Qusetion: Discovering Career Opportunities

If global business interests you, consider working for a U.S. government agency that supports or regulates international trade. For example, here are the duties of an international trade specialist working for the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The International Trade Specialist, at the full performance level, will carry out a wide range of economic and trade analysis as a regional desk officer (Office covers Central and Southeast Europe). Will advise the Director of the Office of European Country Affairs and other departmental officials on matters pertaining to bilateral and multilateral trade policy development and implementation, market access and trade agreements compliance. Performance of these duties will require familiarity with and monitoring of U.S. and assigned countries' trade policies, programs and procedures.

Will be responsive to companies' requests for assistance and perform outreach to the private sector. Will maintain close liaison and coordination with other departmental offices, other U.S. Government agencies, business organizations and foreign government entities. Will attend and report on meetings both in the Department and at other U.S. agencies, including but not limited to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the Department of State. These meetings will involve development and advancement of trade policies, negotiating positions, and economic/commercial initiatives in the European region. He or she will prepare reports, talking points, speech materials, statistical data and correspondence for use by senior Commerce officials, utilizing word processing and computer software programs. Will review Foreign Service and intelligence reports on economic trends and issues in the region.

1. On the basis of this description, what education and skills (personal and professional) would you need to succeed as an international trade specialist?

2. How well does this job description fit your qualifications and interests?

3. How important would interpersonal skills be in this position? Why?