Since San Francisco State University shares great ethnic and cultural diversities, getting a career in international business may be an attractive option for many students regardless of whether they are domestic or international students.

Often times, students may hit several roadblocks as they try to get into the job market, such as what kind of jobs they can expect or what kind of skills they need in international business market or simply, where to look for these information.

To help create connections and expand the personal network on and off campus, in addition to educate students about international job market and employment outlook, the Organization of International Business Students was formed at the beginning of this semester. The club is becoming the largest organization within the College of Business, leading about 150 members including both domestic and international students, according to Katsufumi Araki, the founder of the OIBS and a senior majoring in international business.

“The purpose of our organization is to build a huge network for the business students,” said Araki. He added that the organization is also open to anybody regardless of their majors who is interested in international business.

“It’s all about internationalism. I believe that SF State students need more social skills such as joining clubs or organizations which give them a sense of being a part of community,” said Araki. There are about 600 international students in the international business department, according to Araki.

The OIBS encourages students to attend career skills workshops, sponsored by the College of Business student organizations, inviting professional speakers who specialize in different business markets.

“It helps students to hear about their experiences so that they can learn what to expect and how to begin planning their career to meet future goals and aspirations,” said Linda Lam, the OIBS treasurer and a senior, international business major.

The OIBS members said understanding different cultures and backgrounds are beneficial for students who are looking for jobs in the Bay Area as well as in foreign countries.

“The communication is the key for business,” said Lam. “The U.S. companies are becoming more globalizing and diversifying and if you look at the trend of the business world of today, the job marketing is beginning outsourcing and expanding into a foreign market.”

Aj Weissmiller loves learning cultures and languages as he studied abroad in Taiwan.

"I've been involved in the OIBS since it opens doors to opporunities to be connected with people who have global perspectives," said Weissmiller, a senior, international business and Chinese major.

The most challenging aspect that the OIBS faces is scheduling for the meeting to find the best time to accommodate the most number of the members, according to Lam.

“The goal of the club is to increase our members, especially targeting students those who have another couple of semesters left until graduation. We want to keep the ball rolling,” said Lam. She said the club continues to keep their effort to expand their network to pass it down to the existing students.

The club encourages students not only who are business major but also those who are interested in international business.

"Regardless of the fields or companies that students are going to, there are chances that they are going to deal with different cultures and international business aspects,” said Lam.