order to succeed in international business.

I began searching online for global trade training programs, and I found FITT. I then made the decision to take the in-class FITT-accredited International Business Management program at Algonquin College. It appealed to me because I have always found that I learn better in a classroom setting.

As an added bonus, I could learn from my fellow peers and my teachers’ real-life experiences while participating in group work, negotiations and presentations. Not to mention, Ottawa was home, where all my family and many friends resided.

For me, taking the FITT-accredited training at a partner educational facility was the perfect option. I was able to complete the program in eight months and also received a graduate certificate in International Business Management from Algonquin College.

From the golf course to international trade

While I was completing the program, I met my current company’s CEO on the golf course I was working at part-time. He asked me about my future plans after graduation, and I was excited to express my interest in international trade and my recent achievements with FITT and Algonquin College.

It has been two years since then, and I am now happily working as an International Business Development Specialist for Agnovi Corporation—an Ottawa owned and operated company that sells criminal investigative software solutions to law enforcement and government compliance agencies.

In my current position, I have been tasked with furthering the company’s expansion into the United States.

FITT provided me with the skills required to facilitate this international expansion, and I am currently undertaking tasks that resemble many of the projects and assignments I completed throughout the FITT-accredited program.

I enjoy the versatility of my current role. I have had the ability to do everything from attending various trade shows across North America to showcase our products, to presenting our investigative software solutions to government agencies, both in-person and via web-conference, and working with an American re-seller to finalize sales to the U.S. Federal Government. I’ve also responded to multiple Request for Proposals (RFPs), successfully winning contracts at the State and Federal level, and created profiles for my company on various U.S. government trade websites (such as Sam.gov), to facilitate easier trading with governmental agencies.

The benefits of practical global trade training

The International Business Plan, International Marketing Plan and International Research Plan—the three major FITT projects—have proven to be extremely beneficial in providing me with the expertise required to respond to RPFs.

My career in international trade is in its early stages, but I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey so far. Working for a Canadian SME has enabled to me wear many hats, from sales, to marketing, to training and travel, as well as to put into practice the expertise I developed through my education.

I plan on maintaining my position with this organization as it continues to grow, while further developing my Spanish language skills to make me a better international business development specialist. Once the American market has been exhausted, I would like to assist with expansion into Latin America.

I also plan on applying for my CITP®|FIBP®. This designation is highly reputable in the international trade community and I am proud of my accomplishments that have put me on the path to earning this designation.

I would definitely recommend the FITTskills program.

You have the ability to take the FITTskills courses in a way that best suits your lifestyle: on-line or with a partnering educational facility.

My advice to others looking for a career in international trade is to never stop gaining knowledge and expertise in the field. As we continue to move towards a knowledge economy and the global market continues to grow, more states are focusing on international trade.

Companies are forced to compete in the global market and these agencies are looking for individuals to help facilitate growth in this arena.

With determination and perseverance, this will be me, and it could be you too!

The post How I followed a passion for travel and international business with practical global trade training appeared first on Trade Ready.

Following my undergraduate studies and initial international experience, I decided to further my education, and looked for an international business program that offered a practical application of the curriculum; enter the FITT-accredited Graduate Certificate in International Business Management at Algonquin College.

The program was detailed and the curriculum applied to real-world scenarios. This provided me with a strong foundation for an international trade career.

Over the course of eight months, and with the support of my peers and instructors, I achieved success in the program. In fact, in 2012 I was awarded a FITT Educational Award for my International Business Plan.

Applying international trade training in the real world

Following my graduation, I received a job offer from the South African High Commission in Ottawa. My position was focused on public diplomacy and aiding the mission with research and analysis of key priorities, Canadian governments and businesses, the Canadian market, and investment and partnership opportunities.

FITT laid the foundation for me to jump in and adapt to the international environment.

The work at the High Commission was diverse and culturally vibrant; it offered a series of challenges everyday that were conducive to my personal and professional growth. I had opportunities to conduct political and foreign policy analysis, review investment and partnership opportunities in western Canada, and experience the inner workings of the BRICS relationships.

Working in this diplomatic environment also provided me with numerous opportunities to expand my professional network.

I worked at the High Commission for seven months, and following the end of my term I was offered the opportunity to work for the World Trade Centre Dublin (WTCD), part of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA).

Building global experience and forging connections

A few days after finishing at the High Commission I stepped off a plane in Dublin, Ireland, and was thrown into a work environment that was diverse and multifaceted.

Account management, sales, marketing, and trade facilitation; I experienced it all while at the WTCD. The experience was hands-on, rugged and exciting. It forced me to expand my thinking and use my FITT-accredited education to drive the growth of the organization, while continuing to build my global network.

From aircraft, medical and defence equipment, to food and textiles, there wasn’t much that didn’t filter through the Trade Centre.

Using the skills I gained from FITT, I worked with other traders, trade centres, governments and businesses from around the world, establishing relations with trade teams from over 15 countries.

The WTCD is a relatively small operation, and because of this, I had the opportunity to work directly with everyone from the heads of diplomatic missions and company executives from small-scale, locally-oriented businesses to tech and internet giants, such as Google, Twitter, PayPal and Facebook.

Having the confidence to take chances

Following my tenure at the WTCD, I returned to Ottawa and was offered a new position at the South African High Commission where I’m currently working on the economic and trade portfolio.

As part of a small team, I’m focused on the economic diplomacy efforts of the mission. Each day we explore opportunities to connect Canadian and South African businesses, and increase the visibility and awareness of South Africa as a market of great opportunity.

I deal with topics such as foreign direct investment, international marketing, trade events and importing and exporting. I try to find drivers for the growth of Canadian-South African economic relations.

Some of the most valuable lessons the FITT-accredited program and my experiences afterward reinforced were to build your network whenever you can and not shy away from any opportunities to gain experience.

The job market for young professionals is tough, but with those two things in mind, and FITT training in my back pocket, it has made moving forward with confidence and exploring the vast field of international trade a little bit easier.

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