How to Become Import Export Manager: Career Guide, Courses, After 12th, Jobs, Scope, Salary

What does an Import Export Manager do?

An import-export manager performs many different roles like planning international shipment, negotiating with agents, finding buyers in the international market, etc. 

The Import Export Manager also keeps a record of each shipment. Moreover, they act as a coordinator between the country’s buyer and foreign purchasers. 

Import Export Manager also make efforts to reduce tax pay lawfully. To conclude, an import-export manager performs many diverse roles in day-to-day work. Here are some details regarding all the work that an import export Manager does on a regular basis.

• An Import Export Manager makes sure that all the export strategies are all designed and implemented correctly and wisely.
• An Import-Export manager also makes sure that a shipment passes all laws and regulations.
• They supervise the activities of sales personnel, sales staff. An import-export manager keeps checking on the work of sales staff so that work is done efficiently.
• Import Export managers import LCL (Less Than Container Load) shipping and FCL (Full Container Load) shipping cargo by air transport, ocean, and express carriers.
• They establish and implement a business strategy, which includes government rules and regulations on locally and internationally supply chain logistics.
• Preparing an efficient business strategy for all initiatives in order to meet the intended goal.
• One of the important responsibilities of an import-export manager is to make sure all sales transactions are being monitored.
• An import-export manager makes sure that all customer responses for all orders and all the shipment payments are being done on time.

Also Check: Diploma in Export And Import Management

Types of Import Export Manager

There are many types of Import Export Manager. However, the job of an import-export manager is quite interesting for all types. The three types of Import Export Manager are given below.

Foreign Exchange Dealer

The main role of a foreign exchange dealer is to market and sell customers' monetary exchange schemes. They also carry out money transactions. Foreign exchange dealers might operate for themselves or for a firm that handles a large number of currency exchange transactions. 

They may also work for banks or foreign currency markets. In order to become a Foreign Exchange Dealer, you must have a Master's degree in Finance After completing 10+2, you can enroll in UG programs in Finance, Banking, Marketing, and Business Management. After finishing your undergraduate studies, you can pursue a Master's degree in Finance/Marketing.

Logistic Manager

A logistics manager is a person who is in charge of organizing the delivery and storage of products. He guarantees that the items are delivered on schedule and to the right address. Adding to that, the logistic Manager also manages staff members and their responsibilities, planning and managing projects, and putting safety measures in place. 

To become a logistics manager, you must be Graduates from any stream ( Science, commerce, arts) apply for a position as a logistics manager. Candidates with a business or businesses with a language degree will be given preference.

Supply Chain Manager

A Supply Chain Manager is in charge of the transportation of products between manufacturers and customers. A supply chain manager's main tasks include establishing a logistical strategy and ensuring that tasks are completed.

If you are capable of handling all aspects of supply chain management, you can opt for this job. A bachelor's degree in a related subject is required. 

Candidates with a bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or Business Administration are preferred by some employers. The salary of a Supply Chain Manager varies from INR 3 LPA to INR 20 LPA, depending on the experience you have in this field.

Steps to Follow to Become an Import Export Manager

Be it any profession, to achieve your dream, and have success in your field needs a lot of hard work and dedication. You should be passionate regarding what you are pursuing, which will do half of the work to lead you to your aim. Check out some steps to follow in how to become an Import Export Manager.

Decision Making

It is the first step towards your career as an import-export manager. You need to work on yourself and develop skills from the start to become an import-export manager. You must research well about the Import Export Manager Job. 

You must collect information about what import-export managers do, how much they get paid, what are the skills required in this job. And, then decide if the import-export manager profession is suitable for you or not. Also, you must research the college for graduation and post-graduation programs for this profession.

Subject Choice

It is necessary that you choose the right subjects at school and college levels. In order to become an Import Export Manager, your stream should be commerce in classes 11 and 12. You must have completed your 10 + 2 with Accountancy, Economics, Mathematics, Business Studies as a compulsory subject.

After completing HSC, there are various specializations available that you can choose to become an import-export manager. However, Your marks in Accountancy, Economics, Business Studies, and Mathematics should be eligible for the Graduation program in Foreign Trade. Similarly, you must score an equivalent score in the graduation program to get into a top-tier master's college in foreign trade.

Entrance Exam

Exams like Management Aptitude Test (MAT), Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) are conducted for entrance in B.Com CUSAT Common Admission Test (CUSAT) or BBA in Foreign Trade. These exams are conducted yearly and need quite a preparation. 

The entrance exam is an important stage for you, to get into the top tier and reputed college. There is another entrance exam also, CAT (Common Admission Test), Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), to get admission in foreign trade specialization or any other relevant subject. You must prepare well and score good marks in the entrance exam to get admission to a well-reputed college. There are separate entrance exams for each college in India. Each College has its preferable entrance exam, you must qualify for them.

Selecting Correct College

Selecting a correct college will have a huge impact on your career. Colleges play an important role in shaping your career. It is necessary to choose a suitable college for graduation, post-graduation in foreign trade. You must research colleges in India or abroad. While looking for a college to become an import-export manager, look at the college ranking, rating of Foreign Trade courses in that college. 

Also, keep a note on the placement rate and salary package offered in that college. Another important thing you should see in college must be what are the recruiting companies in that college. There are many colleges in India that provide graduation in B.Com, BBA, MBA, Ph.D. in foreign trade.

After Qualifying Exam

After the qualifying exam, some colleges conduct several other rounds also to get admission. You must excel in them also. Group discussion around personal interview rounds are conducted after the qualifying exam, as per each college selection criteria. You must score very good marks in the qualifying exam, to reach group discussion and personal interview round. The process after the qualifying exam is crucial to get selected in the right college that provides specialization in foreign trade.

How to become an Import Export Manager in India?

To become an import-export manager, you must develop communication skills, problem-solving, analytical, planning skills from the start only. You must complete your education from a dignified college with a suitable degree for this profession.

Here are all the details regarding how to become an Import Export Manager In India.

UG Preparation

To become an Import export manager, you must select an appropriate UG course. It is necessary that you prepare well for the UG program. After the UG course, you may get a job as an import-export manager with a good salary package. Some steps are given below to help you prepare better for the UG course, to become an import-export manager.

• Candidates must complete class 10+2 with a minimum 50 % percentage from any stream; science or commerce or arts.
• You must score suitable marks in Foreign trade or relevant specialization entrance exams. Your marks in entrance exams like, MAT, CUCET, GMAT should be eligible to get selected for BBA/B.Com. in Foreign trade or any other relevant UG Program.
• Commerce background students will be given preference for admission in any of the UG programs to become import-export managers.

PG Preparation

After completing your graduation with foreign trade specialization, you must opt for Postgraduate education also. If you want to get a better job with a higher salary, you must definitely complete your master's to become an import-export manager.

• Candidates can complete masters from MBA in Foreign Trade or any other relevant PG Program.
• While pursuing your master's in order to become an import-export manager, you can do some part-time internships. You may even get a part-time job after completing your graduation.
• You can associate with an import-export firm and work there, to get some work experience and learn the work of an import-export manager at a ground level.

Courses to become an Import Export Manager

Check out the courses, by pursuing which, you can be an Import Export Manager.

Course 1: BBA in Foreign Trade

Bachelor Of Business Administration in Foreign Trade (BBA) is a three-year undergraduate program. This course teaches you about international trade, Indians EXIM Policy, the importance of trade and its impact on the Indian Economy, etc. 

This course comprises subjects like Statistics Business Economics, Industrial Relations Marketing Management, Logistics, International Marketing, Business Mathematics, etc. After completing BBA in foreign trade your initial salary will be around INR 6 LPA to INR 10 LPA. 

Candidates get recruited by companies like Trade Regulatory Bodies, MNCs, Shipping Companies after finishing this UG Program.

BBA in Foreign Trade: Admission Process

The details regarding the admission process for BBA in Foreign Trade are given below.

• Candidates must have passed entrance exams like Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET)All India Management Association Undergraduate Aptitude Test (AIMA UGAT) to get admission in this UG Program.
• The candidate has to pass group discussion rounds and personal interview rounds depending upon the college you are taking admission to. Each college has a different admission process, you must excel in all of them.

BBA in Foreign Trade: Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for BBA in Foreign Trade vary with each college. Here are all the common details regarding eligibility for this UG Course in Foreign Trade.

• Candidates must have completed 10+ 2 from any stream organized by a recognized institution. But commerce background students will be preferred more.
• The candidate must secure a minimum of 50% total percentage in class 12 from a recognized board.
• In most of the colleges in India, there is a reservation for SC, ST, OBC, or any other backward category students. You must check the reservation criteria of your college.

Course 2: B.Com in Foreign Trade

Bachelor of commerce in foreign trade is a three-year undergraduate course. This course includes subjects like Basics of Foreign trade, English Language and Indian Culture, Entrepreneurship, Business Organisation, and Communication, Financial Accounting, etc. 

After completing this course, you will get an annual starting salary package of INR 3 LPA to INR 8 LPA. You will get job positions like Business Analyst, Market Analyst, Auditor, Foreign Trade operations manager, Professor/ Lecturer, etc.You will get jobs in areas like Trade Management, International business management, Accounting, Financial Advisory, Government and Private sector banks.

B.Com in Foreign Trade: Admission Process

Here are all the details related to B.Com in Foreign Trade Admission process.

• Candidates have to pass entrance exams like BHU Entrance Exam, Punjab University UG Entrance Exam, CAT, GMAT, IFFT, etc.
• After passing the entrance exam, candidates have to pass group discussion and personal interview rounds as per the college admission process. These rounds are as important as the entrance exam.

B.Com in Foreign Trade: Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for B.Com. in Foreign Trade vary with each college. Here are all the common details regarding eligibility for this UG Course in Foreign Trade.

• The candidate should have passed 10 +2 from a recognized board with a minimum percentage of 50% from any stream. But, commerce stream students will be preferred.
• Candidates must qualify the entrance exam with the minimum cut off released by the authorities.

Course 3: MBA in Foreign Trade

Master of Business administration in foreign trade is a two-year post-graduation program. This course teaches about basic concepts of management and foreign trade, foreign resources, and aspects related to the global economy. The top recruiting companies that hire candidates from this course are Walmart, Standard Chartered Bank, Citigroup, Prada, Goldman Sachs. After completing this course, you will get job positions like, Foreign Trade Representative, Global Trade Manager, Export Manager.

MBA in Foreign Trade: Admission Process

Here are all the details are: given related to MBA in Foreign Trade Admission process.

• Candidates are selected on the basis of entrance exams like CAT, XAT, MAT, etc. Some colleges conduct separate entrance exams for admission.
• After passing the entrance exam, candidates have to pass group discussion and personal interview rounds as per the college admission process. These rounds are as important as the entrance exam.

MBA in Foreign Trade: Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for MBA in foreign trade are given below.

• The candidate must be a graduate in any BBA or B.Com in foreign trade or any relevant discipline of three years.
• Some universities require students to have at least a 50 percent average in their undergraduate courses.
• Candidates must graduate from a recognized university of India or abroad and hold an eligible graduation mark sheet.

How to Become an Import Export Manager Abroad?

You can also become an import-export manager abroad also. Candidates can study overseas to become import-export managers. Abroad has better education universities for foreign trade compared to India. Adding to that, you can start your career as an import-export manager abroad also. In abroad your job pay will also be high compared to Indian companies. You will get better perks and allowances from foreign firms and companies. Check out the best colleges and courses for Import Export Manager in the UK, USA and Australia.

UK

Check out the best Import Export colleges in the UK, along with its courses in the tabulated form below.

Top Courses

• LLM in International Trade Law
• Msc in International Trade, Strategy and Operations
• LLM International Trade Law Pathway
• LLM International Trade and Maritime Law

Admission Requirements

• Valid scores in the entrance exams, including IELTS, TOEFL - IBT, DET, etc.
• Candidates must have gained at least 60 to 70% in their 12th standards.

Other Requirements

• Official transcripts
• Personal Statement
• Financial and Bank statement
• English Proficiency test scores (for international candidates)

USA

Check out the best Import Export colleges in the USA, along with the top courses available there, below.

Top Courses

• BA in International Trade
• Bsc in International Trade and Development

Admission Requirements

• Candidates must see their valid scores gained in the entrance exams, including TOEFL, PTE, etc. along with their English proficiency.
• Candidates will be comprehensively evaluated vy their 10th standards state board exam results.

Other Requirements

• Academic materials
• Proof of funding
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal essay
• Special major requirements

Australia

Check out the best Import Export colleges in Australia below, along with the relevant courses available.

Top Courses

• Master of International Trade and Commerce Law
• Bachelor of Business (International Trade)
• Master of International Trade and Development

Admission Requirements

• Candidates should present their English Language proficiency by the scores gained in either TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, etc.
• For diploma courses, candidates need to gain at least 60% aggregate marks. Whereas the score criteria for Bachelor courses and Bachelor of Laws is 65% and 85% respectively.

Other Requirements

• Academic transcripts
• Completed Advanced Standing Forms ( in case applying for credit)

Benefits of Career as an Import Export Manager

Check out the benefits of a career as an Import Export Manager below. This mainly includes salary, job security, positive impact of the career, and experience.

Salary

The salary of an import-export manager is quite good. However, the salary depends on various factors like years of experience, qualification value, skills you have, etc. If you have more years of experience shown in your resume, you will get a higher salary. 

The salary package you will get as an import-export manager will be an average annual of INR 6 LPA to INR 13 LPA in a year. Along with salary, you may get many perks like pension, dearness allowances, etc depending upon the organization you are working in.

Job Security

Globalization has greatly expanded the scope of Export-Import, boosting the job prospects for Export-Import Experts/Managers. In such a circumstance, Indian Export-Import Managers have a lot of opportunities to work in many spheres of this profession.

AS many professions are required in this field, the chances of losing a job are very less. AS the world is growing and globalization has come many import-export managers are required for trading. An import-export manager's job security is quite good.

Positive Impact of the Career

The job of an import-export manager will give you good results in terms of the salary package you will get. Adding to that, you will get to learn more about international trading policy, India’s EXIM policy. As a result, you will become a pro in international trading. With this work experience, you can get a job easily in new places or you can even open your freelance business as an import-export manager. The profession of an import-export manager has a lot of scope in the present time and in the future.

Unique Experience

The job of an import-export manager will give you a good and unique experience You will earn more about international commodity transfer. You will get the knowledge of many countries' trading policies. Once you will gain experience, you will get a better career opportunity as an import-export manager. 

Moreover, you will develop skills like, assessing policies, evaluating risks, etc. Adding to that, you will get the knowledge of India to oversee tax regulations and policies. All these unique experiences and skills will help you grow more in a career as an import-export manager.

Skills required to be an Import Export Manager

The skills required to become an import-export manager are given below.

• Knowledge and interest in global business
• Working knowledge of an international language.
• Understanding of the criteria for international trade compliance
• Networking abilities
• Good assessing and evaluating skills
• Knowledge of laws for international trading
• Accountability and adaptability skills
• Ability to handle stress and pressure
• Ability to receive feedback

Salary of an Import Export Manager In India

Check out the salaries of Import Export Managers, based on their specialization, gender, and experience.

Average Annual Salary

Specialization Wise Salary

Gender Wise Salary

Experience Wise Salary