International Business Careers

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Program Overview

Getting the most out of your International Studies major. Preparing for Life After Fairfield.

Successful Fairfield students know that valuable learning also takes place outside the regular classroom and the five-courses-per-semester routine.

You need to take advantage of activities in your major. Look for relevant summer jobs. Attend on-campus talks by experts in your field. Take part in workshops to strengthen your technical and computer skills

We have brought together all of these ideas - and more - in this "Classroom to Career" program designed for your major.

Click on any year in the winding road to the right. See a variety of career planning suggestions that will help add value to your Fairfield classroom experience and help you prepare for your life after graduation.

At the bottom of each page, click on the comparable University-wide activities for freshman, sophomore, junior and seniors years.

Dig in!

View a PDF of the entire list of department and University events.

First Year

Classroom to Career - First Year

Academic Advising
Use your academic advisor and the peer advising program to explore International Studies and other potential majors, minors, programs and courses, given your interest. What core courses fit best with your career goals? Work them into your schedule. What knowledge, skills and values do you need?‌

 

ctc_intl_fresh_1My goal as an International Studies major is to leave college with the skills needed to create effective change and find innovative solutions on a global scale to the many issues and challenges our world faces. Without foresight and comprehension of how our decisions will most likely impact the international community, our generation cannot adequately resolve any major issues. The first step to improving the world we live in is educating ourselves and thinking critically about the diverse, complex, and incredible world we live in.

Kathryn Keane '11; International Studies

 

Real World Experience
The International Studies program, a collaborative effort of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Dolan School of Business, offers a major and minor in International Studies, and a major in International Business with a complimentary major or minor in the Dolan School of Business. The program offers you the flexibility to integrate courses in both schools into your plan of study, and reinforces multidimensional learning with real-world experience through Service Learning, Internships, Model United Nations, Study Abroad opportunities, Advanced language training, Academic Partnerships, and International Scholarships and Fellowships.‌


ctc_intl_fresh_2I chose to be an International Business major because of all the opportunities it provides. It gives you not just a background in the business world but a foundation in the humanities as well. In the changing world economy, international business provides the flexibility to work in a variety of fields. My interests are leading me to the fields of international government organizations as well as the not-for-profit sector. At Fairfield, I have been able to explore these interests through the International Studies department as well as through the International Business/Studies Club and Sigma Iota Rho, the International Studies Honor Society. With International Business, the opportunities are endless and I encourage others to take advantage of them. 
- Tara Hurley '10; International Business & Management

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Dream Job
What is your "dream job" after graduation? What are you passionate about? Talk to your faculty advisor and other mentors. As an International Studies major, how can you use your time at Fairfield to prepare for it through class work, internships, volunteer activities, summer jobs, leadership positions with clubs and organizations, and other relevant out of class experience?.

Because of my internships and some of the courses that I took during my time at Fairfield University, I found that it was very important to have an International Business Degree. Globalization is changing the way companies do business. Now, more than ever, we should inform ourselves of the global world, as every business and individual is affected by global events. I believe that with a degree in International Business, I will set myself apart from my colleagues because I will have the tools for understanding the global environment and the way different countries do business. My goal is to eventually work in Brazil, and be able to use my International Business Degree to facilitate communication between the U.S. and Brazil. 
- Marina Barbosa '11; Accounting & International Business; Deloitte & Touche

Get Published!ctc_intl_fresh_4

The International Studies Program reinforces multidimensional learning with real-world experience through language studies, service learning, Model United Nations, the Undergraduate Journal of Global Citizenship, internships, and study abroad opportunities, and through work with our faculty in research projects and as student teaching assistants.

Use the Core Wisely
Consider a variety of possible language options, including critical languages such as Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese and Russian. Critical languages are languages that business, non-profit and government leaders identify as critical to the economic, humanitarian and political interests of the United States.

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Model UN
Get started early with a student club that operates under the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA USA) and is open to all undergraduates in any major. A minimum of three conferences per year (two national and/or one international) enable selected members to compete with peers from all over the world, while feeding their interest in current events, increasing their public speaking skills, and opening up their minds to the political, social, and economic landscape of other countries.

Student Resources
Get plugged into our many professional associations and organizations:

Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA)
"The Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) comprises 34 member schools in North America, Asia and Europe dedicated to the improvement of professional education in international affairs and the advancement thereby of international understanding, prosperity, peace, and security." (From APSIA website, "About Us," 2008).

International Studies Association (ISA)

"The International Studies Association (ISA) was founded in 1959 to promote research and education in international affairs. With well over four thousand members in North America and around the world, ISA is the most well respected and widely known scholarly association in this field. ISA cooperates with 57 international studies organizations in over 30 countries, is a member of the International Social Science Council, and has nongovernmental consultative status with the United Nations." (From the ISA website, "About the ISA," 2009).

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
"UNESCO - the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was founded on 16 November 1945. For this specialized United Nations agency, it is not enough to build classrooms in devastated countries or to publish scientific breakthroughs. Education, Social and Natural Science, Culture and Communication are the means to a far more ambitious goal: to build peace in the minds of men." (From the UNESCO website, "About UNESCO," 2007).

That's just the start. Take a look at this career information from other University offices that we think is also valuable to International Studies majors.

Sophomore Year

Classroom to Career - Sophomore Year

Learn From Other Students
Check out the many student blogs from current and former IS students.


ctc_intl_soph_1More Advising

Use your faculty advisor and peer advising (PDF) to choose the best courses, given your interest. Be prepared for your advising meetings.

Fulbright Tradition
More than 60 Fairfield University graduating seniors have been awarded a Fulbright - a year-long scholarship that supports post-graduate study, research, work, or teaching in another country. Established in 1946 by Congress, this government-sponsored program funds the studies and research of more than 1,450 U.S. graduating college seniors, graduate students, young professionals, and artists in over 155 foreign countries annually. 


ctc_intl_soph_2Line Up References

Start to look for 3+ professors in International Studies and elsewhere who might serve as professional references for you. Discuss your future plans with them and ask for guidance. Stay in touch with them so they can speak about your successes in an informed way.

Keep Dreaming
What happens after Fairfield? What would be your "dream job" - and how do you get there? Talk to your faculty advisor and other mentors: How can you use your remaining time at Fairfield to prepare for it?

Honors Program
Qualified International Studies students participate in the Honors Program at Fairfield University and, for students with an exceptional academic record of achievement, the opportunity to be elected to the country's premier honor society, Phi Betta Kappa.

Global Citizenship
Are you a global citizen? The Fairfield University Undergraduate Journal of Global Citizenship welcomes undergraduate submissions on diverse topics related to global awareness, interdependence, responsible global citizenship, social justice, humanitarian justice and other themes that promote the understanding of global citizenship.

Check out our most recent issue.ctc_intl_soph_3

International Studies - Internships
The International Studies Internship Program provides our majors and minors with professional development opportunities within the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Our internship placements offer students an opportunity for experiential learning, a core element of the University mission to provide students with a holistic educational experience.

Internship Objectives

  • Acquire practical experience to compliment academic training in International Studies
  • Develop transferable skills through field experience
  • Employ learned concepts and skills in an applied setting
  • Ascertain career objectives through reflection of professional experiences
  • Engage with non-profit, government, and private sector entities on behalf of the International Studies Program and the University

Internship Eligibility: Junior or Senior standing as a major or minor in the International Studies Program; have at least a 2.8 GPA; complete and return Internship Agreement to International Studies Office.

Talk to your faculty advisor and start planning now for potential internships. Think about "trying out" a career, gaining work experience, marketable skills, potential mentors and a competitive edge. Look for potential matches between an internship with your career.

One of the primary skills I picked up during my internship is how to perform an audit. I also learned how to use the company's accounting information system, AS/2, as a main tool to perform the audit work. With these skills I was able to get a better idea of what will be required of me as a business professional and as an auditor once I graduate Fairfield University. Moreover, I learned about the many career opportunities that I have at Deloitte, such as the international opportunities, as well as the possible career paths that I can take. This inspired me to work hard in order to be a successful professional at the company. I also learned what I need to do now in order to advance professionally. I was able to finish my internship with a clear career path, and with a 5-year plan in place. 

- Marina Barbosa '11; Accounting & International Business; Deloitte & Touche

 

Model UNctc_intl_soph_4

Fairfield's Model UN is a student club that operates under the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA USA) and is open to all undergraduates in any major. A minimum of three conferences per year (two national and one international) enable selected members to compete with peers from all over the world, while feeding their interest in current events, increasing their public speaking skills, and opening up their minds to the political, social, and economic landscape of other countries.

The Fairfield team annually participates in several Model UN conferences and hosts an annual conference for High School students. At these conferences, students participate in simulations mimicking the UN General Assembly, or other similar multilateral bodies, at which they are faced by issues of global importance. Participating students will represent a country or position in an international arena through debate, writing draft resolutions, and negotiating with allies and adversaries.

Model UN provides a great perspective on the reality of international affairs and the international governance system. The Fairfield University team is an active member of the Fairfield University community, hosting events and meetings throughout the academic year.

International Business
As an international business major, you will study the global business environment with an emphasis on:

  • Multinational organizations
  • Economic and political systems
  • Socio-cultural structures
  • Diversities that have operational significance for international business

The International Studies Program, a collaborative effort of the Dolan School of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences, offers majors in International Business the flexibility to integrate courses in both schools into your plan of study. The program draws from a group of interdisciplinary faculty, practitioners, and students from many parts of the world with a commitment to thinking critically about global challenges, promoting social justice, and service. You will have access to specialized faculty and staff who offer ongoing advisement, and you will be encouraged to broaden the scope of your study by incorporating experiential learning opportunities such as Study Abroad - as of 11-01-2016, internships with international institutions and businesses, and advanced language training. You'll also have access to special resources for the International Business major. Also take a look at International Fellowships.

That's just the start. Take a look at this career information from other University offices that we think is also valuable to International Studies majors.

Junior Year

Classroom to Career - Junior Year

Options After Fairfield
How can you best use your remaining courses and free electives to both round out your education and prepare for a career? How about possible graduate school work in International Studies... or scholarships like a Fulbright Fellowship... or Teach for America? How about places where recent grads work, such as Action Against Hunger, Jesuit Volunteer Services, Millward Brown, NBC Universal, and the US State Department. Talk to your faculty advisor. Here are some student-generated options.

Supervised Researchctc_intl_jr_1

Talk to favorite professors about possible supervised research projects you might do in your area of interest, in the summer or during the school year. On-campus summer housing is available. Example:

In my paper, I assessed the fate of the 'Japanese salary man' in relation to a gradually changing youth culture. Utilizing and employing the connections and contacts I had fostered during my semester abroad in Japan during spring 2009, I interviewed and collected the opinions of 27 Japanese collegiate students to illustrate the inevitable decline of Japanese lifelong employment. I also came to the conclusion that lifelong employment in Japan is on a gradual decline due to economic factors. (Submitted to the Fairfield Journal of Global Citizenship.)
- Kristin Wingate '10; International Studies


ctc_intl_jr_2References

Look for three professors, in and out of the department, who can speak about your successes in an informed way.

Independent Studies
Interested in a research area but there is no course offered in the catalog? Talk to a faculty member or department chair about a possible independent study.

Student Resourcesctc_intl_jr_3

Get plugged into our many professional associations and organizations

Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA)
International Studies Association (ISA)
United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Graduate work
Students also pursue graduate degrees at leading institutions, including recently at Brooklyn Law School, Cambridge University, New York Law School, Seton Hall University, and the University of Connecticut. Talk to your advisor about how to best position yourself, early!

Model UN
The club takes part in a UN simulation, dealing with the same issues that the actual United Nations does. Students are no longer U.S. citizens, but instead become delegates of another country.

In preparation for the conferences, students research their country's culture, economics, history, geography and politics. Students must also pay close attention to current events. The major challenge of this club is to stop looking at everything as an American and to view situations through another country's eyes. As a result, students gain a greater appreciation and understanding of other cultures as well as their own.

The Fairfield team annually participates in several Model UN conferences and hosts an annual conference for High School students. At these conferences, students participate in simulations mimicking the UN General Assembly, or other similar multilateral bodies, at which they are faced by issues of global importance. Participating students will represent a country or position in an international arena through debate, writing draft resolutions, and negotiating with allies and adversaries.

Model UN provides a great perspective on the reality of international affairs and the international governance system. The Fairfield University team is an active member of the Fairfield University community, hosting events and meetings throughout the academic year.

CAS Awards‌

International Studies has department awards for outstanding students every spring; they are honored at the College of Arts and Sciences Award Night in April.

Attend the event and look for projects that might earn you this honor. With your faculty advisor, gain experience in entering such a competition and learn how to effectively package and present your work-and yourself. Non-seniors are often singled out for their great work.

International Studies - Internships
Talk to your faculty advisor and start planning now for potential internships. Think about "trying out" a career, gaining work experience, marketable skills, potential mentors and a competitive edge. Look for potential matches between an internship with your career.

During my internship at WWE, I definitely acquired many skills. I was able to improve my knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint, and I was also able to gain skills related to the fields of social media and marketing.  In addition to gaining these skills, I was able to continue working on interpersonal communication skills, as well as time management. Classes such as (IL 50) People, Places and Global Issues really prepared me for this internship because I learned a lot about different cultures and customs all around the world.  These different cultures and customs were relevant to my internship because they influenced the type of programming that was allowed in all different countries. 
- Colleen O'Halloran '15; International Studies and Spanish; WWE

Life After Fairfield
International Studies/International Business graduates pursue careers in a myriad of international-related career options with private and non-profit/public sector employers including:

  • Action Against Hunger
  • Jesuit Volunteer Services
  • Millward Brown
  • NBC Universal
  • US State Department

The International Studies program has an outstanding record of Fulbright awards for students to conduct research abroad after they graduate from Fairfield. Students also pursue graduate degrees at leading institutions, including recently at Brooklyn Law School, Cambridge University, New York Law School, Seton Hall University, and the University of Connecticut. Talk to your faculty advisor about how to achieve your career goals.

Get Honored
Sigma Iota Rho, the international studies honor society, was founded at American University in 1984 to promote and reward the scholarship and service among students of international studies, international relations, and global studies. Contact: Jermain Griffin

That's just the start. Take a look at this career information from other University offices that we think is also valuable to International Studies majors.

Senior Year

Classroom to Career - Senior Year

Capstone Courses / Independent Study 
Use the Capstone Course to integrate what you have learned, reflect upon how you have grown at Fairfield, and consider where your path will lead you next. The course also is usually a chance to also sharpen research skills, strengthen any Portfolio, and make fresh connections among courses and experiences.

Model UNctc_intl_sr_1

Model UN is a unique club which combines politics, culture, diplomacy, research, and public speaking. In preparation for the conferences, students research their country's culture, economics, history, geography and politics. Students must also pay close attention to current events. The major challenge of this club is to stop looking at everything as an American and to view situations through another country's eyes. As a result, students gain a greater appreciation and understanding of other cultures as well as their own.

The Fairfield team annually participates in several Model UN conferences and hosts an annual conference for High School students. At these conferences, students participate in simulations mimicking the UN General Assembly, or other similar multilateral bodies, at which they are faced by issues of global importance. Participating students will represent a country or position in an international arena through debate, writing draft resolutions, and negotiating with allies and adversaries.

Model UN provides a great perspective on the reality of international affairs and the international governance system. The Fairfield University team is an active member of the Fairfield University community, hosting events and meetings throughout the academic year.

Service Learning Associates
Housed in the Office of Service Learning, the Service Learning Associates (SLA) program engages 8 to 10 undergraduates each semester as student leaders to their peers in service-learning courses. Each Associate works intensively with one professor to support a service-learning course which aligns with the Associate's academic background and interests. The Associates meet regularly with both faculty and fellow Associates throughout the semester and attend professional development trainings facilitated by the Office of Service Learning. Contact Karen Parkinson, Program Coordinator.ctc_intl_sr_2

I love being able to combine my passion for social justice with my classroom experiences, which allows us to truly make our studies applicable to real world situations.

- Melissa Hannequin '13; majors in International Studies and Sociology; Minors in Peace & Justice, Anthropology, and Black Studies

Research
Start to narrow your interests and look for ways to use classwork, internships, summer work and potential independent studies to further your interest.

Grad School
Talk to your faculty advisor or a favorite professor about possible graduate school work in IS.

Final Internship
Use your final internship(s) to try out careers, sharpen your resume and cover letter, develop a portfolio, make contacts, and take classroom skills and apply to real world.ctc_intl_sr_3

Line Up References 
Finalize 3+ professors from International Studies and elsewhere who might serve as professional references for you. Discuss your future plans with them and ask for guidance.

Fulbright Tradition
More than 60 Fairfield University graduating seniors have been awarded a Fulbright - a year-long scholarship that supports post-graduate study, research, work, or teaching in another country. Established in 1946 by Congress, this government-sponsored program funds the studies and research of more than 1,450 U.S. graduating college seniors, graduate students, young professionals, and artists in over 155 foreign countries annually. 

That's just the start. Take a look at this career information from other University offices that we think is also valuable to International Studies majors.

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