Hinrich Foundation Guide Criteria

The Hinrich Foundation Guide reflects input from an advisory panel of business leaders and academics from across global value chains.

Look for these 6 key trade content areas and 8 program attributes when evaluating master’s programs.

Trade course content

Trade course content is critical to a quality master’s education that will prepare you for success in international business and trade careers. When evaluating programs, make sure that the program meets all six of these criteria trade program content areas.

	Cross-border trade Understand why and how cross-border trade forms the backbone of global commerce. Courses that prepare you to meet the complexities of global trade include: developing market entry strategies; sustainable sourcing; procurement and negotiation skills; international marketing; traditional and digital sales; and e-commerce.
	Cross-border trade policy Gain a practical understanding of how cross-border trade policy affects business. Courses equip graduates with the skills to navigate the complex world of cross-border trade regulations and policy formulation and encompass trade agreements, geopolitics and global trade systems, macroeconomics of trade and international development, current issues in trade and domestic policy impacts.
	Cross-border logistics & supply chain management Mastering the cross-border logistics and supply chain management domain enables graduates to design and operate resilient global supply chain networks. Courses cover international supply chain management strategies; transportation and logistics; big data analytics, data literacy and digital trade; manufacturing management in a foreign country; and Incoterms and trade documentation.
	Cross-border trade finance & accounting Master’s students pursuing careers in global trade must gain foundational skills in cross-border trade finance and accounting to navigate the complex world of international business, trade and investment. This includes: import-export trade finance instruments; international accounting, taxation, and insurance principles; foreign exchange risk management; financial reporting, governance and ESG topics; international trade law and arbitration; and customs and tariffs.
	Cross-border leadership & soft skills To thrive in the global business world, graduates must develop robust cross-border leadership and soft skills to confidently lead organizations, navigate cross-cultural dynamics and drive success in the interconnected global marketplace. This includes cross-cultural leadership; global talent management; international strategies and critical thinking; cross-cultural communication and ethics.
	Future skills for cross-border trade To prepare for leadership in the ever-evolving global trade sector, the following future skills will be indispensable to enable you to innovate, enhance efficiency and maintain a competitive edge: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning skills; blockchain and distributed ledger technologies; Internet of Things (IoT) and sensor technologies; data analytics and visualization; and cloud computing and cybersecurity.

Trade program attributes

Program attributes reflected in the Hinrich Foundation Guide highlight the critical importance of how subjects are taught and by whom. They ensure that the supporting environment for employment and career success are in place within a Master’s program.

When evaluating programs, ensure the program you select meets all 8 of these core trade program attributes.

	Industry engagement Industry engagement – including guest speakers, consulting assignments, research collaborations and internships – is crucial in bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world practice. This exposes students to the realities of international commerce, providing networking opportunities, practical experience, and ensuring they graduate with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the dynamic world of cross-border business.
	Practitioner professors Having spent years in non-academic roles, practitioner professors in top quality programs provide invaluable industry experience and expertise by giving real-world insights into international trade practices, challenges and emerging trends. Learning from qualified professors with trade experience ensures graduates are well-equipped with the practical skills and understanding to navigate the complexities of international business immediately upon graduating.
	Leading research The nature and impact of an institution’s research publications reflect its commitment to advancing higher-level knowledge. When evaluating graduate programs, prospective students should consider faculty’s research output, quality and practical uptake in areas such as trade policy, logistics, finance, technology, leadership and human resource management. These metrics reveal the depth of expertise, research focus and scholarly impact – vital factors for an enriching, high-quality master’s education.
	Career services By prioritizing student support and career services, quality programs ensure their graduates are well-prepared for the competitive job market and positioned for long-term professional success in the dynamic field of international commerce. Support should encompass career advising, job portals, recruitment fairs, mentorship programs and alumni networking opportunities.
	Employer recruiting Having a strong network of employers actively recruiting students is a significant asset for any program as it demonstrates the program’s industry relevance and the value employers place on its graduates. It also facilitates crucial networking and interview opportunities that can lead to internships or full-time roles upon graduation.
	Employer satisfaction The number and quality of unique employers actively recruiting from a program reflects their confidence in the knowledge and skills of the graduates. Strong employer satisfaction enhances a program’s reputation, attracting top students seeking a competitive edge in the job market. It fosters valuable industry partnerships, facilitating opportunities like internships, guest lectures and collaborative research projects, further enriching the educational experience.
	Graduate outcomes Strong graduate outcomes – the percentage of graduates employed in paid, non-voluntary roles within a short period of completing their degree – reflect the program’s effectiveness in producing work-ready professionals for international employers. High graduate outcomes are ultimately the result of the whole package offered by a master’s program - a robust curricula covering core trade content and latest trends, industry engagement through guest lectures and internships, dedicated career services, practitioner faculty with industry experience, and the program’s reputation and accreditation.
	Success in leadership development The number of graduates going on to senior leadership positions after completing the program validates the curriculum, teaching methods and overall approach to leadership development. It also demonstrates the program’s capacity to impart strategic thinking, decision-making abilities, and leadership qualities essential for navigating complex business landscapes and driving organizational success.

View the complete Criteria in PDF

Selecting master’s programs in international business and trade

To support your global trade studies and career, we offer you the Hinrich Foundation Guide to Master’s in International Business and Trade. Resources include:

Why a master’s in global trade?	A master’s degree in this field provides a global perspective, comprehensive capacity-building and international mobility. This prepares graduates to lead an exciting and fulfilling career in global trade that offers professional growth, diverse opportunities and impactful contribution to international development.
Master’s program criteria	Learn what employers are looking for in a quality global trade master’s program, as illustrated in the six trade program content areas and eight trade program attributes.
Leading master's programs	Program profiles that exemplify the six trade program content areas and eight trade program attributes deemed necessary for high-quality trade education.
Key questions to ask	How to ascertain the information needed to find the program that meets your study and career goals.
Exploring careers in trade	Discover a selection of job titles, responsibilities and growth opportunities that await you in cross-border trade.
Trade resources	Open-source white papers and articles, discussion guides, infographics, reading lists and more For Students and For Educators on topics ranging from free trade agreements and digital trade to the WTO and sustainable trade.

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The Hinrich Foundation is eager to hear your feedback on the Hinrich Foundation Guide and our supporting resources. Please contact us at HFGuide@hinrichfoundation.com.