What Can I Do With A Major In Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures?

Introduction

The abilities to speak another language fluently, to understand and work within another culture, and to think critically about your world are invaluable assets in today's global world of work. Employment opportunities exist for language graduates in many different areas. Government, business, education, and the non-profit sector all have entry level positions for multi-skilled liberal arts graduates, including those who speak another language. The mental agility and cultural experience which mark students who graduate as majors in a non-English language-whether classical or modern--are very attractive to employers in all areas of the work world. The intellectual curiosity represented by this choice of major marks an individual who wants to learn and keep learning and is able to synthesize many details into a meaningful whole, no matter how unfamiliar the data-a very valuable kind of employee.

You may want to look for employment of a type in which your language and culture skills are the basic focus of your activity. In that case, you might look for positions in translating, interpreting, or teaching. There are many other cases, however, in which your language fluency will serve as a valuable asset or secondary skill rather than the primary function of your job. As you research career opportunities and develop career goals, you should consider options which will allow you to utilize your language/cultural skills along with other bodies of knowledge and skills-business, health care, banking, government, journalism/public relations/communication, the arts.

Many careers do not require a specific major, but rather a wide range of demonstrated skills and accomplishments. The world is your oyster if you can communicate with people whose languages and cultures are different from yours and if you have honed the skills of sensitivity, flexibility, and critical thinking which are an important part of education in a foreign language. A language major will offer you many opportunities for internships and study and travel abroad which will make you an excellent candidate for employment in any number of areas. Take advantage of all of those opportunities to get some hands-on experience while completing a rigorous academic program and participating in campus and community activities.

A Sample of Related Occupations

Related Occupations Related Occupations Related Occupations
Advertising Copywriter Airport Personnel Archivist 
CIA/FBI Agent Columnist/Reporter Community Affairs Specialist
Court Interpreter Cultural Affairs Officer Customer Service Representative
Customs/Immigration Officer Editor/Writer Employee Relations Specialist
Flight Attendant Foreign Correspondent Foreign Film Specialist
Foreign Service Officer Foreign Student Advisor Health Care Provider
Import/Export Specialist Intelligence Researcher International Conference Planner
International Consultant International Trade Specialist Interpreter
Investment Banker Librarian Market Research Specialist
Marketing/Sales Representative Peace Corps/VISTA Worker Proofreader
Public Health Administrator Public Relations Specialist Radio/TV Announcer
Social Worker Teacher Tour Organizer/Guide
Translator Travel Agent UNESCO Official
   
 
Types of Employers
Private and Non-profit Organizations
 

Advertising Agencies

Libraries

Airlines/Airports

Manufacturing Firms

American Friends Service

Newspapers/Magazines

American Schools Abroad

Pan American Health Organization

Amnesty International

Project Hope

Banks

Red Cross International

Book Publishers

Retail Stores 

CARE, Inc 

School Systems

Civic Organizations

Social Service Agencies 

Clinics

Television/Radio Stations

Colleges & Universities

Travel Agencies

Consulting Firms

United Nations

Hospitals/Clinics

World Health Organ.

Hotels/Restaurants/Resorts

YMCA/YWCA

International Businesses

International Exchange Programs 
 
Government Agencies
 

Agency for Int'l. Development 

National Security Agency

Bureau of Export Admin. 

NJ Governor's Commission on International Trade

Bureau of Intelligence & Research

NJ Int'l. Trade Division 

Bureau of Int'l. Labor  Affairs 

NJ Travel & Tourism Division 

CIA/FBI 

Office of Int'l. Affairs 

Defense Intelligence Agency 

Office of Int'l. Coop. & Development 

Department of Defense 

Office of International Education 

Drug Enforcement Admin. 

Office of Intern'l Policy & Programs 

Foreign Agricultural Service 

Peace Corps/VISTA 

Foreign Commercial Service 

Telecommunications Satellite Organization 

Foreign Service 

US Customs Service 

Immigration & Naturalization Service 

US Department of State 

International Trade Admin. 

US Information Agency 

Library of Congress 

Voice of America 

National Endowment for the Humanities 

U.S. Military Services 

Related Web Links

 

Professional Associations

For additional career information, see the Occupational Outlook Handbook