Import work is carried out by import managers, import administrators, import workers and other professionals associated with the import trading industry. The act of buying goods from dealers who are based in other sovereign countries has been practiced since several millenniums. With modern amenities and means of faster transport, the international trading industry has greatly risen in the last few decades.
The type of product that is imported can be of various types such as raw materials, finished goods, textiles and general consumer goods. Import work professionals have to comply with a number of laws and regulations specific to trading in the countries of both parties involved. Import, along with export trade is essential for maintaining healthy relations and goodwill amongst different nations and plays a huge part in a nation’s financial development.
Description
The specific job functions carried out by those who are involved in import work can greatly vary from position to position. An import manager has to supervise over other employees and ensure timely transactions and delivery of products at all times. They have to communicate with the traders and liaise with various agents who can ensure a smooth trading process.
An import administrator maintains stock of the incoming shipment of goods and products and also coordinates with appropriate people in order to track the shipments. They may have to contact customs officials in order to receive clearance on products. Import workers act as a liaison between the trading companies and clients and set up the deal between the two parties involved.
Skills
Those involved in import work should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, since a major part of their work involves interaction with various people such as clients, customs officers, traders, and shipment personnel. They need to have good knowledge about the various trading related laws in the countries from where they frequently import goods and products. Having good organizational and leadership skills is essential for an important manager. Additionally, knowledge about few foreign languages and geographical locations are considered to be desirable traits in a person working in the import industry.
Requirements
Import managers need to possess a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with specialization in subjects such as international trade, finance, economics and international relations. Those possessing a post-graduation degree in the same field have an edge over other applicants for the job. The educational requirements for an import administrator are similar. Prior experience in the field is considered to be a huge factor during selection for the job. Many people receive on the job training on specific work areas that they may have to undertake.
Working Conditions
Those performing import work have to often travel to other countries, which mean that they have to face different weather conditions on a regular basis. While working in the home country, they mainly work in a comfortable office based environment and may have to occasionally visit the warehouse or the storage areas to inspect the condition of the imported goods. They work for around 40 hours in a week and may work overtime as per the requirement.
Career Advancement
Import workers can be promoted to supervisory positions based on their experience and skill levels. Experienced administrators may be promoted to managerial positions. Those working as managers may move to senior managerial positions or may open their own trading firms with the experience they gain from working with various contacts. On the whole, there is huge scope for growth and career advancement in this line of work.
Salary and Benefits
Salaries in import work can vary from person to person. Import managers and administrators may earn between $50,000 and $90,000 depending on expertise and experience. Those with good qualifications, skills and experience may even earn above $100,000. Those working in a clerical position earn around $35,000. Import work professionals may also receive additional benefits such as paid leaves, health insurance plans, pension plans, etc.
Import work is a lucrative and viable career option for those who are looking to build a career in this field. It involves all the tasks that are carried out for the smooth importing process of goods from a foreign country to the organization one is working at.