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Professional Skills for International Business

This course provides insight into the key professional skills needed by managers at all levels of an organisation. You’ll learn key skills such as how to make a positive first impression; how to become a role model at work; effective time and resource management; and networking.

This course forms part of a specialisation from the University of London designed to help you develop and build the essential business, academic, and cultural skills necessary to succeed in international business, or in further study.

If completed successfully, your certificate from this specialisation can also be used as part of the application process for the University of London Global MBA programme, particularly for early career applicants. If you would like more information about the Global MBA, please visit https://mba.london.ac.uk/.

This course is endorsed by CMI

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What's inside

Syllabus

Creating A Positive First Impression

In week one we will look at workplace relationships and communication, including making a positive first impression, collaborative stakeholder relationships, verbal and non-verbal communication, and how technology can impact on these areas.

Becoming A Role Model In The Workplace

This week will introduce you to the concept of role models in the workplace, from what is involved in being a role model, to aligning professional behaviours and workplace culture. You will also be introduced to example of best practice role models at all levels of an organisation, and have the opportunity to reflect on your own professional behaviours and potential.

Effective Time and Resource Management

In this week we will be looking at a range of time management techniques, and how they can be applied. This week will also share ideas about how to prioritize and delegate tasks, including delegating upwards.

Networking

Week four will explore networking where you will have the opportunity to reflect on your personal brand, and how social networks can help in professional networking.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops interpersonal, time management, and networking skills, which are core skills for managers

Taught by David James, who is recognized for their work in management and organizational behavior

Examines key aspects of professional conduct, such as making a positive first impression and being a role model

Provides insight into building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders and colleagues

Suitable for managers at all levels of an organization, including those new to management roles

May be useful for professionals transitioning into management or those looking to enhance their leadership skills

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Reviews summary

Useful resources for soft and professional skills

Learners largely agree that this well-received course on professional skills is an excellent resource for developing soft and professional skills for international business. Reviews mention the course contains an immense amount of information and resources, including engaging interviews and real-world examples. Common themes found in reviews include high-quality and structured material, excellent interviews, thoughtful preparation, and valuable coursework. The professional skills discussed here are very helpful in the business world and a must-take for anyone in, or looking to be in, international business.

The course has a positive impact on careers and is useful in the workplace.

"Learnt really valuable knowledge from this course , thank you!"

"Informative, But very lengthy."

"Definitely 5 stars rating from me!!"

Learners are impressed by the quality of the interviewers and their expertise.

"Liked this course very much. David James and other professionals from case studies provided a lot of valuable information, and CMI checklists were also very helpful."

"You will learn more than you expect, guaranteed! This is an absolute 5/5. David James is extremely eloquent and articulate with every single explanation."

"To be very honest, the course is significantly helpful. I feel really good and skillful after completing the course."

Learners find the interviews excellent and helpful

"Very educational and helpful to a newbie sales person. This course is must to take"

"Excellent, covers the foundations of business and professionalism."

"A very professional course, interesting interviews, useful insights!"

The assignments are helpful and contribute to real-world development.

"The course gives us in depth knowledge of the business and the proffessor give depth knowledge of international business. I enjoy the time learning this."

"Well thought out assignments, really good to help us in the outside world! "

"This was a very interesting and practical course."

Learners express that the course is too long.

"Informative, But very lengthy."

"Very good training course, I like very much. This course is based on serious and structured approach. 4 weeks is the adequate time to learn the matter"

"It was a pleasure to ba a part of this course (International Business fron University of London). It helped me broden my knowledge of International business. "

Learners mention that there is too much focus on communication skills.

"I would've rated this class higher it was a communication class."

"This entire specialization covered very little business."

"The focus is towards communications and quantitative stats."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Professional Skills for International Business with these activities:

Review basics of accounting principles

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Some activities mentioned in these modules will require at least a basic understanding of accounting principles.

Browse courses on Accounting

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Set aside time to review your notes or a textbook on accounting principles
Focus on areas such as debits and credits, financial statements, and accounting equations

Review interpersonal skills

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Refining interpersonal skills will help you succeed in all modules and activities as the coursework heavily focuses on this topic.

Browse courses on Interpersonal Skills

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Seek out information to review principles of good interpersonal skills
Take notes or summarize findings in a way that can be reviewed often

Create a study group with classmates

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Throughout the duration of the course, there will be group projects. This activity can help you begin developing a strong working relationship with peers.

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Reach out to classmates to gauge interest in forming a study group
Determine the best time and frequency for group meetings
Set clear expectations for participation and communication within the group

Five other activities

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Complete role-playing exercises

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These exercises will provide you hands-on practice to improve your ability to become a role model in the workplace.

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Ask friends or family members to role-play scenarios to work on your communication skills
Reflect on your own experiences to identify areas where you could improve your role-modeling skills, and consider those for your role-playing
Use online resources or books to find additional role-playing exercises
Seek out opportunities to practice your role-modeling skills in real-world settings

Use time management apps

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These apps can further enhance your time management skills and help you meet deadlines set forth in the workload.

Browse courses on Time Management

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Research online and ask instructors for time management app recommendations
Select a time management app that fits your needs and workflow
Set up and customize the app according to your schedule and priorities

Attend networking events in your field

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Expanding your professional network will allow you to engage with others who may provide valuable insights on topics covered in the course.

Browse courses on Networking

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Identify networking events relevant to your career field and interests
Prepare an elevator pitch to introduce yourself and your work
Practice active listening and ask thoughtful questions when speaking with others
Follow up with individuals you met at the event to build relationships

Develop a personal development plan

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The development of a personalized plan will help you keep track of your skill development and progress.

Browse courses on Professional Development

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Set goals for your professional development
Identify the skills you need to develop to achieve your goals
Create a plan for how you will develop these skills
Monitor your progress and make adjustments to your plan as needed

Become a mentor to students in related courses

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This will not only allow you to refresh your knowledge, but it will help you develop your own communication and problem-solving skills.

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Identify opportunities to mentor students, such as through university programs or volunteering
Prepare materials and activities to support the students' learning
Provide guidance, feedback, and support to the students on a regular basis

Career center

Learners who complete Professional Skills for International Business will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Consultant

Consultants provide expert advice to organizations, helping them to improve their performance and achieve their goals. This course would be relevant to a consultant because it would provide them with the skills needed to build strong relationships with clients, manage their time and resources effectively, and communicate their findings effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Business Analyst

Business Analysts help organizations to improve their performance by identifying and solving problems. This course would be relevant to a Business Analyst because it would provide them with the skills needed to analyze data, identify trends, and develop solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and completing projects. This course would be relevant to a Project Manager because it would provide them with the skills needed to manage stakeholders, communicate effectively, and make decisions under pressure.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for leading sales teams and achieving sales targets. This course would be relevant to a Sales Manager because it would provide them with the skills needed to motivate and lead a team, negotiate effectively, and close deals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns. This course would be relevant to a Marketing Manager because it would provide them with the skills needed to build relationships with customers, understand their needs, and develop effective marketing strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers are responsible for managing the human resources of an organization. This course would be relevant to a Human Resources Manager because it would provide them with the skills needed to recruit, train, and develop employees, and create a positive work environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Operations Manager

Operations Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of an organization. This course would be relevant to an Operations Manager because it would provide them with the skills needed to manage resources, improve efficiency, and ensure that the organization runs smoothly.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts provide analysis and advice on financial matters. This course would be relevant to a Financial Analyst because it would provide them with the skills needed to understand financial markets, analyze financial data, and develop investment recommendations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Account Manager

Account Managers are responsible for managing relationships with clients and ensuring that they are satisfied with the products or services provided by the organization. This course would be relevant to a Business Development Manager because it would provide them with the skills needed to build relationships, communicate effectively, and negotiate contracts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Account Manager

Business Development Manager

Business Development Managers are responsible for developing new business opportunities for an organization. This course would be relevant to a Business Development Manager because it would provide them with the skills needed to build relationships, communicate effectively, and negotiate contracts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Development Manager

Event Manager

Event Managers are responsible for planning and executing events. This course would be relevant to an Event Manager because it would provide them with the skills needed to manage stakeholders, communicate effectively, and make decisions under pressure.

See salaries and explore the career path for Event Manager

Training and Development Manager

Training and Development Managers are responsible for developing and delivering training programs for employees. This course would be relevant to a Training and Development Manager because it would provide them with the skills needed to identify training needs, develop training materials, and deliver training programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Training and Development Manager

Public relations manager

Public Relations Managers are responsible for managing the public image of an organization. This course would be relevant to a Public Relations Manager because it would provide them with the skills needed to build relationships with the media, communicate effectively, and manage crises.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager

Quality Manager

Quality Managers are responsible for ensuring that products and services meet quality standards. This course would be relevant to a Quality Manager because it would provide them with the skills needed to develop and implement quality management systems, audit quality processes, and resolve quality issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Manager

Risk Manager

Risk Managers are responsible for identifying and mitigating risks to an organization. This course would be may be relevant to a Risk Manager because it would provide them with the skills needed to understand different types of risks, assess the likelihood and impact of risks, and develop mitigation strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Professional Skills for International Business.

Peter F. Drucker on Economic Threats

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Delves into the nature of management, detailing how to get results and build an effective team.

Peter F. Drucker on Economic Threats

Hardcover

Peter F. Drucker on Economic Threats

Kindle Edition

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Habit...

Save

Great guide for someone wanting to improve their effectiveness as a manager. It encourages personal reflection and taking ownership of one's responsibilities.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Habit...

Perfect Paperback