The IOE is celebrating the achievements of five students who have recently graduated from our groundbreaking Foundation Degree in Professional Practice in International Trade.
Developed in collaboration with Anglia Ruskin University, the two-year online course is suitable for export, import or trade professionals in any industry.
Arlene Jones, Sharon Haggarty, Ryan Clarke, Vincente Fons Sanjaime and Carol Haylett completed their degrees at the university and are commending the programme for the tangible benefits it has given them.
The career-boosting qualification equips students with the professional and academic skills to succeed in international business and its flexible learning structure fits around full time employment. They are taught by Anglia Ruskin University tutors and international trade experts through online tutorials, podcasts and work-based scenarios.
Customer services manager at shipping carrier, CMA CGM Group, Arlene Jones, previously completed an IOE Advanced Certificate in International Trade.
She said: “Studying for the ACIT qualification, then the Foundation Degree, gave me the skills and confidence to develop my career and I have progressed from customer services import/export manager (CMA CGM) to customer services manager (MacAndrews), managing imports, exports, internal sales and a specialist team.
“My employer helped with course costs and, knowing my commitment to a career in international trade, developed and promoted me while I was studying. Throughout, I have also had terrific backing from the IOE, which has now encouraged me to embark on a two-year Business Management degree, again at Anglia Ruskin University.”
Export sales manager with international electronics manufacturer, Audio-Technica, Sharon Haggarty, added: “The Foundation Degree with the Institute of Export was the obvious choice when considering options for a route to a BA. I had worked in export for 20 years but as the industry is always evolving and changing, I wanted to maximise my understanding of the world of business and international trade.
“The course gave me experience in business areas I don’t usually work in, which has benefited both me and my employer, who half-funded the second year. Being more commercially aware has allowed me to solve problems – that I couldn’t have tackled before – and has enhanced the company’s skills base.”
The IOE is the only professional body in the UK providing recognised, formal qualifications in International Trade and offers a series of career enhancing educational courses. Providing a viable, cost effective and flexible opportunity for higher educational study, its wide-ranging qualifications are designed to meet the needs of all students, regardless of age or experience.
IOE Director General, Lesley Batchelor OBE, commented: “A student can start with us at the age of 16 and follow our professional accreditations through to an MSc. With all courses improving job performance, adding skills and advancing careers, they should be of interest to employees and exporting businesses alike.”
The countdown is underway for international trade professionals and their employers to sign up for the next intake on the Institute of Export’s Foundation Degree, Bachelor’s Degree and Masters Courses starting in 2017:
Foundation Degree in Professional Practice in International Trade – Deadline January 2017 for April 2017 enrolments
BSc (Hons) Management Practice – International Trade – Deadline January 2017 for September 2017 enrolments.
MSc in International Trade, Strategy and Operations – Deadline January 2017 for April 2017 enrolments.
Support is also available to pay for learning that improves career prospects. Professional and Career Development Loans are bank loans that can be used to help pay for work related learning. You can borrow between £300 and £10,000 to help support the cost of up to two years of study (or three years if it includes one year’s relevant unpaid practical work).
The apprenticeship programme can also provide proven benefits to both employers and apprentices. Degree Apprenticeships have been developed as part of higher apprenticeship standards, seeing apprentices achieving a Foundation Degree, a full Bachelor’s or Master’s degree as a core component of the apprenticeship. Find out more here.