Page 120 - Business Principles and Management

Chapter 4 • International Environment of Business

Career Cluster

Customs Inspector

ustoms inspectors enforce laws governing
imports and exports. Stationed in the United
CStates and overseas at airports, seaports, and
border crossing points, they examine, count,
weigh, and measure cargoes entering and leav-
ing the United States to determine whether the
shipments are legal and how much duty must be
paid. They determine whether people, ships,
planes, and anything used to import or export
cargo comply with all necessary regulations.

Employment Outlook
National security concerns and growing inter- DIGITAL VISION.
national trade are increasing the demand for
customs inspectors, which is expected to rise 10 PHOTO: ©
to 20 percent over the next 10 years. Customs
inspecting is a federal job and less susceptible
to economic conditions.
Working in Customs Services
Job Titles Leopoldo began his career as a police officer in
a small Texas town. After three years, he applied
Customs and Border Protection Officer
for a job as a customs inspector. His first assign-
Customs Agricultural Agent
ment was on the U.S.–Mexico border, where he
Import Specialist
inspected cargo, baggage, people, cars, and
Compliance Inspector
trains entering the United States for contra-
Facility Operations Specialist
band. This experience led to a new opportunity
Intelligence Analyst
as an intelligence analyst. He will work with
larger cases related to narcotics smuggling,
Needed Skills money laundering, child pornography, and cus-
• Must be a U.S. citizen and pass an exten- toms fraud. His goal is to move eventually into
sive background investigation and medical top management at the Customs Service.
examination.
• Must possess a bachelor’s degree from an Career Assessment
accredited college or university or possess
three years of generalized experience. Why are customs agents important to inter-
• Must be willing to accept temporary or perma- national business? Why are they important to
nent assignments in a variety of geographical national security? What do you like and dislike
areas. about this career area?

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