Now, of course, customers can simply go to a grocery store and buy boxes at a time without a second thought to the complex nature of how they came to be in their hands. Non-perishable goods are even easier to come by, requiring the click of a few buttons to get them across countries and seas right to your doorstep. Need a specialized service from someone working in a region hundreds of thousands of miles away? No problem; technology has that solution covered. 

As trade evolves, so do the job roles that support it

Put simply, the movement of goods and services across borders has evolved at a breathtaking pace. Alongside these transformations, the teams that make global commerce possible have grown in both size and sophistication. What was once the domain of a few specialists now involves entire departments dedicated to logistics, technology, supply chain, and trade compliance, the latter being a job area that has recently seen incredible growth. 

Compliance specialization is booming

“Companies with greater than 15% expected growth allocate an average of eight people to trade compliance activities, compared to six in companies anticipating little or no growth,” states a 2025 benchmark study by Descartes Systems Group.

This increase can be attributed to many factors, from geopolitical shifts and tariff policies to shipping disruptions and natural disasters.  

The World Economic Forum also highlights this shift in their paper, Trade Compliance for Leadership, stating, “Non-compliance with new trade requirements could affect hundreds of billions of dollars of trade flows. The stakes are high: compliance safeguards business continuity, avoids supply chain disruption and can be a competitive advantage. It also mitigates the risks of penalties and reputational damage.”  

Customs roles are also becoming a C-suite discussion

Other trade roles seeing expansion include those focused on customs.

“Customs will be used as a business strategy, becoming an important C-Suite level discussion point to navigate the ever-complex international trade waters,” notes a recent article by shipping giant Maersk. And it’s easy to see why.

With a growing web of tariffs, counter-tariffs, and shifting regulations worldwide, importers and exporters must manage their classification codes, documentation, and compliance procedures with precision—or else risk costly penalties and delays. 

And then, there is AI

Virtually all areas of business, including global trade, are being touched by artificial intelligence and associated technologies. In fact, “The global AI in logistics and supply-chain market size was valued at USD 20.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 25.9 % between 2025 and 2034,” states a report by Global Market Insights. And these technologies are focused on improving operational cost, streamlining logistics planning, and managing real-time supply chain efficiency—but only if teams are trained on how to operate these new technologies.  

Agility, accuracy, and technology: core focuses for trade teams

All in all, in 2026, trade teams need to lean their roles toward technology, compliance, and risk planning for resiliency.  

The World Economic Forum notes in their Future of Jobs Report that “The most prominent skills differentiating growing from declining jobs are anticipated to comprise resilience, flexibility, and agility; resource management and operations; quality control; programming, and technological literacy.” 

That sets the stage for roles like trade-compliance analyst, customs strategy lead, global trade-technology architect, and import/export risk manager—titles once rare, but now increasingly common.  

A simple browse of current job postings finds top companies like Amazon hiring for Global Trade Compliance PMs or Global Customs Ops Analysts, requiring candidates to have the skills to build scalable trade-compliance programs and broker networks. While grocery chains like Loblaws are looking for Customs and Trade Analysts, roles focused on import and export clearance and risk.  

Globally, there are thousands of jobs focused on customs and international trade compliance, including many on FITT’s job board—making it more important than ever for competitive teams to make these professions a priority for successful international market expansion.

Offshoring, nearshoring, and re-shoring: strategies to mitigate volatility 

With increasingly unpredictable supply chains, companies are also rethinking where and how they allocate their trade teams. Offshoring, nearshoring, and re-shoring have become hot-topic strategies in this conversation—each offering clear advantages and trade-offs. 

• Offshoring refers to relocating production or services to a distant country, often to reduce labour costs or take advantage of specialized expertise. It can yield significant cost savings and access to global talent, but also exposes firms to geopolitical risks, shipping delays, and reduced control over quality and oversight. 

• Nearshoring involves shifting operations or sourcing to a nearby country or region—one that lies closer in geography, culture, or time zone. The proximity allows for faster communication, shorter transit times, and improved responsiveness to market shifts, though it may come with slightly higher labour and logistics costs compared to far-off locations. 

• Re-shoring (or on-shoring) brings previously relocated operations back home, offering the greatest control, supply-chain transparency, and resilience against global disruptions. However, domestic production typically comes with higher costs, and the process of re-establishing facilities and workforces can be both expensive and time-consuming. 

Together, these strategies reflect a broader recalibration of global trade—one that weighs efficiency against resiliency, and cost against certainty. What businesses choose to employ depends on their needs and goals, but they will all have to consider the risky environment in which they exist: 

“Geoeconomic fragmentation and geopolitical tensions are expected to drive business-model transformation in one-third (34 %) of surveyed organizations in the next five years. Over one-fifth (23 %) of global employers identify increased restrictions on trade and investment … as factors shaping their operations,” states the World Economic Forum in their job report, pinpointing the need for businesses to be prepared from all angles.  

Training is a unifying factor for all roles

At the heart of these workforce transitions lies a single, unifying factor—the need for continual training and upskilling. Finding employees with a new set of in-demand skills isn’t something that happens overnight. Most often, it starts with giving current teams training to upgrade their knowledge to current-day trends. 

“If the world’s workforce was made up of 100 people, 59 would need training by 2030. Of these, employers foresee that 29 could be upskilled in their current roles and 19 could be upskilled and redeployed elsewhere within their organization. However, 11 would be unlikely to receive the reskilling or upskilling needed, leaving their employment prospects increasingly at risk,” warns the WEF. 

Lora Rigutto, Partnerships and Community Lead at FITT, agrees. She personally sees how training benefits companies and employees working in international trade daily: 

“I’ve seen how upskilling and trade training can change the trajectory of both employers and employees. Many who complete FITT’s international trade training go on to work in government, policy, and business at some of the world’s leading organizations, while others use that knowledge to grow their own SMEs.”

What really stands out is the value of having a CITP®—someone with a broad, practical understanding of international trade who can connect the full A-to-Z process, from market entry and compliance to sales and growth strategy. Whether in a large enterprise or a small business just getting started, that ability to see the whole picture and bring in accredited knowledge created by business for business, along with industry best practices and frameworks—makes a meaningful difference.” 

The world is changing, but resiliency will always remain a strength

In 2025, it may seem like our world is changing faster than ever. But it’s important to put these shifts into perspective. Only 100 years ago, we were still delivering some products by horse and buggy. 50 years ago, we were sending customs documents via fax machines, and just 25 years ago, the biggest technological threat that dominated the headlines was Y2K. The point being, the world has always been in a state of rapid change, but those who flourish in it, no matter the challenge, remain aware, prepared, and upskilled for those changes. 

Curious about current job roles in trade? Below is a list of popular trade jobs that companies currently hire for: 

See active international trade job listings here 

• International Trade Consultant: Advises companies on entering new markets or expanding globally including assessing tariffs, trade agreements, and regulatory risks and recommending supply chain and market entry strategies 
• Export Manager: Responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing a company’s sales of goods or services into foreign markets; a mix of strategy, operations, and relationship management 
• Commodity Trader: Buys and sells commodities, such as agricultural products or metals, on international markets. 
• Economist: Analyzes data and develops theories related to the production and circulation of goods, services, and resources in a global context. 
• Data Analyst: Analyzes data for companies to help inform business decisions, which can include international market data.  

Logistics and supply chain

• Freight Forwarder: Manages the transportation of goods, including coordinating shipments, choosing carriers, and negotiating terms. 
• Logistics Specialist: Handles the planning and management of international logistics, including warehousing and last-mile delivery. 
• Customs Clearance Specialist: Processes paperwork for inbound and outbound shipments to ensure goods clear customs without delays. 
• Ocean/Air Export/Import Coordinator: Manages the specific details of export or import shipments via sea or air freight.  

Sales, marketing, and business development

• International Sales and Partnerships Manager: Develops and manages relationships with international partners and clients. 
• International Marketing Manager: Creates and implements marketing strategies for products and services in global markets. 
• Business Development Manager: Focuses on expanding a company’s business through new markets, partnerships, and services, often within a specific sector like freight forwarding.  

Compliance and analysis

• Trade Compliance Specialist/Manager: Ensures a company’s operations adhere to all trade regulations, sanctions, and export/import laws. 
• Customs Broker: Acts as an intermediary between businesses and government customs agencies, navigating complex regulations to facilitate the movement of goods. 
• International Trade Analyst: Conducts research and analysis to help companies make informed decisions about global markets and trade policies. 
• Policy Analyst: Researches and analyzes policy outcomes, which can be applied to trade policies and social issues.  

The post Growing global trade jobs: Top roles, skills, and trends to watch in 2026 appeared first on Trade Ready.

HR managers are complaining that potential employees are ghosting interviews, job seekers are ranting about not getting interviews because of ATS (Applicant Tracking System) platforms, and companies are complaining that they are spending countless hours looking for the right talent to no avail. 

Simply put: It’s messy out there—and people are noticing. 

A recent article by The Atlantic cut right to the chase when describing the job landscape in 2025–2026, nailing all these issues on the head with a simple title and byline “The Job Market Is Hell: Young people are using ChatGPT to write their applications; HR is using AI to read them; no one is getting hired.” 

For those looking for work, it might feel like a chaotic and fruitless process, but there are things you can do to rise above the noise and stand out— especially if you’re looking to enter the international trade job market.

Unifying all of these tips is an important ethos: if you truly have the skills and experience to benefit an employer and their business, you need to prove this in detail.  

This means specifying your previous wins by the numbers, showcasing your verified and validated expertise and education, and offering specific solutions to their problems. Your resume should be less about what you can do in general and a lot more about what you can do for the employer right now and into the future, down to the percentages. 

Proving your worth isn’t solely limited to your 1–2-page CV either. Proof comes in what you say and do in real life. That means you also have to reach out and immerse yourself in international trade networks. Showcase your experience and problem-solving expertise at events, in blogs, or on LinkedIn. Whether you like it or not, people who usually stand out make an effort to stand out, and that’s what will get you noticed by recruiters right now. 

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry; we’ve got 5 concrete tips to help you get noticed in today’s international trade job market: 

1. Cater your summary and skillset to trade’s most topical issues

The global trade ecosystem has fundamentally shifted. The World Economic Forum (WEF) reports that 39 % of core skill sets are expected to transform or become obsolete by 2030. Simultaneously, the World Trade Organization (WTO) emphasizes that investing in skills for trade is not optional—it’s essential, in their report “Investing in Skills for Inclusive Trade.”  

For the job-hunter, this means two things: 

One, trade-industry employers don’t just value traditional trade experience; they also value 

• digital literacy—especially with AI 

• regulatory fluency and compliance (hello tariffs) 

• a global-market mindset (diversification is on everyone’s radar) 

Two, your CV must articulate your ability to sit at this intersection of tradition and trend. 

So, when it comes to your resume or CV summary, make sure you highlight these topical areas of knowledge. 

That means, instead of saying something generic like “Global supply chain expert who gets results,” try something like “Accredited trade specialist who combines import/export operations, tariff-and-compliance knowledge, and emerging-tech fluency (AI/data analytics) to support global supply chains.”

This tip also applies to how you describe your key strengths. Instead of a long list of generic one-word skills, like “supply chain, logistics, and technology,” make sure you explain useful areas within these core topics. For example: 

• “Global trade compliance and tariff management (incl. classification codes, sanctions screening)” 

• “Supply-chain risk mitigation in geoeconomically dynamic regions” 

• “Technology-enabled trade operations: e-commerce logistics, trade-data analytics, cross-border digital platforms” 

When you tailor your job-search narrative this way, you reflect not only what companies want today but what they will prize tomorrow. 

2. Showcase your measurable results

Today’s resumes need to lead with calculable results. That’s because numerical metrics prove that you can actually attain real-world success markers—like ROI and revenue—that businesses need to thrive. For example, instead of writing “experienced with customs clearance in the APAC market,” opt for quantifiable increases and percentages, followed by the skillset used to achieve the win. For example: 

• “Reduced customs clearance delays by 18 % across 12 export markets” 

• “Negotiated freight-rates yielding cost-savings of USD 350K annually while strengthening carrier network across Asia-Pacific” 

3. Understand how Applicant Tracking Systems work, then highlight your keywords

Many large organizations and HR departments use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen for terms and skills that their recruits will need to focus on. So, if their company is hiring a trade compliance specialist, terms such as customs-broker liaison, Incoterms, HS classification, tariff-engineering, export-control, sanctions, trade-compliance analytics, regional trade agreements (RTA) expertise, origin-marking and digital trade platforms would be words to consider.  

When it comes to how you apply these words to your resume, make sure you insert only what you actually have expertise in, and detail how you use this skill in real life to get numerical results.

So, for example, instead of saying “Experienced with customs compliance and regional trade in international markets,” choose something like: 

 “Implemented HS-classification and origin-determination processes across 14 markets, reducing customs delays by 27% and ensuring 100% compliance with regional trade-agreement requirements.” 

4. Validate your learning mindset and expertise with credentials

Nothing showcases your true expertise quite like a recognized credential. Recruiters don’t have to question how much training you’ve had or whether your knowledge is up to speed. This work has already been done for them through the verification process of the certification body.  

More than just letters on the end of your name on a CV, designations like the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®|FIBP®) designation are industry-backed, meaning that professionals all around the world in public and private organizations recognize their ability to improve the skills of their employers.  

Moreover, a CITP is governed by strict rules and bodies, meaning that their knowledge base is regularly being updated to suit the current-day markets, a relief to employers seeking hires versed in the problems of today. 

In fact, many companies actively recruit for people with designations like the CITP. Browse through current-day job boards and you’ll find many well-known brands, organizations, and government bodies labelling these specific certifications as “an asset” to their currently open positions. 

5. Use your network and align with trade-specific organizations

Earning a professional designation like the CITP can also broaden your trade network—connecting you with other professionals with the designation and their contacts. Use this benefit to your advantage. 

Frequently, certification bodies have networking events, celebrations, and webinars where you can find or showcase expertise, and even one RSVP can open several job opportunities for you.  

Organizations like FITT also have blogs and CITP-specific spotlights that highlight people in the industry, giving you access to individuals who might be hiring or their connections who are hiring. A few clicks and a short message could also be the key to getting that first interview.  

Get more than your foot in the door—showcase the person, the potential, and the practical applications

For jobseekers navigating the international trade job market, the message is clear: you need more than a standard skillset résumé or CV. You need to present yourself as a player in a transformed ecosystem, fluent in technology, agile in regulatory shifts, and ready to bridge global markets. You need to showcase your passion for lifelong learning and improvement in your field, and you need to put proof to your abilities with real numbers and data.  

You will stand out with effort, and that’s the first step to getting noticed. 

What are the fastest-growing international trade jobs of 2026? Read this article to find out! 

The post How to land a role in the international trade job market appeared first on Trade Ready.

As Bloomberg recently reported in its 2025 analysis “Re-wiring Global Trade: From Tariffs to Regional Opportunity,” companies around the world are redesigning their supply chains in real time, “shifting from global dependency to regional resilience.” It’s a transformation felt not just in boardrooms and ports, but also in the hiring patterns that determine which trade skills and which professionals are in highest demand. 

For job seekers, this shift comes with opportunity.

Many international trade jobs are evolving far faster than traditional corporate positions, and recruiters are rethinking the mix of skills and qualifications that matter most in a system that’s increasingly dominated by fluctuation.

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 makes this clear: “The most prominent skills differentiating growing from declining jobs are resilience, flexibility, and technological literacy.” 

So which trade jobs will grow fastest in 2026? Why are they booming? And what can professionals do to land them? The answers lie at the intersection of geopolitics, economics, and technology—especially AI. 

Trade compliance is booming—and changing rapidly

Trade compliance roles have exploded over the past three years, a trend that shows no signs of slowing. In 2026, the field is expected to grow even faster. Not because companies suddenly value paperwork, but because the rules that govern global commerce have become both harder and costlier to ignore. 

The surge comes from a convergence of forces: 

• New sanctions and export-control rules, often rewritten with little notice 
• A fractured geopolitical landscape, where alliances shift and trade blocs tighten 
• Tariff swings and counter-tariff policies, which affect everything from steel to semiconductors 
• Digital customs modernization, forcing companies to comply with faster, more automated systems
• Steeper penalties for missteps, including reputational damage and shipment seizures 

In its paper Trade Compliance for Leadership, the World Economic Forum warns that “non-compliance with new trade requirements could affect hundreds of billions of dollars of trade flows,” noting that the field has become “a competitive advantage rather than a bureaucratic function.” In other words, companies no longer want compliance experts – they need them. 

Companies no longer want trade compliance experts – they need them.

This shift is reshaping entire hiring pipelines. Roles like the following are becoming mainstream: 

• Trade Compliance Specialist 
• Sanctions Analyst 
• Export Controls Manager 
• Customs Operations Lead  

Even traditional logistics roles increasingly require compliance fluency; a Logistics Coordinator today needs to understand HS classification, sanctions screening, and free-trade agreements with a level of mastery once reserved for specialists. 

What’s driving this hunger? Every major geopolitical event creates new vulnerabilities. U.S.–China tensions reshape sourcing strategies. EU carbon-border rules reprice the cost of entire supply chains. Disruptions in the Red Sea, Black Sea, and Panama Canal force companies to re-route vessels through unfamiliar jurisdictions. Each shift adds a new layer of documentation, interpretation, and risk. 

This means companies are no longer looking for people who simply “know compliance.” They want professionals who can navigate it, interpret it, and anticipate it. Recruiters increasingly expect candidates to have: 

• Deep, current-day knowledge of HS classification, sanctions, and export controls 
• Accredited training in importing, exporting, and global trade operations (FITTskills, compliance certifications) 
• Proven accuracy in cross-border documentation and risk mitigation 
• A professional designation, such as the CITP, that validates applied competence rather than theoretical familiarity 

Additionally, the rise of AI in compliance has only intensified this trend. AI tools can classify goods or flag potential violations, but companies need human oversight—professionals who can question an algorithm’s decision, audit its logic, and intervene when the result could trigger a fine or shipment delay.

Compliance, in its modern form, is becoming a hybrid of legal understanding, operational savvy, and technological judgment.

Customs expertise is moving from the back office to the C-suite

Across industries, customs management has quietly shifted from an administrative afterthought to a strategic lever. This evolution has been so dramatic that Maersk recently predicted customs will become “a business strategy,” and an increasingly important C-suite conversation.

In other words,

Companies are investing in customs leadership and strategy because clearance delays, misclassified goods, or misinterpreted rules now carry enormous financial and operational consequences.

This elevation is partly driven by complexity. Tariffs change faster than production cycles. Digital customs systems—once piloted by a handful of countries—are becoming global norms, demanding real-time accuracy instead of end-of-month reconciliation. And with the proliferation of regional trade agreements, origin determination has become both a cost-saving tool and a compliance trap. 

As a result, international trade jobs that handle regulatory shifts analytically, yet solve operational bottlenecks with practical, hands-on logistical processes are rising in prominence: 

• Global Customs Manager 
• Customs Strategy Lead 
• Import/Export Risk Manager 

Additionally, these roles may also require cross-department collaboration, fluency with digital platforms, and the ability to explain regulatory nuance to executives. Candidates who pair customs knowledge with strategic thinking, especially those with credentials like the CITP, are increasingly in demand. 

AI has also entered this domain, especially in predictive clearance tools that estimate potential delays or compliance risks. But here too, human oversight is essential. Someone must interpret the model, judge its assumptions, and adjust the company’s routing or documentation strategy accordingly. 

Risk mitigation and resilience roles are surging worldwide

If the pandemic exposed the fragility of supply chains and business resilience, the years that followed turned that fragility into a central business strategy. In 2025 alone surging freight prices, tariff wars, and resource volatility dominated headlines across the world. 

This volatility has fueled a rise in positions focused on anticipation and resilience rather than pure logistics. Companies are hiring: 

• Supply-Chain Risk Managers 
• Scenario Planning Analysts 
• Resilience Strategists 
• Nearshoring Advisors 

The rationale for this is simple: global operations no longer hinge on efficiency alone. They hinge on flexibility and adaptability. 

A Risk Manager might be asked to answer questions like: If this port shuts down for 10 days, what’s our plan? If this tariff increases by 14%, how does it change our sourcing? If conflict spreads into this region, how do we maintain continuity? 

The skills required to answer these time-sensitive matters mirror those of modern geopolitical analysts and data specialists.

Employers want people who can parse global news, interpret economic trends, and translate both into quantifiable risk metrics.

Analytical tools matter, but sound judgment and practical application matter more. 

Once again, AI for risk assessment is a collaborator, not a replacement. Predictive models can scan thousands of data points and suggest potential disruptions or outliers, but they cannot decide whether a company should nearshore production, diversify suppliers, or reshape its freight network. 

Human reasoning and experience remain fundamental. 

Technology and data roles are becoming the new backbone of trade

As global trade moves with the pace of innovation, technology-driven roles are emerging as some of the most futureproof. Customs authorities are deploying digital portals, freight companies are investing in predictive modeling, and multinational corporations are automating the most complex and repetitive parts of their supply chains. 

This has created a surge in demand for professionals who can bridge two worlds: global trade and data, such as 

• Trade-Technology Architects 
• Digital Logistics Analysts 
• Trade Data Scientists 

These roles demand comfort with trade systems (like SAP GTS or Oracle GTM) and fluency with analytics tools. They also require curiosity, an ability to understand how data flows across borders, and how disruptions in one node ripple across the system. 

While AI has catalyzed this shift, it has also created a new kind of professional: one who understands both the logic of machine learning and the nuance of global regulation.

In these roles, AI becomes more of a system to manage, refine, and parse information from, while the basic elements of trade (checking the forms, assessing the costs, managing the different teams) remain very much human-operated and supervised. 

International sales and market-expansion roles remain resilient

For all the talk of automation, the human side of global commerce is still thriving. Companies expanding into new regions, especially across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, need people who can navigate cultures, regulations, and emerging-market dynamics. Roles related to these skills include; 

• International Business Development Experts 
• Global Partnerships Leads 
• Cross-Border E-Commerce Strategists 

These careers remain in demand because relationships are still at the heart of global trade. AI can crunch customer analytics, but it cannot negotiate trust, adapt to cultural nuances, or build long-term partnerships.  

AI can’t shake your hand, and most business professionals will tell you a handshake can tell you a lot.

Professionals who can blend strategic analysis with interpersonal skills, especially those who understand both regulatory risk and global customer behaviour, have a distinct advantage. 

How to get these international trade jobs in 2026

Across all these roles, recruiters are converging around a common set of expectations: 

1. Proven and measurable impact
   Hiring managers want real numbers: reduced clearance times, cost savings from trade agreements, documented risk mitigation. Generic statements no longer stand out. 
2. Recognized credentials
   The CITP designation is becoming increasingly sought after because it signals rounded competence, not theoretical exposure. CITPs come pre-vetted, reassuring employers that a candidate understands the entire world of trade, from feasibility studies and financial strategy to marketing, customs, risk, compliance and beyond. For instance, the FITT CITP Competency Profile encompasses 15 major competency categories, 26 skill areas, 78 subskills, and over 1,100 performance and knowledge statements. The standards are so robust because the skills needed to work in today’s global trade waters are robust too. 
3. Digital and AI fluency (or at a minimum, awareness)
   Candidates don’t need to be engineers, but they must understand how AI tools work, where they fail, and how to validate their outputs. 
4. Current-state global trade awareness
   Professionals who can read a geopolitical shift and understand its downstream impact on trade flows are the ones who will rise fastest. Companies don’t want specialists who simply execute instructions—they want thinkers who can anticipate. 

The future of trade careers belongs to the adaptable

The international trade landscape of 2026 will reward professionals who blend regulatory literacy, operational insight, digital sophistication, and geopolitical awareness. AI may automate the repetitive tasks, but the fastest-growing jobs are those requiring the highest levels of judgment. 

As the WEF notes, “technology will replace tasks, not talent.”

The value will come from people who can navigate complexity, see around corners, and translate global volatility into practical strategies that guide companies and their people toward success. 

The post The fastest-growing international trade jobs for 2026 and how to get them appeared first on Trade Ready.

The human cost of outsourcing

There is no better reason for a corporation to exist than to make a profit, and most small businesses have similar mindsets. Whatever helps to achieve this goal is considered good business, and completely justified to shareholders, boards of directors and business owners.

In today’s business world, corporations and companies often restructure and change activities for many valid reasons including changing market trends, a weak economy, budgetary constraints or offshore competition. The result, while possibly improving the bottom line, often means that some employees are expendable.

For example, a friend of mine was recently told that his department of 22 people would be outsourced to an outside contractor. The multinational was restructuring and he and his colleagues were forced to seek other employment.

He was shattered. When we met, he said: “I admit that over the years I wrongly concluded that I was indispensable to the company. I innocently believed that my work would count for something and that my professional life would never be subject to change”.

Think like an athlete and become a free agent

Although individuals cannot hope to change a corporate decision, they can change their own reaction to entering the job market.

Most of us want to live a happy life, earn a good living, pay our rent or mortgage, have a family and be able to support it without stress. We want to enjoy regular vacations, be loved and love others in return, feel safe and stay healthy, have some money in the bank and afford to treat ourselves once in a while. While wanting all this, most of us instinctively believe that we can only do this if we work for someone else.

In response to this mindset, author Daniel Pink said in his book The Free Agent Nation that, as business becomes more and more subject to uncontrollable market forces, individuals need to become more independent and self-managed.

The Free Agent concept (based on the sports world) has since become a movement of more than 30 million people throughout the U.S.

Individuals should think of themselves as persons with unique assets and abilities, with very specific knowledge and personal experience, the owners of an exclusive circle of relationships and contacts, and a mixture of expertise and education that nobody else has. We need to think of ourselves as independent individuals who “temporarily lend their unique expertise and knowledge to an employer” in the job market in exchange for a salary and other benefits.

To know what we can offer, we must first know ourselves

Rudyard Kipling, the famous author of The Jungle Book and The Elephant’s Child, wrote about the six essential questions that, when answered, will always help us in every facet of our lives:

I Keep six honest serving-men:
(they taught me all I know …)
their names are What and Where and When
and How and Why and Who

As part of an honest self-assessment, asking ourselves these timeless questions can help to better change our self-image and improve our attitude.

Even if we are not in danger of being sidelined, the mere fact of accepting that we are unique and independent can be liberating and subtly change the way we look at our work.

Amazingly, it has been proven that exuding this new attitude also changes the way we are evaluated by others.

Follow my friend’s 5 steps towards practical results

My friend Fred decided to change his self-image by redefining his abilities and talents. He also followed these 5 steps, which can help you in a similar situation as well.

1. Review your transferable skills
2. Update your CV
3. Start networking in organizations in your field
4. Register with job search agencies
5. Sign up to obtain certification in your field

Two weeks ago, he was called to a third interview with a new company and is now convinced that his success is entirely due to the new self-assured attitude he now exudes.

With the same mindset and these steps in mind, I hope you’ll have the same results if you’re in a similar situation.

The post How to stay ready for the next opportunity in an ever-changing job market appeared first on Trade Ready.

International business-related jobs pay an average of 13-18% more than domestic-focused positions. And with more trade happening than ever before in history, there are new opportunities opening up all the time. So, where do you find these lucrative jobs?  Here is a look at 10 of the best online sources trade professionals can use to find their next job.

1. LinkedIn

If you’re not yet on LinkedIn, you should be! Beyond job searching, LinkedIn is the top business networking site in the world. You can use it to upload your resume and create a detailed bio that lays out your experience and the skills that you have to offer prospective employers, but it’s also a place for conversation and connection.

Join groups of like-minded business professionals and talk shop, find out about the latest opportunities, events and more. You never know who might know someone that’s looking for a candidate just like you. LinkedIn also boasts having over 2000 international trade in the jobs posted on its site, as well as thousands more specific to international logistics, trade finance or global sales.

2. Monster

Monster.com is another titan in the online job search world. Started in 1999, it’s also one of the most experienced. Like LinkedIn, Monster also has hundreds of international trade jobs posted on its platform that currently need filling. These jobs include Senior International Trade Analyst, International Trade Export Coordinator, and Sales Associate for International Trading Company. They also post great articles featuring tips, tricks and resources to help you rise above the pack and find the right job for you.

3. Careerbuilder

CareerBuilder.com provides labor market intelligence, talent management software, and other recruitment solutions, including online career search services for more than 1,900 partners in 24 countries. There are currently over 300 jobs referencing international trade that need filling on this site, including Import/Export Coordinator, International Trade Compliance Specialist, and Senior Analyst – International Trade Compliance. Regardless of whether you are just starting your career or are highly experienced, there are many opportunities on this site.

4. Indeed

Indeed.com is a basic, no frills job search site that pulls in job postings from all over the world, using a simple, easy to use interface. You’ll find company reviews, salaries and a wide variety of jobs on its platform, including thousands specifically mentioning international trade. These jobs include International Trade Compliance Specialist, International Trade Specialist, and Trade Show Management Marketing Specialist. If you are looking to find work in the international trade industry, it can be a great place to start searching.

5. USA Jobs portal

The USA Jobs website is another good place to look. The USA Jobs portal is an aggregate source for international import export trade within the US government.  A quick search on this website will bring up international trade-related government jobs in a wide range of sectors and cities.

6. Glassdoor

More than just a job post site, Glassdoor gives you the chance to get more detailed insights into prospects with reviews of employees, employers and interview experiences as well as past salaries for specific positions. Contributors all post 100% anonymously, so you can get full transparency into companies and jobs posted. Currently, there are over 1,500 international trade jobs listed, and more are being added every day. Examples include DMS Specialist – International Trade Compliance, Trade Compliance Specialist, and International Trade – Senior Specialist.

7. ZipRecruiter

Ziprecruiter may be the site that has the largest amount of international trade jobs, as it claims to have thousands of international trade job postings. Examples of specific job titles listed include International Trade Specialist, International Trade Associate, and Senior Analyst – International Trade Compliance. Ziprecruiter boasts that you can apply for jobs with just one click! Together the volume of jobs and ease of use are two good reasons to give this site a try.

8. Snagajob

Snagajob has a very catchy title and specializes in hourly-wage jobs. But whether you are looking for a salaried or hourly-rate position, there is a high number of quality international trade jobs listed on this site. These jobs include Associate Director of Trade Revenue Systems, Trade Compliance Analyst, and Staff Counsel – US Distribution and Trade. There are hundreds of international trade positions that are currently listed on Snagajob.com, making it another great place to snag an international trade job.

9. RobertHalf

Robert Half International, is an American human resource consulting firm with over 325 locations worldwide. The website doesn’t host as many listings as sites like Ziprecruiter or LinkedIn, but that also means that there is significantly less competition for the available positions. On RobertHalf.com, there are dozens of international trade jobs listed, including Export Clerk, Customs Declaration Assistant, and Export Specialist.

10. TradeReady 

Your job search can begin right here at TradeReady.ca! Updated on a weekly basis, we curate the best and most varied import/export opportunities for international business professionals in Canada and the U.S. Look to the featured jobs section for positions that have listed FITTskills training and CITP certification as assets to get preferred candidate status. Find opportunities from Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Sunblest Commodities, DHL, Clorox, Export Development Canada (EDC) and many more. Looking for highly qualified candidates? Send us a message at marketing@fitt.ca with your job listing today!

Your next job could already be posted – are you ready to start looking?

The post Top 10 websites you can use to find your dream international trade job appeared first on Trade Ready.

I also found that business students ran into many of the same problems, even though one may expect them to have learned about international business in detail. I was surprised to find out that, while many undergraduate business programs have courses in international commerce, they typically serve more as high-level introductions than detailed, practical instructions on how to succeed in the global marketplace.

When I discovered the FITTskills program, I appreciated that it is designed as a practical how-to guide for professionals in international trade.

The online courses move beyond theory and are designed for practitioners. The course textbooks often include checklists of what needs to be done in any given business scenario.

As a result, I decided to complete the FITTskills program as an undergraduate student, and I found it to be incredibly beneficial as a supplement to my existing studies. FITTskills brought the economic concepts I learned to life, provided the details and practical step-by-step instructions I was looking for, and gave me a sense of the real problems and opportunities that businesses face.

While many people wait until they’re already in the workplace to take training like this, I believe that students too, not just professionals, should take the FITTskills program.

FITTskills helped me get a job

Completing the FITTskills program while I was a student required multi-tasking and time management skills. Furthermore, I had to pay for the FITTskills courses, in addition to my regular tuition payments.

However, it was well worth it. I saw it as an investment (of time and money) in my future, which has now paid off. I’m new in my career, at just 24, but I firmly believe the program helped me become more competitive in the job market and get my first post-university job.

When I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts at the University of Windsor, I applied to an opening at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, the leading think-tank on Canada-Asia relations. When I applied, I was nervous because I only had a Bachelor’s degree—I assumed most applicants would have a Master’s degree or other qualifications. Nonetheless, I was grateful to be hired on.

While many factors went into my successful application, the FITTskills program was a major benefit.

The project I was to work on dealt with export promotion to Asia, and I touted the FITTskills program (and particularly the International Market Entry Strategies course) several times in my interview. FITTskills added something to my resume that most other applicants did not have. In an ultra-competitive jobs market, every extra qualification can set you apart.

FITTskills helped me build my career – and will help you too

The FITTskills program is great for professionals who are mid-career and want to re-focus their attention on international markets. However, I wanted to focus my attention on international markets from the beginning of my career. Having the background knowledge from the FITTskills program gave me a running start, and the opportunity to enter my career with a practical understanding of international business from the beginning. This benefited me when I entered the world of global trade—but it will also benefit me if I enter domestic markets too.

Students today, as I did, graduate in an international world—their careers are impacted by global forces. Understanding the minutiae of international business at the beginning can be incredibly helpful, and can play an important part in getting your first job.

The post Practical training was the competitive edge I needed to land my first job in international trade. It can be yours too. appeared first on Trade Ready.

Even as communication and information technology steadily advance, travelling to other countries and meeting potential clients face to face has remained an important part of international business.

While the thrill eventually wears off for some, many others never lose the excitement of stepping foot somewhere new for the first time. No matter how much research you do, or how many pictures you see, the experience of seeing a major landmark in person or being immersed in a totally different culture is something that is impossible to replicate.

If this sounds familiar, then an international trade career could be an excellent fit for you. Within international trade, however, there are many different options you can choose from, some of which offer more travel opportunities than others.

Here are 5 in-demand international trade occupations to choose from if travel is a major priority in your future career.

1. Be the face of your company as an International Business Development Professional

Professionals working in business development are at the forefront of their company’s growth strategy. Their main responsibilities are to develop new clients and customers, while also maintaining or improving their relationships with existing ones.

Since these clients and customers are often located all over the world, business development professionals get to travel to meet them face to face. Early steps are usually done by email, video chats, phone and other technology, but at least one in-person visit is an often crucial step in the relationship process.

Even after initial agreements are made, further travel is needed to regularly meet with clients and customers to make sure things are going smoothly, address any issues and find ways to deepen the relationship.

It’s therefore vital for these professionals to have strong intercultural competence and the ability to build relationships across cultures, increasing these skills within their own organization.

Olivier Canolle, CITP|PACI, Business Development Manager for SBB International, says that the travel involved in his job is key to his company’s success.

We rely a lot on direct contact—we attend three trade shows and take over 15 business trips every year, which is huge for a company of our size. We feel that this allows the company to understand its customers’ needs and show them we care. That’s how bonds are formed and trust is built.

For those ready to do so, the opportunity to travel frequently and meet many new people around the world awaits.

2. Oversee A to B as a Supply Chain Manager

When you consider the amount of steps that any product needs to go through to get from raw materials to a packaged product sitting on a shelf, it’s truly staggering.

A supply chain manager needs to keep track of each step in the process, making sure it’s proceeding efficiently, quickly and in a cost-effective manner.

From inspecting manufacturing facilities to meeting new vendors, checking on port and warehousing facilities and gathering the goods needed to create a product, there are a vast number of places a supply chain manager may need to travel.

They must be able to navigate the laws of each country through which the supply chain links, and understand the cultures of employees in each part of the supply chain. They also need to be able to constantly analyze and find ways of improving overall efficiency and mitigating risk.

If you like to combine your travel with problem solving, and are looking for a field that will be in high demand in the future, working in the supply chain industry could be your ideal vocation.

3. Close big deals face to face as a Sales Manager

Ultimately, the sales manager’s responsibility is to sell products and services by developing new client relationships and maintaining existing ones. This requires not only knowing their products and services inside and out, but also the needs, wants and cultural considerations of their clients and customers.

Whether selling to businesses or directly to customers, sales managers need to know where their customers are from, how they think, and what will make them want to complete a sale.

To best gain  this information, travel is often necessary to complete negotiations and sign the final contract. Even as technology progresses to make e-commerce easier and video chats more effective than ever, face to face interactions  remain integral parts of the sales cycle.

Not every company will require travel for sales, so make sure to check any job posting or inquire to see whether it is an expected part of the position. For the many sales managers who fly around the world, there are few things more exciting or important than completing a sale with a new international client.

4. Evaluate the source of goods as a Procurement Specialist

Want to purchase materials or business services for companies? You’ll need to find reliable suppliers, negotiate costs, and secure suppliers with contracts. Once the relationship is official, you must determine delivery details, ensure documentation is completed properly and maintain supplier relationships.

Procurement specialists typically travel once a potential supplier is selected. Face to face meetings are a key part of the negotiations, and in-person inspections of the goods to ensure their quality are also important.

Kevin Duncan, CITP|FIBP, Senior Buyer, Technical Procurement for NOVA Chemicals, also emphasizes this point.

Travel is important in my work, in order to meet with vendors face to face and build relationships and trust. These are the building blocks of a good vendor/buyer relationship, but also an opportunity to see your vendor on their turf. It is important to understand their challenges and issues in order for them to supply you with the goods and services you need.

“One needs to understand the entire supply chain from a cost, risk and security basis. So travelling to meet up with vendors is extremely important in any import/export relationship.”

Even after agreements are made, periodic returns to renew or change contracts, make further inspections, and continue strong personal relationships should be made.

“I always say it’s important to sit with them and look them in the eye when negotiating, but also to get to know them as a person. The human element is the best tool we have to build trust and long lasting relationships with vendors,” Kevin adds.

Regular travel and interaction with professionals in other cultures is therefore a common job feature for procurement specialists, making it an enticing option for those with itchy feet.

5. Be an international leader as a Global Senior Manager

While they may not be available to entry-level professionals, management positions in companies engaged in global business often include frequent travel.

The purposes also vary, as they can include many important tasks such as meeting with management of a potential major client, on-site oversight of a new facility, training a new local team in an international market, and attending relevant events and conferences. If the variety appeals to you and you’re willing to put in the preparation to handle the myriad of travel responsibilities, you could be an ideal fit.

In addition, senior positions often lead to opportunities to network with new international clientele in similar roles, which could lead to new business or partnerships. Depending on how it progresses, this may be handled personally or delegated to someone who specializes in a sales or business development role.

Public speaking is also an increasingly important part of the job for many in management, so travel can be involved in order to represent the company or organization in that capacity.

For those willing to put in the work to move up the corporate ladder, a senior management position could be the key to the jet-setting career you’ve always wanted.

Want to learn more about which competencies you need to have to succeed in each of these positions, and others? Head to FITT’s International Business Resources page to read occupational profiles for 20 international trade occupations, including the ones listed here!

The post 5 international trade occupations that will take you around the world appeared first on Trade Ready.

Ever since Samantha Caldwell spent a semester of her undergrad abroad in Hong Kong, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in international trade.

The city, with its characteristic vibrant cosmopolitan nature, sparked her immediate interest in wealth creation and building global trade relationships.

She soon discovered a student opportunity at Export Development Canada (EDC) and went for it, forming the beginning of a great learning experience, as well as a leap into her future career.

Connecting the dots between a dream and the tools to succeed

The experience inspired Samantha to study for a career in global trade prompting her to enrol in the International Business Management Program at Algonquin College. The program connected her with the right people to learn the industry from, and she was soon equipped with the practical skills and knowledge she needed to excel.

“Each of the professors came from a unique international business background. This was a huge asset because they each had their own experiences to draw from while teaching. They were also able to emphasize which aspects of the material they thought were the most useful in an international business context,” Samantha explains.

I wanted to learn about international business in a practical setting, which is exactly what the FITTskills program promised and delivered.

“I also wanted to stay with EDC and grow in my career within the organization. I thought the FITTskills program would equip me with relevant skills.”

An opportunity she couldn’t pass up

As she completed the program, she learned about the EDC-FITT internship offered annually through the two organizations and a lightbulb went off. It was the perfect bridge for her between her current student position and a her long-term career goals: helping clients directly and doing the work she first dreamed about in Hong Kong.

“I knew I wanted to stay with EDC and hopefully move into a customer facing role. After completing the International Business Management program, the EDC-FITT internship seemed like the perfect fit.”

After applying for the internship, she was selected as the successful candidate by EDC and was able to start her new role soon after.

Marc Beaulieu, Director of Sales Enablement at EDC, is Samantha’s manager and has overseen her transition into the role and her progression throughout the internship.

Marc says,

We were looking for an intern who would be engaged, personable, had experience in a sales or customer service role and had a solid knowledge of international business practices and trade.

Samantha was thrilled to be awarded the internship opportunity and to take a big step forward in her international business career. She recalls her feelings upon finding out she had been chosen for the position;

“It definitely didn’t sink in for a couple of hours. I was very happy and excited.”

Wowing her colleagues from day one

Her passion and enthusiasm were evident to her colleagues from her first day on the job.

“Samantha leverages her learning from the FITTskills program to add value to business owners beyond EDC’s solutions – sharing trade advice, knowledge and industry contacts,” Marc explains.

“She is a definite asset to the team and EDC. As she gains experience, she will have the opportunity to help more Canadian SMEs achieve their international business goals.”

He also added that,

“From day one, Samantha has been very proactive and engaging with other team members and has shown a great interest and desire in contributing to the team’s success. She integrated well with the team very quickly.”

A partnership made in heaven

It is that passion, energy and enthusiasm, backed by a strong knowledge base in all aspects of international trade, that sets Samantha and FITTskills educated individuals, ahead of the crowd.

Participating in the EDC-FITT internship is great for EDC because of the targeted knowledge of the FITTskills Program. EDC gains a knowledgeable intern, well-versed in international business practices.

“We have had great successes with the FITT partnership,” Marc says.

In turn, EDC provides those individuals with top-notch, ongoing training and countless opportunities to directly apply that knowledge on the job. It’s these qualities makes the EDC-FITT partnership such a strong one.

“EDC’s Youth Education Program fulfills our mandate to help build the capacity of the next generation of business leaders by awarding scholarships and internship positions to Canadian students with a demonstrated interest in international business.”

And Samantha is certainly no exception, as Marc explains:

“She has a genuine passion for helping Canadian companies. Her strong customer service skills, and fresh innovative perspective are assets to the team. She never hesitates to challenge the status quo.”

The learning never stops

Samantha’s mornings at EDC begin with a team huddle to discuss daily priorities. Then she proceeds to training sessions, which involve onboarding and familiarization with all of EDC’s products. During this training she will also get to shadow various teams across the organization to get to the heart of what EDC does for its clients.

“Samantha has always been fully engaged in her training program, always prepared for coaching and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the material covered. She is also able to quickly apply that knowledge as well as her FITTskills training when managing customer requests,” Marc explains.

When it comes to training, Samantha is enjoying broadening her skill set and becoming more and more integrated in the EDC workforce.

“Every day is fast paced and full of learning, which I am loving,” she says.

Samantha is also lucky enough to have a large pool of knowledgeable colleagues to inspire her every day. Samantha speaks highly of one particular colleague, her mentor Suzanne Marenger, Senior Trade Advisor at EDC.

“Suzanne has been such a great educator as I transitioned to Inside Sales. I feel privileged to be able to learn from her depth of knowledge and to see every day her passion for helping clients,” Samantha says.

The feeling is mutual. Suzanne is impressed with Samantha’s aptitude, enthusiasm and work ethic.

“Samantha is a joy to work with,” Suzanne explains. “She has a professional maturity that exceeds my expectations. When she says that learning is important to her, she means it!”

When she’s not in training, Samantha is involved in hands-on activities, speaking with potential clients and assessing their needs to match with suitable EDC products and services. She also acts as a resource during webinars to answer global trade-related questions.

When asked what Samantha enjoys most about working with EDC, she can’t say enough about her positive work environment and the impact that she and her colleagues have on their clients, and even their country.

“I really like that the status quo can be questioned. EDC employees are encouraged to have a ‘continuous improvement’ mindset, to make processes more customer oriented and efficient.”

I’m very proud to work at a company whose mandate is to grow the Canadian economy by supporting domestic companies in international trade.

Going forward in her career, Samantha wants to continue to learn and grow with EDC and continue her education.

“I really enjoy working at EDC so I hope I can continue to gain more experience in the Business Development group. A personal priority is to complete a Master’s degree in 2-5 years.”

We have no doubt that Samantha will continue to flourish in her career with EDC and look forward to following her on that journey of success.

Interested in being the next EDC-FITT intern? Keep your eyes out over the next few weeks for when we post the next EDC-FITT Internship!

The post EDC-FITT intern makes a leap forward in her dream to help build global trade relationships appeared first on Trade Ready.