Career Path to Becoming a Trade Specialist
Before becoming a trade specialist, standard job titles include consultant, customer service representative, and sales associate. Most companies require a bachelor’s degree for a trade specialist position. Typical trade specialist jobs require 4-6 years of experience. It takes an average of 3-6 months of training to become a trade specialist.
According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), specialists need three to five years of experience before eligibility. The skills needed include:
- Knowledge of the trade environment and factors affecting it
- Understanding rules and regulations, import and export laws
- Problem-solving and communication abilities
Hiring managers expect a trade specialist to have initiative, analytical skills, and be detail oriented.
Educational Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in economics, business, or related fields
- Certification programs can make a specialist more competitive
Forex and International Trading
Forex trading is a 24-hour market, which allows traders to adapt to various time zones and demands flexibility and skills in analysis. An international trade specialist usually has several years of experience in related fields and works to procure or sell goods optimally.
Sales and Support Specialist Role
The job opening for a support specialist requires multiple skills such as analytical, organizational, time management, teamwork, motivational, interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills. Responsibilities of a Trading Support Specialist include strengthening procedures and efficiency.
Industry Trends and Compensation
Here are trends influencing Trade Support Analysts:
- Growth of supply chain management, which helps businesses reduce costs and improve efficiency
- Collaboration between trade support and logistics to optimize operations
Customs Compliance Specialist at FedEx typically make $15-$17 per hour.
Becoming a Specialist or Analyst
To become an expert, skills in knowledge of the trade environment and regulations are crucial. For analyst positions, qualifications include a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience.
Sales support specialists often require an associate degree, though bachelor’s degrees are preferred. Additionally, prior sales or product knowledge and customer service experience are beneficial.
Education and Training for Specialists
International trade degrees typically focus on history and political science. Technical sales support specialists or product support specialists may need other specific qualifications such as certifications.
Pathway to Success
In high school, excel at subjects like math, economics, business, and languages. Determine if the career suits your personality and interests. Certifications, through training programs or trade organizations, can enhance one’s prospects and pay in the field.