FAQs

1. Why should I concentrate in International Business (IB)?
   

   In recent years, the globalization of business has accelerated. More and more businesses seek graduates with an international business degree to handle their foreign divisions and to recruit and train employees in multicultural environments. Completing an International Business concentration will prepare you to take your place in the globalized businesses of the present and future.

2. What courses do I have to take in order to concentrate in IB?
   

   IB concentrates complete the Girard School’s Business Enterprise(BE) sequence. In addition to the BE core, the five required IB concentration courses are international economics, international finance, global marketing, international management, and the International Business Seminar. IB concentrates must also complete (or demonstrate competency at) the intermediate level (4 semesters) in a modern language other than English. (For students whose first language is other than English, additional courses in English may be substituted.) In addition, students will take a “culture course,” frequently chosen from the fields of modern languages, sociology, communication, history, or international relations. Study or internship abroad for a semester is expected of IB concentrates, although it is not required.

3. Which minor could I complete to add value to my IB concentration?
   

   IB concentrates often build their required four semesters of a modern language into a minor. To complete the minor requirements, they combine advanced coursework at Merrimack with study abroad in a country where that language is spoken. Other suggested minors include economics, international relations, women’s studies, sociology, communications, psychology, and English.

4. What is the career outlook for IB graduates?
   

   International business is one of the fastest growing areas of the United States economy. Graduates may choose to work in commercial businesses or non-profit organizations, in a wide variety of careers in general management, international management and marketing, and financial analysis of companies, industries, and countries. Career paths lead through entry positions in importing/exporting, retail, sales, tourism, product management, and trade in multinational companies. IB concentrators are also well positioned for graduate studies in business, international development, international economics, and related fields.