Types of careers that I consider:
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Manager (International Business)
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Financial analyst
Nature of the work
1) What kind of work is done in this field?
2) What are the related occupations?
Manager (International Business) Financial analyst
1) International Business specialists are those who have studied the intricacies of the international market. Opportunities for work in international business come in a few different forms:
1) Financial analysts provide analysis and guidance to businesses and individuals in making investment decisions. They gather financial information, analyze it, and make recommendations.
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Working for an American company that deals with international clients.
Working for an American company and occasionally traveling abroad for business.
 Working for an American company that sends you to live abroad as an expat.
Working for a foreign company that does business in America (possibly abroad).
Often, workers in the international business field begin their careers working in the Untied States, so those interested in progressing towards international business should look for positions with multi-national firms. Companies generally want to train employees in all areas of the company’s business before giving them the opportunity to represent the company abroad.
Financial analysts assess the economic performance of companies and industries for firms and institutions with money to invest. Also called securities analysts and investment analysts , they work for investment banks, insurance companies, mutual and pension funds, securities firms, the business media, and other businesses, helping them make investment decisions or recommendations. Financial analysts read company financial statements and analyze commodity prices, sales, costs, expenses, and tax rates in order to determine a company’s value and to project its future earnings. They often meet with company officials to gain a better insight into the firm’s prospects and to determine its managerial effectiveness.

2) Related occupations are bank trust officer, budget analyst, capital budgeting officer, financial analyst, insurance specialist, market researcher, marketing assistant, merger and acquisition manager, operations manager and public relations manager.
2) Other jobs requiring expertise in finance and investment or in the sale of financial products include accountants and auditors, financial managers, insurance sales agents, real estate brokers and sales agents, budget analysts, insurance underwriters, actuaries, and securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents.
Entry requirements
1) What education is required?
2) What college majors are suggested?
Manager (International Business) Financial analyst
1) A four year degree is usually essential to gaining a position in international business. Aside from a four-year degree, the following things will help you advance in international business management more quickly:
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 Fluency in a foreign language.
 Experience living abroad.
Extensive travel experience.
Experience or internships within
 international business.
An MBA degree.
Those interested in international business may want to consider spending a semester abroad during their undergraduate career, as companies will look favorably upon this experience when they are looking for people to send abroad.
2) A four year degree in a field related to business (international business, management, statistics, marketing, or economics) is required by the most of companies.
1) Financial analysts must have a bachelor’s degree. Many also earn a master’s degree in finance or business administration or get professional designations. Coursework in statistics, economics, and business is required, and knowledge of accounting policies and procedures, corporate budgeting, and financial analysis methods is recommended. A master’s degree in finance or business administration also is desirable. Also useful are advanced courses in options pricing or bond valuation and knowledge of risk management. Because the field is so specialized, workers frequently attend training and seminars to learn the latest developments.
2) Most companies require financial analysts to have at least a bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, accounting, statistics, or economics.

Rewards and Benefits
1) What does a typical worker earn in this field?
2) What are the benefits?
Manager (International Business) Financial analyst
1) Starting salaries in this field vary depending on the market and the industry at hand. Experienced top-level executives in international business earn well into the six-figure range. According to
PayScale.com, those who possess an
MBA in Business with a focus in
International Business can expect to earn a median salary between $50,000 for entry-level jobs, and those with top-tier
MBAs can expect triple that amount in starting positions.
1) Median annual earnings, including bonuses, of wage and salary financial analysts were $66,590 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between
$50,700 and $90,690. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,340, and the highest 10 percent earned more than
$130,130.
2) Among the top benefits most likely to be offered to international managers are health insurance coverage, paid vacation, performance bonuses, and for those who work abroad – housing allowance, home country home sale benefits, transportation assistance and cost-of-living allowances.
2) The bonuses that many financial analysts receive in addition to their salary can be a significant part of their total earnings. Usually, the bonus is based on how well their predictions compare to the actual performance of a benchmark investment.
Outlook for the future
1) Are job opportunities increasing or decreasing in this area?
2) Is there much competition in this area for jobs in this field?
Manager (International Business) Financial analyst
1) In spite of difficult economical situation career opportunities for international managers are expected to grow. The main reason for that is globalization of the world economy. Nowadays more and
1) Employment of financial analysts is expected to grow by 34 percent between
2006 and 2016, which is also much faster than the average for all occupations.
Primary factors for this growth are

more international companies appear, so, the potential demand for the professional international managers is increasing. increasing complexity of investments and growth in the industry. As the number and type of mutual funds and the amount of assets invested in these funds increase, mutual fund companies will need more financial analysts to research and recommend investments.
2) Despite of the globalization of the economy and potential growth of the demand for this profession, competition will be strong. So, international managers have to improve their skills and education constantly in order to have a chance to get a job in a prospective company.
Obtaining an MBA and taking courseworks related to international business will be very helpful in maintaining employment.
2) Despite overall employment growth, competition for jobs is expected to be keen in these high-paying occupations.
Growth in the industry will create many new positions, but there are still far more people who would like to enter the occupation. For those aspiring to financial analyst jobs, a strong academic background is absolutely essential. Good grades in courses such as finance, accounting, and economics are very important to employers. An MBA or certification is helpful in maintaining employment.

Essay
Analyze and Plan
I decided to chose two careers options: management (international business) and financial analyst. In my opinion, those two ones seems to be an appropriate choice for my future career.
However, during my research I realized that each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.
First, let me take into consideration my first option – management of international business. I chose an International business as my major for several reasons. I am pretty sure that I can do well about international relations because I have international background. Originally I am from
Ukraine and I know several languages. In addition, I studied international business in my country. I know that the work of international manager might be related with traveling. This side of work attracts me a lot. And at the same time I realize that being in another country away from family and friends might be also challenging. Another advantage is that my Holland and
Campbell types are similar to that of people in the field. Thus, my Holland code is IEA
(Investigative, Enterprising, and Artistic). And, according to Campbell Work Orientations, my top three preferred work activities are organizing, creating and analyzing. During my research I also find out that people this profession have good salaries and extended benefits, especially when they have to work abroad. Also people of this career field have a perspective outlook for the future. The main reason for that is globalization of the world economy. Nowadays more and more international companies appear, so, the potential demand for the professional international managers is increasing. Therefore, I think this career field is a good choice for me. However, there are also some disadvantages and external obstacles that have to be mentioned. For instance,
I found out there are strong competition and certain education requirements in this career field.

In order to get a good job MBA degree is highly desired. However, obtaining such an education requires a lot of efforts, time and money funds. As for me, it might be a bit complicate because of my situation. Besides studying, I have certain work and family education, which all make obtaining a high education more difficult for me.
Another considered career option is a financial analyst. I think it is also a good choice for me.
Tests showed that I possess good accounting and analytical skills that are necessary for the career of financial analytic. That’s a big plus. In addition, my work-related strengths may include lots of energy and enjoyment of being active on the job, ability to adapt well to change and shift gears quickly. However, I also found out that some of my collaboration and communication skills need to be improved. That’s a drawback. My research also showed that this type of career provides with relatively high income and excellent benefits. People in this career field also have excellent perspectives for the future. Their career advancement depends on their achievements and experience. However, entering such a competitive career field requires certain level of education. In order to become a professional financial analytic, I need to obtain an MBA in finance. And it might take a long time. In other words, this task is time consuming. However, I have to take into consideration not only time, but also money and efforts. In order to reach this goal, I have to switch my major and enter a four-year college. And it is not so easy to do for me because of the external obstacles, such as work and family obligations. I have to work to support myself and as mother of 2-years old son I have to spend enough time with my family.
My career research helped me to find out a lot of interesting and useful information. I realized that first career option seems more attracted for me. First of all, the profession of international manager is more interesting for me because of opportunity to travel. Secondly, I feel more attracted to the job related to management. I think I can discover my working and personal

potential while being an international manager. Another advantage is that I am close to my graduation in this major. I don’t have to start my education all over, like in a case with a second option which is a financial analytic. Still, I know that MBA degree is strongly desired for my career as an international manager. For this reason, I plan to transfer to a four-year college. I also realized that in spite of my personal situation, I can afford it. If I apply for a financial aid or/and scholarship, it will help me to solve my financial problems. Thus, I will be able to graduate faster, than merely going college part-time. In addition, the solution to another my problem was found. I clearly realize that I can get some working experience right now by getting an internship. And, no doubt, it would be really helpful for my future career. My internship will help me learn more about American business culture and improve my working skills. My research also helped me to find out what types of jobs match my degree. It showed me that I can also work as a market researcher, a marketing assistant, a merger and acquisition manager, an operations manager or a public relations manager. So, now, when I have most of the necessary information, I feel more confident and ready for the next steps towards my career goals.
RESOURSES:
1.
Region, BLS. "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 10 May 2009
<http://www.bls.gov>.
2.
Occupational Outlook Handbook. : Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2008-2009.
3.
Program. "International Business Online Career Guide." Online Degrees from Accredited
Online Schools and Online College. 11 May 2009
<http://www.guidetoonlineschools.com/careers/international-business>.
4.
Hansen, Fay. "Currents in Compensation and Benefits." Compflash: News and Analysis 2003
APR 2009 19-20. Web.11 May 2009. <http://cbr.sagepub.com>.