Export-Import Specialists

Employers

The largest employers of export and import specialists are oil companies, manufacturers, trading companies, shipping firms, worldwide freight forwarders, airlines, warehouse firms, trucking firms, banks, agricultural-product producers, and department store chains. Major trade cities are New York, Miami, Boston, New Orleans, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, Seattle, Tacoma, San Francisco, Oakland, and Los Angeles.

Starting Out

The vast majority of entry-level positions are now reserved for college graduates, most of whom secure their first position by applying directly to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, individual seaports and airports, international trading companies, and other organizations that hire export-import specialists. Public and private employment services may also refer qualified applicants to suitable entry positions. People with a master's in business administration and a fluency in one or more foreign languages will have the best opportunities in this field.