Betriebswirt/Betriebswirtin (doppelt qualifizierende Ausbildung) für Außenhandel

Business economists (Betriebswirt/Betriebswirtin) in foreign trade receive school-based training at educational institutions (course providers or Berufsschule - vocational school). Learning locations include classrooms and practice rooms. In addition, the training in the recognized vocational qualification (Ausbildung) takes place in the company and at the Berufsschule.

Occupation Type: Vocational qualification (Ausbildungsberuf). Type of Training: Dual-qualified training (recognized vocational qualification and a degree as Business Economist - Foreign Trade). Training Duration: 3 years. Learning Locations: Educational institution as well as training company and vocational school (dual training). What does one do in this profession? Business economists in foreign trade plan the import of raw materials, semi-finished products, finished goods, and operating resources from abroad, or optimize procurement channels and possibilities. In marketing and sales, they determine, for example, sales planning abroad and develop sales-promoting measures. They also observe international and national markets and develop foreign trade strategies. In finance and accounting, they prepare financing plans and monitor business accounting. Furthermore, they provide control and management information for company management. Where does one work? Employers: Business economists and business economists...

3 years

The training in the company is free of charge for the trainees. However, costs may arise for example for: external accommodation, meals and specialized literature, course fees, and examination fees.

During the training to become a Business Economist (Betriebswirt/Betriebswirtin) in Foreign Trade, knowledge is acquired in areas such as: General business administration, foreign trade business administration, economics/politics, law, accounting, information processing, mathematics, communication/presentation, human resources management, languages (English as well as a second foreign language such as French or Spanish). A two-week certificate course 'Export and Foreign Trade' in London, in cooperation with the European College of Business and Management of the German-British Chamber of Commerce, is also part of the training. Training in a recognized vocational qualification (Ausbildung), e.g., Wholesale and Foreign Trade Management (specializing in foreign trade), is also included.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Theoretical lessons: Future business economists in foreign trade attend courses in addition to their dual vocational training (Ausbildung).

Prospective business economists in foreign trade receive a training allowance from companies for the practical part of their vocational training (Ausbildung). No training allowance is paid for the school-based education.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects provides a good foundation for successful training: Economics/Law (e.g., to check freight and customs documents), Mathematics (e.g., to calculate export prices), English and other foreign languages (e.g., to conduct sales discussions with foreign companies), German (e.g., to draft offers and business letters).

The following training alternatives are available for the profession of business economist in foreign trade: Sales and Distribution Area: Foreign Trade Assistant (dual-qualification training), Business Economist for General Business Administration (dual-qualification training), Certified Sales Specialist in Retail (dual-qualification training), Certified Commercial Specialist (dual-qualification training), Certified E-Commerce Specialist (dual-qualification training), Commercial Assistant (dual-qualification training). Commonality: Taking on tasks in purchasing and sales, accounting, and customer consulting. Foreign Languages Area: Euro Merchant (dual-qualification training). Commonality: Taking on commercial administrative tasks and foreign language correspondence.

In 2020, the Vocational Training Act (BBiG) and the Crafts Code (HWO) were amended, introducing a minimum training allowance and expanding the possibility of completing vocational training (Ausbildung) on a part-time basis. In 2024, the Vocational Training Validation and Digitalization Act came into force, with adjustments to the BBiG and HWO. This included the legal anchoring of the possibility of digital mobile training and the introduction of an assessment and certification procedure (vocational validation) for individual professional competence based on a recognized vocational training occupation, independent of a formal vocational training qualification.

The training as a business economist in foreign trade is a dual-qualification initial training. It leads to a qualification in the recognized vocational training occupation of wholesale and foreign trade management (specializing in foreign trade) (dual vocational training) and, in parallel, to the qualification of business economist in foreign trade, regulated by the internal regulations of the course providers. The three-year training is conducted at vocational schools (Berufsschule) and in commercial enterprises. Additionally, there is the option to pursue further training (Weiterbildung) to become a business economist for foreign trade.

Business Economist in Foreign Trade (BiA). Generally, an additional qualification in the following recognized vocational training occupation is also acquired: Wholesale and Foreign Trade Management (specializing in foreign trade).

After completing their Ausbildung (vocational training), business economists in foreign trade can find employment in wholesale and foreign trade companies, as well as in the import and export departments of all types of production businesses. Through Anpassungsweiterbildung (adaptive continuing education), individuals can keep their expertise current, update it, and expand it. The range of topics covers everything from foreign trade to commercial law. With a Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (higher education entrance qualification), one can also pursue a Studium (university degree), for example, earning a Bachelor's degree in International Economics. The step into self-employment is also possible, for instance, by starting one's own export-import company.

Access to this Ausbildung typically requires a general or subject-specific Hochschulreife (university entrance qualification) or Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification), along with an Ausbildung (training) contract in the recognized occupation of Kaufmann/-frau für Groß- und Außenhandelsmanagement (Wholesale and Foreign Trade Management Assistant) specializing in foreign trade. Additionally, depending on the educational provider, very good English language skills, for example, may be required.