Enter the wide world of import and export

The increasingly blurred lines between continents, facilitated by international trade, mean that consumers have become accustomed to a wide range of choice in goods and services. Accordingly, producers must adapt to the expanding scope of consumer needs by participating in international trade.

The import and export industry has become vital to modern life. As such, a variety of exciting careers exists within it. Here are a few of the many fields within the global trade landscape:

International marketing manager

The international marketing manager is responsible for the interpretation of foreign markets. This position may require attendance at trade shows, the development of advertising and promotional material, as well as the consideration of market access and financial risk analysis. This position requires a fairly vast skill set - ranging from the creative interpretation of foreign market needs, to analytical and prognostic thinking. The successful international marketing manager must be able to establish rapport with potential customers from variant locales, and determine the unique needs of a broad scope of markets.

Insurance broker

Very few businesses take part in international trade without insurance. This may include cover against risks distinctive to international trade - foreign exchange conversion or payment transfer difficulties, political instability or buyer insolvency. International trade offers a specialised field of insurance possibilities, requiring forward-thinking insurance brokers to analyse a broad field of risks. The international insurance broker must have a solid understanding of quantitative analysis to interpret complex data and develop tailored insurance solutions.

International trader

The international trader is involved in the import and export of goods. Providing a wide range of services, the international trader must be capable of buying and selling, and possess a specialised knowledge of the product and its relation to specific markets. The international trader needs excellent communication skills to establish lasting relationships with buyers and sellers in a number of markets. This skill requires consideration of the market's language and culture. The role of international trader is one of the few fields within global trade that welcomes entry-level applicants, as it relies heavily on experiential learning.

International shipping specialist

Working for transportation or logistics companies, international shipping specialists are responsible for coordinating international transportation. This process includes the preparation of documentation, negotiation of long-distance transportation with carriers, consolidation of shipments, packing and labelling according to specifications of various transport forms and the assessment of insurance and brokerage requirements. This position requires analytical thinking and a detailed knowledge of transportation dynamics.

International trade is a dynamic and multifaceted industry with many opportunities. Exciting and lucrative career paths are available to anyone willing to acquire the necessary trade skills.

The course is presented online throughout South Africa. For more information contact Nikki on +27 (0) 21 447 7565 or az.oc.retramsteg@elocin. Alternatively, visit www.GetSmarter.co.za.

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