1.      What sort of jobs can I get with the major?

The bad news: few undergraduate international business (IB) majors walk directly into IB jobs.   That’s one reason we require a business focus area, like marketing or finance, to help students have “another door” to use to get into a firm.

The good news: We’ve repeatedly seen, over the dozen years of the program’s existence, that once students get INTO a firm, using their others “doors” (like marketing or language), gives them incredible opportunities.  Frequently, our graduates will suggest that the firm consider moving into markets overseas and the firms jump on it – not realizing that the graduate speaks Spanish or understands international marketing or finance or economies.   OR, the firm realizes that the student had those skills and asks the graduate to take charge of helping to open up markets.  

One student turned employee joined a firm for a six week long internship then, extended for six months.  Six years later, he was in charge of all marketing and sales for the firm’s Asia Pacific region.

Our best students have been entrepreneurial, and understand that they’ll need to “Create their own jobs,” which is something we all need to be able to do in trying economic times. 

 

2.      What are the key requirements for the program? 

The program has several components.  The main ones follow:

• Language proficiency – Once you choose the language you wish to student, you must complete three advanced level courses, including intermediate language (201-202 level) and a business language course.   This is to give enough depth in the language that you’ll understand some of the technical terms, even if you may not be able to negotiate a business contract in your language.  

• Social science component – You will complete two introductory courses.  They are (1) International Relations and (2) History (western or eastern).  Once you choose your language, you’ll take advanced courses in history and political science related to that region of the world.  

• International business core – You will complete five IB courses:

• • Managing in a Global Economy
  • International Economics
  • International Finance
  • International Management
  • International Marketing

• International business career experience – this will be an internship, a special course, or an independent study.  You’ll need advisor approval. 

• Business focus area – chose one of five areas, with four courses in each, to give you depth in a functional area
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Marketing
  • Finance
  • Economics
  • Human Resource Management
     

3.      How do I do an internship?

We encourage students to “create their own jobs” for their careers, rather than expecting a company to do that over their careers.  By the same toke, and as a way to practice “creating their own jobs,” we expect students to find an organization where they wish to do an internship, negotiate the tasks, and gain approval from their university advisors for it.  We don’t have a list of internship firms.  Rather, you’ll need to consider what you want to do and create it!

You do need approval for the internship from the organization supervisor and the university supervisor BEFORE you start the internship.  You’ll not be able to get credits for it after the fact. 

 

4.      How about overseas study?  What options do I have?

The International Programs office works with students to organize their study abroad programs.  Boise State has several existing programs, in places like Spain or Mexico, China, France or Italy.  You can also find a program on your own, as long as the courses transfer.  Talk with your IB advisor and the International Programs Office to prepare and get approvals BEFORE you go.

 

5.      How do I get an advisor?

Come to the IB programs office (B211 in the College of Business and Economics).  We are happy to advise all students from “just interested” to “I’m almost done.”  But come in sooner rather than later since the sequencing of courses is a little tricky and you don’t want to spend more time than you need. 

 

6.      I already speak another language – can I waive the requirement?

Perhaps.  Check with the Department of Modern Languages and Literature.  You’ll possibly take a test, then pay for the credits. 

 

7.      I’m under the pre-2007 catalogue and I notice requirements have changed.  Now what?

No problem.  Just write an official email to Professor Napier (nnapier@boisestate.edu) with your name, student number, and a request to change TO the 2007-2008 or later catalogue. 

 

8. I took a course that isn’t in the “official list” – can it “count?”

Maybe.  If your advisor agrees, you’ll fill out the upper part of an Academic Adjustment form (on the website, with all the other necessary forms) and bring it to the office with a course description attached.  We’ll complete the form and send it on, if it is approved.