Increasingly Global: Combining an International Business Degree with a Post-Degree Designation

In the increasingly complex and competitive global marketplace, many students seek to gain multiple skills and credentials that can aid them in their career goals. One such career strategy weds a general overarching comprehensive degree with a specific and targeted skill set. This paper provides a viable curriculum path for students who seek global business acumen imbued by an international business (IB) degree yet strive for a career path in a specific business discipline. The research addresses these issues by surveying 272 international financial professionals who hold both the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) and the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designations and, based on the findings, provides recommendations for colleges and counselors advising international business students who are considering one or both designations.