Question 1

What is globalization and why is it important to learn about?

Accepted Answer

Globalization is the ongoing process of the intertwining and integration of economies and cultures around the world. While the history of globalization dates back at least several centuries to the “age of exploration” driven by European countries beginning in the 15th century, and could be considered to date back millennia to the continent-spanning migrations and wars of the great ancient civilizations, globalization typically refers to the rapidly accelerating interactions between countries spurred on by advances in communications and transportation technologies since the 18th century. After the fall of the Soviet Union and the advent of the internet, the 21st century has seen this process accelerate even further, and understanding globalization is of essential importance to understanding today’s world.

The impacts of globalization are as diverse and multifaceted as the countries that this process is steadily weaving together. We see it perhaps most obviously in the realm of culture, where American movies, Korean pop music, and Mexican cuisine have become incredibly popular around the world. The realities of globalization also increasingly drive the economy, with international businesses and supply chains connecting consumers with innovative products at low costs. Globalization is also impacting concerns around international security, with risks around issues like cyber-crime and terrorism as well as tensions around migration and trade becoming increasingly important as well as difficult to manage.

No matter what your interests are in the world of business, culture, or politics, the accelerating flows of globalization are creating new opportunities as well as new potential challenges to tackle. Learning about this far-reaching historical phenomenon is critical to understanding the lay of the land today - and where the world may be heading in the future.

Question 2

What kinds of careers can I have with an understanding of globalization?

Accepted Answer

An understanding of the myriad of ways that globalization is shaping the economy is essential for many careers in business. Whether you’re overseeing the logistics of a manufacturing company looking to take advantage of overseas supply chains, a branding guru trying to develop truly global marketing campaigns that can reach culturally diverse consumers, or an analyst in the world of finance trying to anticipate shifts in global commodity markets, the ability to understand and anticipate the opportunities and challenges presented by globalization can give you an edge.

If you want to dig into the macroeconomic data of globalization and shape how businesses and governments understand this phenomenon, you can pursue a career as an economist. These expert researchers and analysts typically have a master’s degree or a doctorate and may choose to specialize in the study of specific industries like healthcare or energy or decide to look more broadly at issues such as employment levels, tax policy, and international business cycles. Globalization is elevating the importance of economists; according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, economists earned a median annual salary of $105,020 in 2019, and these roles are expected to grow much faster than average.

Question 3

Can I learn about globalization by taking online courses on Coursera?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Coursera offers a wealth of learning opportunities on a wide range of topics in business and politics, including courses that focus specifically on globalization and its impacts in specific fields. Appropriately for the subject of globalization, Coursera also lets you learn about this phenomenon from top-ranked universities from all over the world, including IE Business School, Universiteit Leiden, Sciences Po, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and the University of New Mexico. Regardless of where you choose to learn from, the ability to view course materials and complete assignments on a flexible schedule lets you focus on your education - and not on planning it around your existing work, family life, or time zone.

Question 4

How do I know if learning about globalization is right for me?

Accepted Answer

If you're interested in making a difference in the world and you embrace the idea of immersing yourself in another culture, globalization (or global studies) might be the right college curriculum for you. Drawing broadly from the humanities and social sciences, globalization looks at issues affecting various cultures around the world and explores possible solutions. If you proceed down this educational road, you'll be studying a broad range of subjects, from political science and economics to geography and history.

Question 5

What are common career paths for someone in globalization?

Accepted Answer

Because the global studies curriculum is so broad, you can go in many different directions when it comes to a career. You might decide to enter law school or become a legal assistant. You can be a government official, a diplomat, or a political analyst. If you're interested in the corporate side of things, you might want to be a marketing director, a human resources manager, or a business consultant for a multinational company. If you're inspired by the idea of public service, you can run a non-profit agency or become a civil service worker, a public health expert, or a human rights advocate. If you wish to work for a college or university, you might consider teaching a global studies class or conducting social science or economic research.

Question 6

What types of places hire people with a background in globalization?

Accepted Answer

With a background in global studies you can go to work at state and national governments, private and non-profit corporations, law firms, hospitals and clinics, humanitarian agencies, travel agencies, newspapers and magazines, and churches. Intelligence agencies like the CIA and NSA also hire people with a global studies background.

Question 7

What topics can I study that are related to globalization?

Accepted Answer

Because globalization has to do with other cultures, a few related topics you can study include foreign languages, linguistics, art, music, and agriculture. When it comes to building roads and bridges around the world, civil engineering is useful, and other topics that go hand-in-hand with globalization include teaching, pre-med courses, and criminal justice.

Question 8

What are the benefits of taking an online Globalization course?

Accepted Answer

Online Globalization courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Globalization skills. Choose from a wide range of Globalization courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

Question 9

What Globalization courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

Accepted Answer

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Globalization, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.

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Explore the Globalization Course Catalog

Global Challenges in Business

Comércio Internacional

International Business Context

New Learning: Principles and Patterns of Pedagogy

Migrations internationales : un enjeu mondial

Global sustainability and corporate social responsibility: Be sustainable

América Latina en los cambios internacionales: amenazas y oportunidades.

Global Politics

International Business and Culture

Cities are back in town : urban sociology for a globalizing urban world

Comercio, Inmigración y Tipos de Cambio en un Mundo Globalizado

Afrique et mondialisation, regards croisés

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Frequently Asked Questions about Globalization

What is globalization and why is it important to learn about?‎

What kinds of careers can I have with an understanding of globalization?‎

Can I learn about globalization by taking online courses on Coursera?‎

How do I know if learning about globalization is right for me?‎

What are common career paths for someone in globalization?‎

What types of places hire people with a background in globalization?‎

What topics can I study that are related to globalization?‎

What are the benefits of taking an online Globalization course?‎

What Globalization courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?‎

Other topics to explore