Global Business Resource Center
Globalization and international trade are key drivers of our national and state economies. South Carolina currently ranks second in the nation in the percentage of workers employed by foreign-owned companies and ninth in terms of jobs created by international trade; the state exports to 188 countries. With more than 80 percent of trade taking place outside U.S. borders, however, continued economic development depends upon improving international skills in the business community and in creating an awareness of the globalization of our economy.
The School of Business offers one of only a handful of undergraduate degrees in international business in the Southeast, the degree most commonly held by entry level managers. Indeed, the College of Charleston is the largest provider of undergraduate international business and foreign language degrees in South Carolina. Its graduates, many of whom stay in the region after commencement, are key to the development of an internationally skilled workforce.
A key role of the Global Business Resource Center (GBRC) is the continued development of international education opportunities so that students gain the necessary international business skills, cross-cultural experience and foreign language proficiency needed to compete effectively in today's globalized economy. To ensure that the international business knowledge conveyed is up-to-date and relevant, the Global Business Program also supports faculty development and international business research.
The GBRC is housed in the College of Charleston's School of Business. Located in the beautiful, historic center of this port city, the GBRC is situated in the heart of the international trade community. Top-notch facilities at the Beatty and Tate Centers provide an ideal venue for international trade seminars, workshops and lectures.
The GBRC continues to build upon longstanding relationships with the S.C. World Trade Center, the State Ports Authority and other international trade organizations to expand international trade education to mid-career professionals. In conjunction with the S.C. World Trade Center, for example, it is now the first organization in the state to offer the NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional program. One very successful initiative with Charleston Women in International Trade has established a mentoring program that matches students and global trade and logistics professionals in mutually beneficial relationships. The Intermodal Transportation Professional Training Program, offered through the school's Global Logistics and Transportation Program, is available to community and industry professionals. It provides an in-depth look at all the aspects of transportation and logistics as practiced here in Charleston.
