You are interested in economics around the globe.
If you love travel, finance and staying abreast of the latest news in such diverse topics as global economics, politics and business, then a career in international banking might appeal to you. International bankers work with both business and private clients, and help their customers to navigate foreign currency, complicated tax laws, investments and income from abroad. International banking is a challenging field because bankers must be intimately familiar not only with laws, regulations and customs of banking in the United States, but also those in at least one other country and often several.
Instructions
1. Attend a four-year undergraduate university or college, and major in finance, economics or accounting. If possible, take a second major in a foreign language. You must have excellent grades if you want to find a job in international banking, because it is an extremely competitive field. You should also try to form lasting relationships with your professors, who may be able to help you with references or letters of recommendation later in your career.
2. Become fluent in at least one foreign language. International bankers must speak English and at least one other foreign language at a high proficiency. Some bankers can speak a number of languages fluently. Think about exactly where you want to work, or what part of the world you want to work with, and find out what language business is conducted in there. When you decide what language to learn, it will pay to consider the supply and demand of aspiring bankers who already have this skill. For example, many people entering banking learn German, but there are only so many jobs available to international bankers in Germany. You can make yourself more competitive by learning a language that fewer Americans can speak, such as Mandarin or Arabic.
3. Find an internship at a bank where you can gain your first hands-on experience with international banking while you are still in college. Internships are invaluable for a number of reasons. Competitive internships stand out on your resume when you are seeking your first job and make you a more experienced candidate compared with other applicants. You can also gain firsthand experience in the field working with senior bankers who have years or even decades of professional experience. These bankers can teach you things that you will never learn in a classroom, such as workplace etiquette and customer service. The connections you make during your internship will also help you throughout your life with references and recommendations. Make sure that you form good relationships not only with your supervisors, but also with other up-and-coming young bankers. You never know when you may have to work with these people again.
4. Decide what type of international banking you want to do. Not every international banker does the same job. Some trade in foreign currency, while others are experts about international markets and investing. Still others work with international business accounts, and some work with mergers and acquisitions. During your college training and your internship, you should be able to get an idea of what type of banking you are most suited for.
5. Get an entry level job in the field of banking you want to work in. You will probably not get your dream job the moment you graduate from college. You will have start at the bottom of the banking ladder and prove yourself by working hard. Slowly, as you demonstrate your competence, you can expect more and more responsibility from your job. Eventually, this will result in promotion.
6. Get a master's degree in international finance or the field of international banking that you want to enter. Your employer may pay for you to get your master's degree while you are working. You might have to study at night and on the weekends, possibly for up to four years. Once you complete this master's degree, you may be on your way to attaining that international position you dreamed of.
