MBA in International Business is a postgraduate management degree programme that is one of the most demanded academic courses. MBA or Master of Business Administration in the field of international business is a specialised programme that focuses on providing the knowledge of foreign trade operations, as well as the global economic trends and strategies. The course is of the duration of two years, which is usually divided into four semesters, with each year having two semesters. Most institutions and universities offer this course on a full-time study basis.
However, graduates can also opt for the part-time, distance learning or online modes of pursuing an MBA in International Business. The course offers a wide scope of job opportunities for students. Several organisations operating at the global level require MBAs who have completed the specialisation in international business. Under this course, students gain in-depth knowledge in areas like international marketing, global financial management, import-export management, and forex management. After completing this course, they can begin working as professionals who may earn anywhere between INR 5 lakhs and INR 15 lakhs. The career opportunities are endless after finishing this course.
Almost every B-school and private or public university in India offers MBA in International Business. While this course was first offered in the US in 1946, it was introduced in India in 1963 when the Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) was founded. Presently, there are hundreds of B-schools and institutions recognised by AICTE, UGC or AIU, providing the MBA programme in international business. Below, we give you a list of some of the top B-schools and universities that offer high-quality management programmes in this domain:
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi
Symbiosis Institute of International Business, Pune
Faculty of Management Studies, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
Asian School of Business Management, Bhubaneswar
K. J. Somaiya Institute of Management Studies & Research, Mumbai
Amity University, multiple locations
Institute of Management, Christ University, Bengaluru
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi
Doon Business School, Dehradun
Alagappa University (Distance Education), Tamil Nadu
University Business School, Punjab University, Punjab
It is noteworthy that students should choose a B-school or institution based on several factors that include quality of education on a priority. However, they should also check the course fee charged by these institutions for MBA in International Business. Usually, the course fee may go from INR 1 lakh to INR 15 lakhs, based on the institution, course recognition and quality, mode of study, etc. Students should ensure that they are able to support their study financially.
To pursue MBA in International Business programme successfully, students must possess certain skills. They should have the prerequisites so they can excel in the course and take full benefit out of it. Following are some important skills they should possess to enter the domain of international business management:
Basic knowledge of global business operations
Excellent oral and written communication
Knowledge of any foreign languages (a plus)
Aptitude towards business and interest in global economy
Persuasive and negotiating skills
Confident and presentable personality
Leadership and teamwork skills
Managerial skills
Good planning, coordination, and organisational abilities
As students are given extensive training in the above-mentioned domains while pursuing MBA in International Business, they are equipped with the knowledge of the international marketplace and business environment. This turns them into honed professionals who can handle a variety of job profiles in multinational companies and across the industries.
Students can find jobs of their interests in automobile firms, FMCG companies, IT companies, electronics firms, banks and financial institutions, hospitality organisations, and consumer durable companies. They can also find great opportunities in import-export companies, foreign direct investment agencies and consultancies dealing with multinational clients. After completing MBA in International Business, students can also start their own businesses or expand any existing business at international level.
Students specialising in international business can even work through their own global business consulting firm. Additionally, several foreign organisations hire specialists in this domain. Students can fit in a variety of job roles like those of business analyst, marketing executive, business technical consultant, business development manager, territory sales executive, and international business lead. Those interested in teaching can join B-schools as lecturers or managers. Thus, the scope is truly wide for IB professionals.
Candidates who want to pursue MBA in International Business must check every single eligibility criterion of the specific institution in which they want to apply. While there may be some specific criteria applicable to Indian or foreign students in certain institutions, there are some basic criteria that every institution has set for applicants. Candidates must comply with following conditions:
To seek admission in MBA in International Business programme, the candidate must at least be a graduate (10+2+3 pattern) in any stream from a recognised institution or university.
The candidate should have scored a minimum of 45% marks in the qualifying exam. However, the minimum marks percentage may vary per institution and candidate category.
The candidate needs to qualify an MBA entrance exam and requires having a valid score in the same in order to be eligible for admission in a particular institution or university. It depends on the specific institution to which the candidate applies, as to which exam’s scores are accepted there. The most commonly accepted exams are CAT, XAT, CMAT, SNAP, IIFT, etc. The institutions generally admit candidate based on the merit of exam scores.
MBA in International Business is a specialised course in itself. International business or IB is a specialisation under the MBA programme. Thus, there is no further specialisation offered under the MBA IB course. However, the course offers a detailed knowledge of all the aspects of international business management to students pursuing it. The course is aimed at developing capable professionals who can assess and analyse the impact of international global scenarios on the domestic market.
Students pursuing MBA in International Business gain a detailed understanding of various aspects, such as commercial transactions between different nations, financial risk management, foreign trade policies, international business relations, and business strategies. They also learn about management decision making in the global context, business communication and negotiation, marketing management, people management, financial accounting, business research, logistics management, Indian and the world economy. Students are trained in the areas of econometrics, commodity trading and pricing regulations, e-commerce, mergers and acquisitions as well as cross-cultural management.