Despite the old stereotypes classing businessmen and women as suited and booted city types, out on two-hour long “working” lunches prior to being chained to their desks until late into the night, the business world is changing.

Gone are the days when high heels and novelty ties ensured that you could seal a deal. Gone too are traditional ways of thinking. Business isn’t just one for the boys, women too are becoming heavyweights in the changing international business landscape.

More and more business schools are now offering students better and brighter international opportunities to study new and exciting programs, in combination with subjects of interest from different schools, such as the Arts, Media, Creative Thinking, and Hospitality.

Increasingly, institutions are exposing students to real-life business situations during their studies, producing highly experienced, professional graduates who remain calm under pressure. Many business schools include work experience placements and co-op programs, linking up students with international businesses prior to graduation.

As business continues to evolve, so too do the institutions which offer degree courses and qualifications for students looking to enter into this dynamic field of work.

I am proud to be a @MRUBissett @mountroyal4u Business student! Thank you for being such a supportive Uni! #MRU pic.twitter.com/W3na87xJlx

— Haley Daniels (@HaleyDanski) October 9, 2015

Exciting opportunities

Choosing a business degree no longer confines students to the classroom. In fact, learning labs, discussion groups and multinational firms are increasingly becoming part of university courses, challenging preconceptions and encouraging students to think laterally.

Business graduates are highly employable, as courses cover areas ranging from marketing to management, and stocks and shares to law and finance, meaning that students can specialize in the area which interests them the most. Furthermore, contact with international firms, talks and placement programs will stand you in great stead for the future, meaning you have even more chance of landing your dream job on graduating.

”With a Master degree from CCU , you can earn double your salary. MBA program at CCU, your gate to a new life.” http://t.co/YGQ2DnwnA6

— CCU Switzerland (@CcuInfo) August 3, 2013

Speaking an international language

As companies look to global markets and international investment opportunities, you will have the chance to be involved in new deals and agreements. Business students are encouraged to embrace globalization, identifying key market trends and developments.

Business programs with a speciality, such as hospitality, are becoming increasingly popular amongst students looking to learn a life skill away from their books. Good people skills means better business opportunities all in combination with a qualification from a reputable, respected institution.

Congrats to @AarhusUni School of Business and Social Sciences (BSS) for retaining #EQUIS accreditation! #Quality http://t.co/WpE5I9gdd0

— Aarhus Uni Alumni (@AUAlumni) October 14, 2014

Career Starter: Postgraduate and beyond

Studying business is a sure fire way to get your foot in the door, placing you firmly on your chosen career path. The people you will meet and connections you create are sure to help you in the future. Even if you don’t want to stop your studies at undergraduate level, there are endless postgraduate business opportunities to help you further develop your skills.

So even if you decide to do a Masters degree, there are still opportunities to aim even higher and complete a PhD. In fact, it doesn’t matter when you decide to stop being a student, you are now a highly desirable and sought-after candidate for employers.

Curiosity and competent supervisors = PhD success! – Noor Leena, PhD student in School of Business. #monashpostgrad pic.twitter.com/Fy9pwA5bUU

— Monash Malaysia (@MonashMalaysia) July 29, 2015

So if you are looking for a career that will test your capability to work in a fast paced, exciting environment then business is an ideal choice. If you still can’t decide where to study, then read on below to find out more about some of the world’s leading business institutions, offering students excellent opportunities and a first class education:

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, MONASH UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA – MALAYSIA
The School of Business is the largest school at Monash University Malaysia, with enrolment numbers exceeding 2,000 students. The School offers various undergraduate and postgraduate business degree programs that are research-focused, industry-driven and recognized worldwide, preparing students for successful careers upon graduation. The Monash Bachelor of Business and Commerce degree supports students in the application of research skills to business challenges, with internship programs and work placement programs on offer. The Monash alumni network of over 290,000 in 145 countries means that Monash graduates are job-ready with access to a vast international network.

AARHUS BSS AT AARHUS UNIVERSITY – DENMARK
Aarhus BSS offers a research-based education, focused on increasing graduates’ employment opportunities in the national and international business markets Aarhus aims to offer its students a much broader view of the business world, with students graduating from BSS having mastered at least one discipline.  A broad business school, with its 14,400 full time students and 250 PhD students, Aarhus is one of the largest business schools in Europe. Aarhus BSS students stand out as talented employees, graduating with a broader skill set and prepared to take on the increasingly globalized business world from studies carried out on BSS’ compact business-focused campus.

BISSETT SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, MOUNT ROYAL UNIVERSITY – CANADA
Mount Royal University understands the importance of preparing students for life after graduation. Today, some 12,000 credit students take a variety of programs and courses, including bachelor’s degrees, diplomas and certificates with a focus on quality teaching and small class sizes. The university offers practical and current information, as well as hands-on learning through work placements. Mount Royals’ Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) is designed to prepare students for success in the commercial, non-profit and public sectors of the Canadian and global economy, while engaging in their communities.

ALBERT SCHWEITZER SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT, CAMBRIDGE CORPORATE UNIVERSITY – SWITZERLAND
With over 30 years of experience, Cambridge Corporate University is an official subsidiary of the CPI International Group, offering programs in more than 19 countries worldwide. In CCU’s BBA undergraduate program, from the Albert Schweitzer School of Management, students are introduced to the latest business concepts, management techniques and subjects. CCU’s MBA program has been the degree of choice for professionals from around the world for many years. In addition, CCU offers the first and only postgraduate degree with a major in Creative Thinking in the world.

WARWICK BUSINESS SCHOOL, WARWICK UNIVERSITY – UK
Warwick University is a community where knowledge, values and aspirations are built into the university’s teaching and learning approach. Warwick ranked sixth in the Times Higher Education “Table of Tables” for 2016. Warwick Business School offers an experiential and interactive approach to learning with a range of short programs and diplomas on offer, enabling students to continue working while completing their studies. The Warwick Business School’s Executive MBA has been ranked the best in the UK and in the world’s top 20 according to the Economist.

Tobias from @UBS tells students: “Grab the opportunity, it makes this career very interesting.” #UBSatWBS #WBSlife pic.twitter.com/QvNER0vSEv

— WBS (@WarwickBSchool) November 2, 2015

FOX SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT, TEMPLE UNIVERSITY – USA
Temple University’s 17 schools and colleges and nearly 38,000 students create a diverse and exciting learning environment. The Fox School of Business and Management is the largest, most comprehensive business school in the greater Philadelphia region, offering links with regional and international business communities. The university’s full-time Business Administration/Business Management MBA prepares students for leadership roles in corporations, government, and non-governmental organizations, while developing business management skills.

SP JAIN GLOBAL SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT – SINGAPORE
Since its establishment in 2006, the SP Jain Global School of Management, Singapore campus, has been offering students five undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Ranked 10th for its international one-year MBA programs by Forbes, students will develop critical thinking skills and global agility, without having to compromise on technical knowledge. The School’s four year Bachelor of Business Administration lets students choose between Marketing, Finance and Entrepreneurship, with the option of taking a major in Entrepreneurship. The School’s Master of Global Business has been ranked within the Economist’s top 100 MBA programs on offer worldwide.

ADAM SMITH BUSINESS SCHOOL, UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW – UK
The University of Glasgow is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world. Founded in 1451, the university has produced some of the world’s most renowned innovators, including scientist Lord Kelvin and economist Adam Smith. The four year Bachelor in Business and Management offers students a structured insight into the theoretical and practical dimensions of organizations and their management. Part of the Adam Smith Business School, students can go on to study a wide variety of postgraduate degrees. At Glasgow, multi-disciplinary and research-led teaching provides students with an appetite for critical enquiry and learning.

Mr Maclennan reminded our students to always be true to themselves, and never be afraid to stand out! Wise words! @GlasgowSubway #ASBS

— UGAS Business School (@UGBSGlasgow) October 16, 2015

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS, CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LOS ANGELES – USA
Cal State L.A. has one of the most diverse student populations of any college or university in the USA. Graduates of Cal State L.A. constitute a major leadership force in Greater Los Angeles, a microcosm of the global society. The College of Business and Economics (CBE) is accredited by the AACSB, putting it in the top five percent of business schools worldwide. CBE graduates are career-ready, armed with the knowledge and skills to succeed in today’s sought after business fields.  CBE’s programs offer specializations in forensic accounting, entrepreneurship, social media, information systems, health care management, and logistics as well as traditional business fields.

Image via Monash University Malaysia.

Certain extracts of this story were initially published on our sister site Asian Correspondent.

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