Five reasons to study Global Business Management

Discover how a degree in Global Business Management can help you expand your career opportunities, sharpen your strategic skills and navigate global challenges with confidence.

From 328 million in 2020 to 359 million in 2023, the number of companies operating globally grew steadily - a trend that has continued into 2025. This rapid growth is more than just a statistic. It reflects a global shift in how businesses are evolving. Whether you are climbing the ladder in your current job, building your own venture, or preparing to step into a new role, your path is increasingly likely to cross international borders. There might be situations where you find yourself managing cross-cultural teams, crafting strategies for global clients, or competing with international businesses - even though your own operations are based in the UK. In this fast-paced, hyper-connected economy, Global Business Management is no longer a niche. This is the new normal, the reality that you are already a part of.  It is for this reason that studying Global Business Management is not only a wise choice, but also the edge you need in a world that never stands still if you wish to thrive, adapt and lead. 

Before you make your next move, take a moment to understand what global business truly involves. Studying international business management could be a game-changer, whether you are running your own business, switching careers, returning to education or aiming for a higher role in your current organisation. 

Table of Contents

What is global business? 

Global business is the exchange of goods and services across borders. It involves companies expanding beyond their home markets to reach customers, suppliers and partners in other countries. Managers and leaders at forward-thinking organisations are constantly looking to tap into new markets, increase their production capabilities and take advantage of global opportunities to reach a wider audience and increase their profit margin.

If your business currently operates only within the UK, expanding internationally could be a new direction for you. Global business courses offered by GBS, such as BA (Hons) Global Business and Entrepreneurship with Foundation Year and MSc  Global Business, can help you gain an understanding of these opportunities. You will have access to the tools and advanced business knowledge to think bigger, plan smarter and take your ambitions beyond borders. 

Top five reasons for studying global business management 

No business operates in a vacuum and that’s why the importance of Global Business Management cannot be overstated. Whether you run your own venture or help steer one, studying Global Business Management will give you the insight to make smarter decisions and spot opportunities beyond borders. Listed below are the five reasons why an undergraduate or postgraduate international business course can equip you with the mindset and skills to thrive in an increasingly connected world. 

1. Develop a global perspective 

Studying global business and management will help you learn and think beyond your local market. Whether you are managing a team or scaling your business, this shift in mindset will help you to spot potential risks. It will also help you explore new opportunities that others may miss and stay ahead of global trends that could impact your organisation. 

At GBS, the BA (Hons) Global Business and Entrepreneurship with Foundation Year programme introduces global business themes from year one. Through international case studies, real-world scenarios and practical modules, you will broaden your worldview from the start and build the foundations for a successful career in Global Business Management. 

2. Create strategies for global business growth  

Success in international business is not just about spotting future trends. It is about learning from what has worked (and what has not) across different markets. GBS’s MSc Global Business will help you understand macroeconomics, master the tools and build frameworks and strategies to do exactly that. 

Through strategy-focused modules, real-world case studies and hands-on simulations, you will develop the skills to make smart, informed decisions, even in unpredictable global markets. You will also gain the confidence to lead in a rapidly changing economy and position yourself as a specialist in Global Business Management. 

3. Build decision-making and problem-solving skills 

Thanks to technology and transparent international regulation, consumers are more informed and more unpredictable than ever. This presents a constant challenge for businesses trying to grow and stay relevant. 

Studying Global Business Management will help you develop the analytical skills necessary to make decisions based on real data rather than guesswork. You will also learn how to approach complex problems with creativity and confidence, whether it is adapting to shifting consumer behaviours or overcoming international business hurdles. 

4. Gain an appreciation for different cultures and ways of working 

Workplaces today, whether local, hybrid, or global, are an amalgamation of people from diverse cultures, backgrounds and perspectives. Understanding how different teams communicate, negotiate and collaborate across borders is more than a soft skill. It is a competitive advantage. 

By studying Global Business Management, you will gain the cultural intelligence to work effectively in cross-functional teams and adapt your approach to suit different business environments. It is this kind of agility that will set you apart as a forward-thinking professional. 

5. Expand your career opportunities and global mobility 

Employers today are looking for more than just qualifications. They are seeking employees with specific skills. They are seeking professionals who understand how global business operates. A degree in Global Business Management can open the doors to a wide range of career opportunities in the UK and beyond, across industries such as finance, marketing, consulting and entrepreneurship. 

You will also gain access to global networks, collaborations and mentorships that can shape your career in unexpected ways. Whether you are aiming for a leadership role in a multinational company or planning to scale your own venture internationally, you will be well-prepared to take that next big step. 

What career opportunities can you pursue with a global business degree? 

Thanks to digital advancements and growing global connectivity, the world feels smaller — but the career opportunities in international business are bigger than ever. The study of global business at either undergraduate or postgraduate level can help you discover many exciting and high-impact career paths, such as: 

1. International trade and supply chain roles 

You may choose to take on a variety of roles, such as import/export manager, trade compliance officer and logistics analyst. Your responsibilities will include helping businesses move goods efficiently across borders and navigating complex regulations. 

2. Business strategy, consultancy and market expansion 

You can work as a business consultant, an international strategist or a research analyst. You will advise firms on entering new markets, scaling operations and staying ahead of global trends.  

3. Global entrepreneurship and innovation leadership 

You can use your advanced knowledge of international business to launch your own startup or lead innovation projects. Roles like innovation manager, founder or business development lead will allow you to drive change in global markets.  

4. Roles in multinational corporations and high-growth startups 

You can join global organisations or scale-ups as a project manager, international marketing executive, financial analyst, or operations coordinator, using your international business skills to work across cultures and countries.  

5. Government, NGOs and policy advisory 

You can contribute to international development, sustainability or trade policy through roles in government departments, NGOs or global institutions such as the UN or WTO. 

In a world where borders are no longer barriers, the next generation of business leaders will be those who can think globally, act strategically and lead with confidence in any market. Whether you are building your own business, climbing the career ladder or planning your next big move, understanding how the global economy works is no longer optional. It is a necessity. 

GBS can help you realise your ambitions by sharpening your skills, broadening your perspectives and expanding your understanding of the fundamentals of business management. Explore our undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Global Business Management to take the first step towards an international career. 

FAQs about five reasons to study Global Business Management

A1. Studying Global Business Management in the UK offers you access to world-class education, diverse international student communities and exposure to cutting-edge global business practices. You will gain international business skills such as strategic decision-making, understanding macroeconomics and managing cross-cultural teams, all skills that are in high demand from global employers. With GBS, you can develop advanced business knowledge and real-world insights that will prepare you for countless career options in multinational companies or entrepreneurial ventures. 

A2. A degree in global business is more than an academic qualification. It can be your gateway to understanding the importance of global business in the modern world. You will develop a global perspective, sharp problem-solving skills and the ability to craft winning business strategies for international markets. You will gain the skills needed to navigate the opportunities that come with our increasingly interconnected world with a degree in global business, regardless of whether you wish to work in finance, marketing, trade or start your own business. 

A3. Pursuing an MSc Global Business from GBS is ideal if you want to deepen your knowledge of global markets and boost career mobility. The programme will help you understand macroeconomics, develop key management skills and apply strategic thinking in complex, fast-paced business environments. 

A4. This international business and entrepreneurship course is suitable for aspiring entrepreneurs, professionals looking to upskill or those returning to education after a break. Whether you are fresh out of school or changing careers, our undergraduate degree will introduce you to global business and entrepreneurship from year one. You will build a strong foundation in international business, gain an appreciation for different cultures and gain access to global networking opportunities to kick-start your international career. 

A5. Entrepreneurship drives innovation, adaptability and growth in global business. Entrepreneurs who understand international business management are better equipped to identify emerging markets, scale operations and lead diverse teams. A global business and entrepreneurship degree will prepare you to launch your own startup by combining international business skills with a keen understanding of global market dynamics. 

A6. While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences. Global management focuses on overseeing business operations that span multiple countries, often with a unified global strategy. International business, on the other hand, is how businesses operate across national boundaries. It includes trade, marketing, and cross-border partnerships. Both fields require strategic decision-making skills and an understanding of global economics and cultural dynamics, which you can develop by enrolling in a global business course at GBS.