Owner-managers of small and midsize businesses have been historically challenged with access to valuable international market research. Not only is there an overwhelming amount of information available, high subscription costs and lack of experience needed to effectively analyze and understand global market data makes it difficult to determine where to start.
Director of International Business Development (IBD) at the Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) Mike Seibert, adjunct professor at the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business, is overseeing a new graduate assistant student internship position that will help mitigate the challenges small and midsize businesses face in accessing global market data. The new GA will utilize SBTDC’s trade map of international market research data to help businesses improve their competitiveness, profitability and overall global business success.
“We have been fortunate that the SBTDC provided funding to support the creation of a GA position at Campbell Business School.” said Associate Dean and SBTDC Liaison Shahriar Mostashari. “Thanks to this unique virtual ‘earn-and-learn’ opportunity, our intern was able to work two jobs at once; she performed her GA duties while interning as a social media specialist in Barcelona, Spain.”
The IBD GA position is designed to enhance the international business and global entrepreneurship competency of individuals working in or studying for a career related to global commerce. Having completed this internship, the student will be prepared to pass the Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) exam. The credential is also suitable for individuals working in trade assistance organizations. The National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators (NASBITE) certifies that a candidate who successfully passes CGBP exam is competent in global business management, global marketing, supply chain management and trade finance.
The SBTDC International Business program has four counselors stationed at University of North Carolina Charlotte, Winston-Salem State University, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina Wilmington. The IBD GA assists the counselors with international market research for the small and midsize business clients served by the IBD counselors.
“Internships offer an amazing opportunity to learn about different business models, entrepreneur relationships, investment/funding options and research tools that can expand business revenue and maximize profitability,” said Paige O’Neill, International Business Counselor for the SBTDC at UNC Wilmington.
At Campbell, the position has been filled by Adrian Dailey. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) Candidate in the Class of 2022, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in business administration and a Bachelor of Arts in graphic design and studio art. As a graduate assistant, she does double-duty as both SBTDC intern and social media intern for Miah Management, a modeling and talent agency based in Barcelona.
“Working as a Graduate Assistant for the SBTDC is the best opportunity I could have asked for,” Dailey said. “I have a drive for business and a passion to learn about other cultures, and this job puts the two together in a way that is transforming me into a business professional.”
Dailey attends virtual meetings with founders and CEOs who are looking to expand their business internationally, presenting market research data and letting clients know the best countries to expand into.
“We are so appreciative of our partnership with the SBTDC. The experience that our students gain through these internships is invaluable,” said MBA Director Somer Johnson. “Not only are they able to apply and practice the business theories they are learning in class in a real-world setting, but they are also learning new skills and gaining valuable work experience with a global focus, which is an amazing opportunity. “