What Can I Do With a Major in Foreign Language?
Speaking another language can give you a competitive edge and widen your opportunities as you build your career or prepare for graduate work.
The study of foreign languages focuses on learning about the language, linguistics, literature, and culture of that program. The ability to speak another language fluently can be an asset and an edge in today's increasingly connected, global world.
Your bachelor's degree can help you find your way in many career fields and employment sectors, from private to government to nonprofit. It can also prepare you for graduate work.
Sources: Ashland University, Rutgers University
Career Options, Employers, and Transferable Skills
Career Options, Employers, and Transferable Skills
*Some may require further education or specialization.
Advertising Copywriter
Airport Staff Member
Archivist
Bilingual Secretary
CIA/FBI Agent
Columnist/Reporter/Editor
Consultant
Copy Editor
Court Interpreter
Cultural Officer
Customer Service Representative
Customs/Immigration Officer
Escort Interpreter/Guide
Flight Attendant
Foreign Film Dubber
Foreign Language Tutor
Foreign News Correspondent
Foreign Services Office
Foreign Student Advisor
Human Resources Representatives
Immigration Inspector/Agent
Import/Export Specialist
Indexer
Intelligence Researcher
International Banker
International Conference Planner
International Trade Specialist
Interpreter/Translator
Librarian/Library Technician
Missionary
Peace Corps/VISTA Worker
Police Officer
Proofreader
Public Health Administrator
Radio/TV Script Writer/Announcer
Restaurant Manager
Social Worker
Teacher, English/Other Language
Teacher, Social Studies
Technical Writer/Communicator
Tour Organizer/Guide
Translation Service Company Owner
Travel Agent
UNESCO Official
Private & Non-Profit Organizations
Advertising Agencies
Airlines/Airports
American Schools Abroad
Amnesty International
Banks
Book Publishers
Civic Organizations
Clinics
Colleges/Universities
Consulting Firms
Hospitals/Clinics
Hotels/Restaurants/Resorts
Libraries
Newspapers/Magazines
Pan American Health Organizations
Red Cross International
Retail Stores
School Systems
Social Services Agencies
Television/Radio Stations
Travel Agencies
United Nations
YMCA/YWCA
Government Agencies
Agency for International Development
Bureau of Export Administration
Bureau of Intelligence and Research
Bureau of International Labor Affairs
CIA/FBI
Defense Intelligence Agency
Department of Defense
Drug Enforcement Administration
Foreign Agricultural Service
Foreign Commercial Service
Foreign Service
Governor’s Commission on International Trade
Immigration and Naturalization Service
International Trade Administration
Library of Congress
National Endowment for the Humanities
National Security Agency
Office of International Affairs
Office of International Cooperation and Development
Office of International Education
Office of International Policy and Programs
Peace Corps/AmeriCorps
Telecommunications Satellite Organization
Travel and Tourism Division
US Customs Service
US Department of State
US Information Agency
General Skills
Understands and communicates well in a second language
Has excellent command of the English language
Learns technical terminology
Translation Skills
Conducts and clearly explains research results
Reads analytically and critically
Understands and uses qualitative research techniques
Interpretation Skills
Translates oral and written communication from one language to another
Makes quick and continuous judgments concerning spoken words
Speaks clearly, accurately, and quickly
Works well under pressure
Experiential Learning
- Working and consulting with visa approval
- Working in a foreign language lab as a student assistant
- Broadcasting daily community service radio program(s) in another language
- Working in the packaging division of a manufacturing organization and developing directions in another language
- Teaching language skills to elementary students
- Serving as a translator for community service organizations when dealing with clients that speak other languages
Professional Associations
- American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
actfl.org - American Foreign Service Association
afsa.org - Center for Applied Linguistics
cal.org - Florida Foreign Language Association
ffla.us - Foreign Policy Association
fpa.org - Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Inc.
tesol.org - United Nations
un.org/en
Enhancing Your Employability
Here are some ways to improve your job prospects:
- Join relevant student organizations to develop leadership skills.
- Participate in internships and field experience placements.
- Participate in a study abroad opportunity.
- Become active in alumni and mentor networks.
- Plan on a graduate degree for advancement.
- Take part in mock interview opportunities.
Contact Us
To make a career counseling appointment or for additional assistance in our services, call us at 904-819-6286 or email us using the button below.