Competing Globally

As an organization helping Maine businesses compete globally, Maine International Trade Center (MITC) recognizes the need for the state to have the most effective and innovative workforce available. Businesses here need top-notch employees for continued success in overseas markets, while international businesses are looking for skilled workers when choosing new locations for investment. Maine is in a national and worldwide competition for talent that is highly skilled and globally savvy.

Best known for helping Maine companies export, MITC provides trade consulting and education statewide and organizes events around the world at trade shows and on trade missions to put Maine businesses in front of international buyers.

But beyond the headlines and overseas events, MITC has several initiatives designed to attract, engage, and grow a global workforce here in Maine:

“Maine is in a national and worldwide competition for talent that is highly skilled and globally savvy.”

Maine International Trade Center trade Mission Event.

  • StudyMaine was created in 2010 to promote the state internationally as a great place to study. Over 20 high schools and colleges/universities from all areas of Maine are members of the consortium, which has held recruitment events in China, Colombia, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Russia, South Korea, Thailand, Ukraine, and Vietnam.
  • MITC’s own internship program, Future Global Leaders, directly trains upper level undergraduate or graduate students each year. Future Global Leaders receive thorough training, working alongside MITC staff to support businesses exploring international markets, and complete their internship ready to hit the ground running and make an immediate contribution.
  • Young Global Professionals is a network of early career employees who have international perspective, experience, or interests. The group holds networking events several times a year, providing both a source of connections for young workers interested in career development as well as an excellent resource for companies seeking potential employees with global skills.
  • Our Invest in Maine initiative to promote the state as a desirable location for foreign companies to invest works with partners statewide to determine how workforce needs of potential investors can be met. Maine’s dedicated and skilled workforce is a major asset for companies that consider locating here.

Nearly 181,000 Mainers have a job that is dependent on international business. Along with our partners at Live and Work in Maine and Opportunity Maine, MITC is proud to be doing our part to build Maine’s global workforce today and into the future.

Want to learn more or get involved? I look forward to hearing from you.

Wade Merritt

President, Maine International Trade Center