Seven College of Charleston MBA students have earned the National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators “Certified Global Business Professional” designation.

The designation serves as a benchmark for competency in global commerce, and is a criterion that more international companies are seeking on professionals’ resumes. It certifies that a professional is competent in the following four primary domains: global business management, global marketing, supply chain management, and trade finance.

The students who received this certification are Kristine Abruzzino, Nelson Hudspeth, Ed Lapine, Thai Phi, Jasmine Pondexter, Cade Shelley and Marly Tristano.

The students were prepped for the NASBITE CGBP exam as part of the MBA marketing curriculum under the direction of Rene Mueller, professor of international marketing and director of the Global Business Resource Center.

“The majority of people who are seeking CGBP certification are trade specialists,” says Mueller. “This accomplishment not only demonstrates the quality of education our students are receiving in School of Business MBA program, but it also provides our students with the edge needed to succeed in global business.”

“The national pass rate of the CGBP is 74 percent. The College of Charleston is 100 percent, which is really impressive,” says Mueller.