What can I do with a degree in Modern Languages?

The question most frequently asked to faculty advisors by students seeking assistance with career planning is "What can I do with this major?"

Opportunities exist for students fluent in a language as wells as those interested in combining foreign language proficiency with another area of skill and expertise. There is an increasing demand for speakers in a variety of foreign languages within both the academic arena as well as a range of businesses and industries, which allows graduates to pursue an array of challenging professions. While these lists are by no means complete, they are intended to both provide students with some broad examples as well as to promote students' own reflections on what career choices they are particularly interested.

International Business: international banking, marketing, management, sales representative for divisions of industries such as high-tech, auto, appliances, food, cosmetics, clothing, biotechnology & pharmaceuticals.

Communications: editor, publisher, literary agent, interpreter, translator, public relations, writer, radio & TV.

Education: graduate school, law school, medical school, bilingual education, foreign languages in elementary and secondary schools, college teaching.

Government: Defense, Department of State, Foreign Service, FBI & CIA, US Information Agency, Immigration, Customs, International Development, Commerce, U.S. Travel Service, United Nations.

The university Career Center has two H&SS-specific career consultants, Susan Timko and Debra Johnson, who are available for individual consultations and career roadmap planning.