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Foreign Languages

 

What can I do with a major in a

Foreign Languages

The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences offers a BA in several languages. The study of language and literature enhances the ability to understand and communicate with people of other nations and cultures, in addition to developing proficiency in reading, writing, and oral expression.


Foreign Language majors develop the following skills:


The development of language fluency and the knowledge of the practices and customs of other countries; communicating in another language, adapting to other cultures; and reading critically prepare graduates for numerous careers in our expanding global society.

Analysis: Reading critically; Interpreting data; Evaluating information; Comparing translations/interpretations; Weighing values; Evaluating evidence

Communication: reading/writing another language, clarifying ideas, writing clearly, speaking clearly; reading for understanding, content and structure; explaining complex concepts
 
Interpersonal Skills: Collaborating as part of a team; Understanding cultural diversity; Determining the needs of others; Acknowledging value systems; Adapting to other cultures; Listening carefully; Interviewing non-judgmentally

Research: Working with original sources in many fields - philosophy, history, art, music, and natural sciences; Gathering information; Designing instruments; Organizing materials/information; Summarizing ideas; Evaluating results 

Depending on your desired career path, additional skills may need to be developed.  Make an appointment with a career consultant to design your individual career development plan.

Internship Websites

Association for International Practical Training

  

Employment Websites 


Career Planning and Resources

Government agencies that serve immigrants or operate in other countries

International service organizations and non-profits serving immigrants

Colleges/Universities:

  • UCC Higher Ed Links - Look for Study Abroad Coordinators, International Student Coordinator Positions, English As A Second Language Departments


Professional Associations


Sample Careers for Foreign Language Majors 

Business

Skills in communicating ideas and adapting to various cultures make Foreign Language majors well suited for:

Career Options

Customer support specialist
District sales manager Economist
Hotel manager
Import/Export Specialist

Insurance adjuster
International bank officer
International lawyer
International marketing analyst
Management consultant
Overseas representative
Patent attorney
Staff human relations training coordinator
Technical translator
Technical writer, corporate publications
Travel planner

Potential Employers

Banking facilities
Government
Import/Export Firms
Non-profit organizations


Health and Human Services

Skills in cultural understanding make Foreign Language majors well suited for:

Career Options

Bioengineer

Cataloger
Counseling psychologist
Counselor/Social Worker
Director, health and human resources
Director, international airport visitors center
Health Educator 
Health Service worker

International health care systems analyst
Laboratory technician
Physician/Nurse
Psychiatrist
Public Assistance Interviewer
Science information research specialist
Youth program leader

Potential Employers
Armed Forces
Government
Hospitals
International Agencies
Law Enforcement
Social Service Agencies


 Communications

Skills in communication make  majors well suited for:

Career Options

Advertiser
Correspondent
Editor
Entertainment Media Specialist
Film/Radio/TV Producer
Foreign News
International Communications specialist
International Telephone Operator
Photographer
Public Relations
Translator

Potential Employers

Freelance
News Organizations
Telemarketing
Telephone/Communication Companies

  

Government and Public Sector

Skills in research, communications and cultural analysis make Foreign Language majors well suited for:

Career Options

Court Reporter
Criminologist
Customs inspector

Diplomatic Corps officer
Foreign Service officer
Immigration Counselor
Import specialist
International education specialist
International relations officer
Linguist/analyst
Mediator trainee 
Peace Corps

Securities examiner
Social science analyst
Translator/interpreter
U.S. Naturalization Service Agent
Volunteer recruiter

Potential Employers

Agency for International Development
Central Intelligence Agency
Commerce Department
Drug Enforcement Administration
Federal Bureau of
Investigation
Homeland security
National Security Agency
United Nations
U.S. Customs Service
U. S. Department of State


Education and Communications

Skills in communication  make Foreign Language  majors well suited for:

Career Options

Abstractor
Conservator
Coordinator, cultural arts center
Editor/author of foreign publications
Foreign film distributor
Foreign Language Teacher/Tutor
Guidance counselor
Guidebook writer
Intellectual properties attorney
Librarian
Linguistics Teacher
Professor
Publisher, foreign language books
Translator

Potential Employers

Department of Education
K-12 Schools
Language Schools
Social Service
Universities/Colleges


Travel/Hospitality

Skills in communication and cultural understanding make Foreign Language majors well suited for:

Career Options
Airport Personnel
Airline Pilot
Flight Attendants
Hotel/Restaurant/ Resort management
Tour Guide
Travel Advisor
Travel Agent

Potential Employers

Airlines/Airports
Convention Centers
Travel and Tourism Agencies
Travel Industry
Visitors Bureau


 For information on these occupations


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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University Career Center
The University of Kansas
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