Professionals in this area provide the key input for strategic decisions of the international firm - such as direct investment, supply chain policies, market positioning, and risk management. The ability to translate "big picture" changes into actionable strategies often leads to roles in management consultancies or as in-company advisors to senior management.

Professionals specialized in Emerging Markets (EM´s) typically combine analytics and business acumen with a degree of cultural and political sensitivity. A higher degree of volatility and uncertainty will often characterize EM´s, but business opportunities are often equally outsized. Key analytical, operational and advisory roles can be found in medium-to-large sized multinationals, in management consultancies, and in international financial companies.

Whether private or public, for-profit or nonprofit, a general business skillset is essential for the successful implementation in all areas of this field. This involves knowledge of project management, financial planning, and ensuring consistency with contracts, budgets and with the legislative framework. A common thread of successful players in this field is their ability to build relationships with and between stakeholders.