Majors and Minors Home
About the Major
International business majors learn global cultural differences and business etiquette. The curriculum requires proficiency in a foreign language and strongly encourages studying abroad. It covers management, marketing, economics, finance, accounting and business law.
Jobs in International Business
- Import-export specialist
- International marketing manager
- International trade specialist
- Global banking and investment manager
- Business consultant
Related Programs
International Business Opens Up the World
Business has always fascinated Brenda Landa-Silva. 鈥淪ince I was a little girl, when I would see a big skyscraper, I would say that one day I would have an office at the top.鈥�
As that little girl grew up, she developed another passion: travel. When the University of South Alabama began offering a major in international business, she had found her perfect fit.
South鈥檚 international business program emphasizes and explores the differences in cultural expectations around the world. Normally, students also get practical experience through studying abroad, although the COVID-19 pandemic paused international travel. Landa-Silva did complete an internship with the international shipbuilder Austal USA. "College taught me that connections are important, but at Austal I received firsthand experience in creating professional relationships," she said.
International business majors must show proficiency in a foreign language. Landa-Silva, born in Mexico but a Mobile-area resident since she was 2, speaks English and Spanish. She also studied Mandarin, the dominant Chinese dialect, for a year at South.
鈥� I鈥檓 very interested in different cultures and languages.鈥�
鈥淚鈥檓 very interested in different cultures and languages,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 do believe that my parents鈥� taking the opportunity to move to a new country instilled a travel interest in me.鈥�
Speaking another person鈥檚 language at least passably shows professionalism, she said. 鈥淲hen you are conducting business, most of it around the world is in English, or at least it can be. But I know that in some countries, like France, you have to apologize for not knowing the language.鈥�
South teaches international business broadly, she said. She hadn鈥檛 yet focused on a particular field or business, so that was perfect for her. She thought she might try being a consultant after graduation to investigate the possibilities.
鈥淢y main goal,鈥� Landa-Silva said, 鈥渋s to work for a multinational company that requires me to go for a few days or weeks or months to their location in another country.鈥�
Did You Know?
- South students can choose among 800 study-abroad programs in over 80 countries worldwide.
- Students who study international business learn analytical skills, such as market research and financial analysis, and also learn cultural factors within the global market.
- International business majors at South can take courses in French, German, Spanish, Russian, Chinese (Mandarin), Greek, Arabic, Latin, Japanese, Korean, Italian and Portuguese.
Contact:
Dr. Matt C. Howard
Interim Chair
Department of Marketing, Supply Chain Management, and Analytics
(251) 460-6412