It’s common for store shelves across Quebec to be lined with products from all over the globe.

Those products could be anything from coffee to car parts to computers. And they’re available to local shoppers thanks to the efforts of skilled import/export specialists.

Import/export specialists are experts in moving goods across international borders.

They use their knowledge of trade regulations, marketing techniques, and business strategy to sell domestic goods abroad and/or bring in products from foreign countries.

Interested in breaking into the industry? Wondering how a total beginner can become an importer/exporter in Quebec?

Here are 5 steps to get you started.

Import/Export Instructor Karla Perez at Herzing College Montreal. 

(Updated April 2021)

Quebec is an excellent place to start a career in international trade. There is good demand for entry-level jobs like customs official and import/export clerk, and strong growth potential for import/export merchants.

Thinking of starting your own import/export business? Interested in entering the industry?

Your first step is to look into quality import/export training. Professionals in this field need a solid foundation in import/export laws, regulations, marketing, and business strategy.

This week we interviewed Herzing's own International Commerce & Import/Export instructor, Karla Perez, to get a better understanding of how training works.

We talked about what to expect in class, entry-level job options, certification, and what it takes to succeed in this field.

Read on to meet the teacher, learn about the program, and find out if import/export training is right for you.

Updated November, 2020

Imagine navigating in the dark without GPS, booking a hotel without first checking reviews, or making a major purchase without comparing prices or product features. You might get lucky, but it's far more likely that you'll end up lost, disappointed, and way over budget!