<p>I'm an international applicant from Latin America (Panama). In fact, I just got accepted into U of Minnesota's Carlson Management. There's still other decisions I'm awaiting but Carlson is solid enough to start this thread.</p>
<p>I know that as an international student my chances of getting a job in the US are slim, I understand that. My doubt, though, is if there's any 'path' or 'plan' the experienced posters here can suggest for me to get the best out of my education in the USA. For example, studying business is my best option because, amongst my interests, this is the path that will help me the most back here in Panama, since other choices such as medicine, law, and engineering are not that valued here.</p>
<p>I have considered Accounting, MIS and Economics, though I wonder if Accounting will be helpful if I'm form another country (I wouldn't be able to have a valued title such as CPA, for example).</p>
<p>If there's any suggestions about what I should pursue, or not pursue (like such regarding International Business, since I've heard that it's an useless major), or if there's any options non-business related you think is good, tell me about it too. </p>
<p>Every piece of advice is appreciated, thank you very much.</p>
<p>A degree in International Business may seem “useless” in the U.S. (because it is too vague and therefore does not equip you with some specific tools); however, it will still open some doors for you, in your country.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, I think the best choice for you will be to major in finances. This type of degree will provide you with the specific skills needed to work in many areas including corporate, international trade, commercial and investments banking, personal financial planning, brokerage firms, commercial and investment banks, and insurance companies. This also means that you will be able to find a job in both countries. Later on, if you decide to go to grad school, you can always get a MBA with a concentration in international Business, International Finance or International Economics. </p>
<p>I actually took an international business class that involved a 2 week trip to Panama. I can honestly say that most businesses we visited with seemed very interested in hiring business or engineering students from US universities, if that’s what you are interested in.</p>
<p>Regarding finance, I admit I never even considered it since some users frequently say that it’s not that useful unless you are from a top school because of the connections you have in the business. Though now that you mention it, in my country there is a rising use of Real Estate services. Perhaps I can take advantage of that. Hopefully I can get more information on this.</p>
<p>sigkapaccountant, I hope you enjoyed your stay in Panama! It’s pretty much luck what decides if you have a good time or a horrible time in this country heh
Thank you for your info. Out of curiosity, did you notice what kind of companies were they? Or, more specifically, what kind of areas were they most interested in? (Accounting, Consulting, Auditing, etc. / Civil Engineering, Chemical, etc.)</p>
<p>It’s just that I’m from the smaller provinces and have limited knowledge of the metropolitan area of Panama.</p>
<p>Going to a tippy top school matters in finance if you want to go into something prestigious like Investment Banking. There are plenty of other fields in finance that you could pursue, especially with a degree from Minnesota Carlson. </p>
<p>I absolutely loved Panama! We stayed at an old US Military base that is now a school just outside of Panama City. We also did a weekend trip to the southern shore in a more rural area, I’m forgetting the name. I did pretty much everything there is to do in Panama City, but never made it up to Colon.</p>
<p>We got to talk to all sorts of companies. We visited like 2 a day, and I was there for 2 weeks. Everything from government agencies, to the biggest grocer in the region (El Rey, I remember this because the CEO was such an incredible guy), the different entities than handle the Panama Canal, banks, telecommunications companies, real estate ventures, an airline, health care, etc. </p>
<p>The feeling I got was that anyone with a business or tech background would be sought after. There’s so much happening in terms of infrastructure and growth. The group I went with were all business majors, most of them international business. I left my trip feeling like most of us could’ve called the person we got to talk with, and gotten a job. Then again, the professor was very well connected there. She does consulting work related to international business, with a strong focus in Latin America.</p>
<p>Thank you very much for your insight. This is really helpful for how I’ll plan for my career.</p>
<p>So it seems International Business will be useful in my case.
I’ll await more decisions from universities and perhaps have more plans when I have everything in order to start university life.</p>
<p>After investigating a bit, I found out that some Big Four Firms have branches here in Panama.</p>
<p>I was wondering if I am qualified to be a CPA even though I’m a foreigner. In Canada, to be a CA it’s necessary to be a resident but I never really heard any specific about US CPA. Does anyone have details about this?</p>
<p>Also, if I were hired by one of the Big Four’s branches here in my country, what are the chances I could earn the chance to be transferred to another country? Not necessarily USA. I’m trying to find the best way to be able to travel and not be destined to be living in one single country forever.</p>