International Business

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Drake is one of a limited number of universities with a major in international business. The major draws on the disciplines of economics, finance, marketing, management, geography, politics, history and the foreign languages to enable students to develop an international perspective on business opportunities. The international business major examines the challenge of developing and adapting business practices to operate within and among different economies, political systems and cultures. Many students in this major enrich their educational experience with a semester abroad, learning first hand about the business dealings in a different region of the world. International business is especially desirable in the job market when combined with another field in a double major. It is most frequently paired with marketing, management or finance.

DEGREE OPTIONS
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in international business

FACULTY
The international business major is multidisciplinary, with courses taught by faculty with advanced degrees in economics, finance, management and marketing. They have experience in the business world, as well as international travel and research. Their current teaching and research interests include international strategic management, identification and assessment of global marketing opportunities, global marketing strategies, relationship marketing and selling in global markets, and international finance and banking.

ACADEMIC PREPARATION
While there are no high school level requirements for the international business major, students with this interest are strongly encouraged to take foreign language courses and any other courses that expose them to a variety of cultures and to world events. The major requires two years of college level foreign language, however, students with language in high school can often be placed beyond the beginning level class. Strong written and oral communication skills and a good foundation in the use of information technology are encouraged. Courses in business and economics are also be beneficial.

SAMPLE COURSES
First year students in international business often take courses in foreign language, geography, and psychology. The major courses begin in the junior year. Courses in international economics, marketing, business, and finance are required of all majors, along with a few other management courses. International Business majors also take 3 courses focused on one region of the world. The courses are drawn from the disciplines of politics, history, and geography.

DRAKE CURRICULUM
The Drake Curriculum, a requirement of all undergraduates, helps students meet personal and professional goals as they acquire fundamental knowledge and abilities in ten Areas of Inquiry. These areas include communication, critical thinking, artistic experience, historical consciousness, information and technology literacy, international and multicultural experiences, scientific and quantitative literacy, values and ethics and engaged citizenship. Students work closely with their academic advisers to craft a program of study in general education that prepares students for civic and professional leadership.

The Drake Curriculum also requires first-year seminars, which foster development of critical thinking and written and oral communication skills through a topical focus; and a Senior Capstone, in which students demonstrate the capacity to bring information, skills and ideas to bear on one project.

INTERNSHIPS AND OPPORTUNITIES
International business majors are encouraged, but not required, to incorporate a study abroad experience during their sophomore or junior year. Drake has an international studies office with a highly qualified staff to work with the student and the adviser to plan a study abroad trip that furthers the student’s goals. While the most popular programs for Drake students are in Europe, there are study abroad opportunities in all parts of the world, and semester at sea programs also are available.

Internship opportunities are available during the school year with businesses in the Des Moines area. Summer opportunities extend to other regions of the country. These paid internships allow students to gain additional experience in international-related business operations. Summer internship programs, such as the Iowa Council for International Understanding and the Iowa Management Association Program, are available to students on a competitive basis. Organizations with possible internships include The Prudential Financial Corporation, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Minnesota Mutual Life, Wells Fargo, Kemin Industries, and state government agencies with international involvement.

CAREER OPTIONS
International business graduates often begin their careers through management training programs or specialist positions. Majors also pursue unique career path leadership roles in profit-making, private non-profit and governmental organizations. International business majors often enter as specialists or trainees in multi-national corporations, which include assignments allowing for international experiences. Graduates are prepared to advance through specialist, supervisory and managerial ranks in multi-national corporations, international trading companies, government agencies and international institutions such as the Export-Import Bank, World Bank and Overseas Investment Corporation. The future holds a healthy demand for international business majors, with opportunities for internal advancements and alternative career mobility paths.

ORGANIZATIONS
Organizations at Drake which enhance study in international business include: the Drake International Business Society; Alpha Kappa Psi and Delta Sigma Pi, national professional business fraternities; and Beta Gamma Sigma, a national professional business society, which offers opportunities for involvement in entrepreneurial activities on campus and in the community.

NOTED ALUMNI

Ronda Creen, BN'94, Global Marketing Manager, Q.A.D., Inc.
Christina Carr, BN'96, Export Traffic Coordinator, Marubeni America Corporation
Craig Schaefer, BN'96, Manager Distribution Center Process Improvement, Rockwell International
Laura Gould, BN'99, marketing intelligence specialist, IBM