How upskilling and certification can affect your global career and bottom line

International business is complex, competitive and full of opportunities. In order to fully capitalize on those opportunities you need to be able to handle the complicated nature of doing business in international markets and stand out from competitors coming from all over the world.
Sounds like a daunting task, but the good news is that there are a multitude of useful resources out there for international business people looking for information, targeted training and guidance.
But with so much out there, and so little time, how do you know which professional development efforts will make a tangible impact on your career and your business?
For this month’s #TradeElite Twitter chat, we asked the experts just that. Our panel consisted of those who have found success in international markets and helped other individuals and businesses go global successfully as well. Here’s what they had to say about the training and certification that added the biggest benefits to their careers.
Panelists:
John Treleaven, CITP (@jht4x4) Principal, Treleaven Consulting Group Ltd., based out of Sidney, British Columbia
Craig Atkinson, CITP (@CraigAAtkinson) Trade, Technology and Sustainable Development Specialist at the International Trade Centre and Founder/Director of Lexmerca International Trade, based in Switzerland, England and Canada
Laura Dalby, CITP (@Dalbinator) Canadian Trade Commissioner, Embassy of Canada in Guatemala, Belize
Adriana Carrillo, CITP (@acarrillo2016) Export Advisor, consultant with over 20 years experience in international markets, based in Toronto, Ontario
Emiliano Introcaso, CITP (@introcaso) Export Help Advisor, Trade Advisory Services, Export Development Canada, based in Toronto, Ontario
Marcela Mandeville, CITP (@MsBrightIdea) CEO, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs, based in Edmonton, Alberta
 Let’s get right into it! How important is it to have training and/or certification specific to international business when you expand from domestic to global markets?

When we talk about “upskilling”, what kind of opportunities for professional development exist for global business professionals?

From a business owner’s perspective, how can upskilling and certifying employees really affect revenue?

Based on your experience, what type of training or “upskilling” has been most beneficial to your work?

We know our panel is full of experts on this…Do you have any tips for balancing a busy work/travel schedule with doing professional development and training?

What are your tips for SME business owners who want to upskill their staff or themselves without taking away from productivity?

Are some credentials and training opportunities more valuable in certain international regions than others?

Networking and mentorship are a couple of great options for global business professionals looking to learn and open career doors. How have you made some of your best international business connections?

Read the rest of the chat and join future discussions by following the #TradeElite hashtag. And stay tuned for the next #TradeElite chat, coming up Thursday, July 12 at 2:30-3:30PM ET, and if you haven’t yet, join us on Twitter at @FITTNews.