Mary Hicks believes that entering college students should pursue interests of their choice, but, as they prepare to graduate, they should focus on skills valued by employers. Language training, however, is not the only prerequisite for effective competition in international markets. Suggestions along such lines were put forth by Blethen and McDevitt during their sessions at the Upper Midwest World Trade Conference, Competing Successfully in World Markets. American firms must also adopt a c.i.f. It is clearly in the best interests of the professional foreign language community to strengthen its ties to the international business sector.
International trade offers many potential career options for our graduates.
The World Trade Conferences already provide a natural forum for collaboration between academics and business executives. The 1982 Upper Midwest conference, for example, was presided over by a humanities scholar, sponsored by several area colleges and universities, and attended in record numbers by members of both the business and the academic communities. ADFL might consider joining the federal government in the prestigious incentive of honoring distinguished exporters. Overcoming export shyness is synonymous with crossing language barriers. The stated ideals of the exporting profession, promoting American identity and good international citizenship, are congenial.