What can I do with a minor in Ethnic Studies?

Ethnic Studies is the study of ethnic groups and the histories and experiences of these groups in society.  Those majoring in Ethnic Studies will gain knowledge of various ethnic groups.  This knowledge will be applied to a range of career areas dealing with social issues and activities including public administration and relations, law, social services and education.

Related Occupations:
 

Administrative Analyst Advertising Officer Bank Officer
Bilingual Education City Planner Claims Adjuster
Community Liaison Community Organization Worker Consultant
Cultural Anthropologist Customs / Immigration Inspector Educator
Foreign Services Officer Grant / Proposal Writer Group Counselor
Industrial / Organizational Psychologist Industrial Relations Specialist Intelligence Analyst
Lawyer Lobbyist Management Trainee
Museum Curator Personnel Officer Sociologist Psychologist
Public Administrator Public Relations Officer Rehabilitation Counselor
Researcher Revenue Agent Social Worker
Staff Analyst Substance Abuse Counselor Writer / Editor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Possible employers of Ethnic Studies minors:

Advertising Agencies Hospitals
Research Firms Banks
Insurance Companies Retailers
Federal / Local Government Museums
School Districts Non-profit Agencies
Universities / Colleges Social Service Agencies
 

 

 

 

 

 

Skills important for Ethnic Studies minors:

  • Strong writing skills
  • Ability to interact well with people of differing   backgrounds
  • Ability to accurately interpret and evaluate events, information and ideas representing different cultures
  • Knowledge of community resources
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Ability to lead effectively
Personal attributes important for Ethnic Studies minors:
  • Patient
  • Resourceful
  • Interest in other cultures
  • Persuasive
  • Ethical
  • Creative
  • Judicious
  • Assertive
  • Possess integrity
  • Persistent
  • Imaginative
  • Diplomatic
Related activities for Ethnic Studies minors:
  • Do an internship
  • Join a professional association
  • Join a political organization
  • Work part time or volunteer in a political campaign
  • Assume leadership and advocacy roles in volunteer organizations 
  • Take public speaking classes

Print Resources:  

  • Benjamin, Medea.  The Peace Corps and More: 120 Ways to Work, Study and Travel in the World.  Global Exchange, 1993 (or latest edition).
  • Camenson, Blythe.  Opportunities in Overseas Careers.  VGM Career Horizon, 1997.
  • InterAction Member Profiles.   InterAction, 1995.
  • Jebens, Harley.  100 Jobs in Social Change.  Macmillan, 1996.
  • Paradis, Adrian.  Opportunities in Nonprofit Organization Careers.  VGM  Career Horizons, 1994. 

Internet Resources:

Professional Associations
  • African Studies Association
  • National Association of Asian American Professionals
  • National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
  • Network of Indian Professionals

This information was adapted from:
FORT LEWIS COLLEGE      1000 RIM DRIVE DURANGO, COLORADO 81301      (877)FLC-COLO(TOLL FREE)      ADMISSION@FORTLEWIS.EDU