International Business

How to Get Real Experience for Real Life Careers

Business theory is one thing. Business reality is our thing at Algonquin College. As a student, you’ll go beyond theory and gain the practical skills employers want.

At Algonquin, we believe in providing our students with practical education and experiences that set them on the fast track to career success. We do this a number of ways:

  • Hands-On Experience
  • Internships and Field Placements
  • Co-op Program
  • Opportunity to Qualify for Professional Designations

Hands-On Experience

Learn how people think, how and why people purchase items and what motivates people in our Marketing and Business Intelligence Research program. To hone your skills, you’ll work with real clients in real time and conduct market research from start to finish.

If you’ve ever thought about starting your own business, our Management and Entrepreneurship program gives you the knowledge and skills you need. In fact, in the final semester you’ll develop a detailed business plan that you can use to start your own business!

Many of our programs teach you how to master key Microsoft Office programs and other industry-standard software packages. You’ll be prepared to jump right into a job with no need for extra training on these programs.

Our Office Administration students participate in office simulations to help gain an understanding of day-to-day office operations and develop problem-solving skills.

Internships and Field Placements

A number of the School of Business programs provide the chance for students to participate in an internship or field placement. Qualified students studying Human Resources Management have the opportunity to complete an internship in their final semester.

Paralegal students complete 15 weeks of coursework in their fourth semester and then gain real-world experience with a four-week unpaid field placement.

Marketing Management students complete a field placement that involves developing a marketing plan and strategy for a real-world organization.

Do you have a passion for sports? Turn that into a dream career with our Sport Business Management program. You’ll also work a minimum of 16 hours per week within the sport industry, gaining valuable skills and professional connections.

Co-op Program

We also offer students in certain programs the chance to take part in a co-op placement where they turn their knowledge into on-the-job experience.

Learn the unique procedures and practices of health care offices for a career as a Medical Office Assistant. In the third and fourth semesters, our students participate in field assignments to help develop their practical skills.

The Bachelor of Applied Business (e-Business Supply Chain Management) program includes industry-related team and individual projects, as well as three mandatory co-op placements. Combined with part-time work, you could graduate with 1.5 years of professional experience, making for a seamless transition into your full-time career.

Opportunity to Qualify for Professional Designations

Getting a professional designation shows future employers that you are legally qualified to do the work you were trained for. Usually there are specific courses you need to take in order to get your professional designation. At Algonquin, we’re making sure you’re getting the most out of your program.

Graduates of the International Business Management program meet the academic requirements for the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation.

Our Paralegal program prepares you for a professional career in this industry. It is accredited by the Law Society of Upper Canada and when you graduate you can to apply to the Society to become licensed.

Organizational Quality Management graduates meet the educational requirement needed to write the certification exams for a number of designations sponsored by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

If you are looking for an institution that cares, gives great hands-on learning and provides you with opportunities for careers and continuing your education then you have found just that. — Sebastien Lylyk, Marketing Graduate

Pack Your Bags! Your Future Career in International Business.

The business world has become a true global community. Technology has made it possible for even the smallest businesses to operate on a global scale. Recently I blogged about my background in marketing and sales, which included a stint as a small business owner. When I had a shop on Etsy.com, I sold and shipped my products to customers in Canada, the United States, England, France, Australia and New Zealand.

When you are running a small business out of your basement, it feels pretty amazing to ship orders all over the world! International orders significantly increased my revenue and helped me grow my business. Today, more and more organizations are recognizing the benefits of operating internationally and are working to develop plans and strategies that will allow them to do it effectively.

The Globe and Mail recently published an article about Canada’s economic future. The country’s top executives were polled and over 80% of respondents felt that the economic power of the US was in decline and that emerging markets will play a large role in Canada’s future prosperity.

Today, over 20% of Canada’s jobs relate to International Trade and 50% of the goods manufactured in Canada are exported. There is high demand for skilled professionals who understand global business and who can help businesses maximize their international opportunities.

At the Algonquin College School of Business we offer both a three-year Advanced Diploma in International Business and a one-year Post-Graduate Certificate in International Business Management. Students are fully emerged in the real-world international business environment including international marketing, research, business plan development and management, supply chain management, law, market entry strategies, and finance. This program also examines cultural as well as current domestic and global issues that could affect international business interests.

Graduates of both programs are eligible for the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation granted by the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT). (One year of relevant work experience is also required for the designation.)

If you’re ready to take the first step towards an exciting and rewarding career in International Business, don’t wait! Apply today and start in January 2013.

Laura Campbell
Marketing Officer, School of Business
Algonquin College

5 Career Options for Outgoing People

Businesses in every industry, from hi-tech to retail, need staff with a variety of traits and strengths. Not everyone is suited for the same job. Plus, that would be pretty boring and wouldn’t be efficient.

We’ve identified five “types” and the personal traits associated with them. Each type of businessperson is ideally suited for different roles within the corporate world: leader, outgoing, helping people, organized, and analytical.

business careers

In a previous post, I talked about leadership traits and what types of careers are possible for leaders. Today I’m focusing on those with an outgoing personality.

Check out the list below; do many of these descriptions match you?

  • Naturally optimistic
  • Eager to meet and greet people
  • Proactive
  • Others-referenced
  • Feeling-oriented
  • People/process-oriented
  • Extroverted
  • Comfortable in groups
  • Self-confident
  • Enthusiastic
  • Gregarious
  • Friendly
  • Love crowds and events

If a large number of these traits resonate with you, you probably have an outgoing personality.

Outgoing people are suited for many types of jobs, including work in international business, management and entrepreneurship, human resources, marketing, and law.

Strong leadership skills and confidence are essential for running a successful business, whether as an entrepreneur or part of a senior management team. If you’ve considered owning a business or working for an SME, our diploma program in Management and Entrepreneurship helps set you on the right track.

If you like meeting and interacting with people perhaps a career in international business is for you. Often networking and strong interpersonal skills are essential for success in business abroad.

Human resources professionals work with all other business areas in organizations to help improve employee productivity to achieve organizational goals and objectives. Having good communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to adapt to organizational changes, and being motivated and proactive will assist you in a career in human resources.

Those who are outgoing are also very well suited for a career in marketing. Businesses looking to hire a marketer look for people who are self-motivated, have a pleasant personality, and have business acumen. Check out this article What Companies Want: The Seven Traits of an Ideal Marketer for more details.

Law is another area where outgoing individuals can really succeed. It requires excellent interpersonal and human relations skills, and ability to be organized and detail-oriented. You can pursue a unique and rewarding career as a Law Clerk or a Paralegal.

Based on your personality and interests, what program sounds most appealing to you? Share in the comments!

What Type of Business Person are YOU?

Every organization needs talented business people to succeed. However, not all business people are created equal — or at least, not all business people can perform all jobs equally well! There are a variety of positions within business that favour specific skill sets.

We’ve identified five “types” and the personal traits associated with them. Each type of business person is ideally suited for different roles within the corporate world: leader, outgoing, helping people, organized, and analytical.

business careers

Let’s Take a Look at Leader

Do you usually find yourself in a position of leadership? Are people often looking to you to provide guidance? Do you enjoy leading a team of people?

Here are some traits a leader should possess:

  • Has integrity
  • Able to see peoples’ strengths and know how to use them
  • Is positive and encouraging
  • Good listener
  • Passionate

Of course, traits alone don’t guarantee success. Beyond these personal traits, there are specific skills to master in order to be an effective leader:

  • Communication – A leader must be able to communicate in a manner that gets people to work toward a common goal.
  • Motivation – A leader understands the team dynamic by knowing each person’s strengths and weaknesses and how to motivate them. A good leader will use each person in a position that makes the most of their strengths.
  • Planning – A leader has a plan to achieve the goal. He/she is able to view scenarios from a high level and not get too bogged down by the details.
  • Delegation – A great leader acknowledges that he/she can’t do everything and is be able to delegate effectively.

Check out Ben Yoskovitz’s blog for a list of more leadership skills.

Leaders are concerned with developing others to reach their potential, and use that potential to reach the corporate goal. Here is a great video that helps to explain what leaders focus on: top 10 differences between managers and leaders. Often, leadership traits are most easily recognized in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

SMEs are the fastest growing sector of the economy, internationally and locally. Strong leadership skills are essential for running a successful business, whether as an entrepreneur or part of a senior management team. If you’ve considered owning a business or working for an SME, check out our diploma program in Management and Entrepreneurship.

If you’ve given thought to a career in international business, our graduates find employment opportunities in a wide range of international fields including government, banking, financial services, industry, logistics, supply chain management, marketing, sales, and management consulting.