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Imagine a life of adventure, travel and million-dollar deals. It may sound too good to be true, but for many trade specialists, it's just a part of the job.

Sanjeev Chowdury works as a trade specialist. "We're acting as liaisons between overseas markets and...business back home."

Lisa Kjaers helps businesses make the most of emerging world markets -- yet another stage in trade negotiation. Once a trade agreement has been reached, some businesses need help getting their foot in the door.

"It's really fun to help the companies, to alert them to the wonderful products we offer," Kjaers says. "Lots of times we're coming in like Santa Claus at Christmas time with packages of goodies they can use overseas -- goodies like grants, loans, market information and international business plans."

There are many success stories. "We were working with an environmental company," Kjaers explains. "A trade specialist would call up and say we have a grant to help you market your product in Asia. We got them a grant, and helped them draw up an international business plan. They made $2 million in sales their first time out."

Chowdury has a bachelor's degree in commerce and a master's degree in international business. After graduation, he worked for a bank, then as an executive assistant for an economic development organization.

Kjaers says it's always fun to rub shoulders with VIPs. "It's a little bit of glamour," she confesses. "You might have the secretary of commerce or the president coming to town." Kjaers first set her eyes on international trade while she was in college.

"I had this very wise professor who made us write five- to 10-year plans," she remembers. "I realized I wanted to work in the private sector, government and as a contractor one day. I know now that's a little bit risky." Kjaers has put plans of contract work on the back burner, but she has met her other goals.

As a sophomore, Kjaers went to Italy to work for the summer. "One of the things I realized was that I was learning much more from the environment than in the classroom," she says. Kjaers points to the Italian custom of closing shop between noon and 2 p.m. every day -- something she wouldn't have learned without the benefit of hands-on experience.

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