Various job titles such as Import Export Manager, Import Export Document Coordinator and Import Export Compliance Specialist come under the moniker of Import Export work. Besides these, there are other assistant and supervisory positions that are related to this line of work. Importing and exporting goods and services is an age old form of trading that has been conducted since human beings first started living in social communities. The various jobs associated with import export work ensure a smooth trading process and attract new clients and customers to the business.
Purchasing goods from vendors of other countries is called importing, while selling products to customers residing abroad is known as exporting. These two forms of trading play a vital role in the overall financial development of a nation and is a significant part of its gross domestic product (GDP). It is a field, which has a lot of scope if carried out in an efficient manner. With the advent of the digital age and globalization, the concept of international trading has been simplified and a people make online purchases from traders who are located in other countries.
Responsibilities
The job functions and responsibilities of import export professionals vary in accordance with their job positions. An import export manager has to make sure about the timely delivery of stock and their safe packaging and transportation too. They also have to negotiate pricing and inventory details with the trading partners in order to maximize profits for the company. An import export document coordinator has to create and update trading related documents upon shipment of the product. They have to coordinate with the various teams that undertake the transportation and cargo functions of the business. A basic level import export agent acts as a liaison between the two trading parties and storage space and staging area for goods, depending upon the particular type of business.
Skills
Individuals working in this line of work should have a flair for trading and various qualities associated with it. They should have good communication and interpersonal skills as a major part of their job roles consists of interaction with various clients and trading authorities. Along with these qualities, they should also possess good organizational and basic computing skills as a major part of the trading business takes place through online channels these days. An import export manager should be good at handling and managing people and delegating tasks to appropriate personnel.
Qualifications
For the position of an import export manager, a bachelor's degree in business administration with specialization in International trading or other related fields is a must. A post graduate degree in the same field with added specialization in related subjects is desirable for many companies who hire import export managers. Similarly, other job titles in this industry require candidates to possess a degree in fields, which are related to international trading. Some jobs may also require candidates to be proficient in more than one language as import export work is a globalized business.
Career Advancement
An import export agent can work his way up in a trading organization to get promoted to the position of an import export supervisor or even import export manager based on the performance and experience of the individual. Similarly, a manager may move on to senior managerial or executive roles in the organization.
Salary and Benefits
The salary earned by import export professionals differs as per the exact job position. An import export manager can earn around $100,000, while a document coordinator earns anywhere between $35,000 and $45,000. Salaries increase gradually with amount of experience and skill level of the person. They also receive additional benefits such as pension plans, health insurance plans and paid leaves.
Import export work is a successful industry, which has a lot of potential and will keep rising over the next few years owing to globalization and favorable trading environment across the globe. If you possess a flair for import export principles and wish to pursue your career in this line of work, you can look forward to a bright future ahead.