What can I do with a major in Foreign Languages?
Foreign language is a branch of the language arts that involves the study of languages other than one’s native tongue. Studies in a foreign language seek to improve the ability to communicate, to develop cultural awareness and sensitivity, to expand general knowledge and to promote more appreciation and tolerance for other cultures. Proficiency in more than one language is becoming increasingly valuable and enhances the student’s occupational possibilities as well as enjoyment when traveling. Foreign language courses are offered in most schools, colleges, and universities in the United States.
Related Occupations:
| Actor/Actress |
Announcer |
Anthropologist |
| Audiologist |
Bilingual Educator |
Bilingual Secretary |
| Buyer |
Civil Service Worker |
Copy Editor |
| Customs Inspector |
Diplomat |
FBI/CIA Agent |
| Film Editor |
Flight Attendant |
Foreign Language Teacher |
| Foreign News |
Correspondent Foreign |
Service Officer |
| Historian |
Hotel Information Clerk |
Hotel Manager |
| Import/Export Clerk |
Interpreter |
Journalist |
| Lawyer |
Lexicographer |
Librarian |
| Linguist |
Maitre’d (hotel) |
Missionary |
| Producer |
Proofreader |
Public Health |
| Administrator |
Social Worker |
Speech Pathologist |
| Technical Writer |
Textbook Publisher |
Translator |
| Travel Agent |
VISTA / Peace Corps |
Volunteer |
Possible employers of Foreign Languages majors:
| Magazines |
Newspapers |
| Museums |
Professional Journals |
| Hotel Chains |
International Service |
| Organizations |
Labor Unions |
| State / Federal Government |
Travel / Tourism Agencies |
| Public Relations Firms |
United Nations Banks / Investment Firms |
| Law Firms |
US Immigration Service |
| International Airlines |
Military Services |
| Public / Private Schools |
Foreign Language Textbook |
| Publishers |
Colleges / Universities |
| Transportation |
Agencies Libraries |
| International Trade Organizations |
Non-profit Organizations |
| U.S. Travel Service |
Skills important for Foreign Languages majors:
- Ability to think logically and make analogies
- Ability to adjust to new environments
- Ability to organize and memorize detailed information
- Proficiency in phonetics and ability to imitate sounds
- Comprehensive command of grammar and vocabulary
- Good listening, clarifying and responding skills
- High proficiency in reading, speaking and writing
Personal attributes important for Foreign Languages majors:
- Desire intellectual growth
- Appreciate the culture and life-styles of others
- Possess linguistic ability
- Adaptable
- Alert
- Self-disciplined
- Creative
- Patient
- Desire for peace and harmony
Related activities for Foreign Languages majors:
- Do an internship
- Travel abroad
- Work part-time or volunteer for Peace Corps, VISTA, or Red Cross International
- Work in an ethnic restaurant
- Join an international service organization such as the American Friends Service Committee or World Vision
- Join a foreign language club
- Participate in student exchanges or pen-pal experiences
- Work in a high school or college foreign language department
- Join a professional association
- Study Abroad
Print Resources:
- DeGalan, Julie & Stephen Lambert. Great Jobs for Foreign Language Majors. VGM Career Books, 1994.
- Holloran, Ed. Careers in International Business. VGM Career Books, 1995.
- Onig, Lucille, J. and Richard I. Brod. Foreign Languages and Careers. (pamphlet), Modern Language Association of America (ask for most recent edition).
- Lay, David & Benedict Leerburger. Jobs Worldwide. Impact Publications, 1996.
- Milne, Robert. Opportunities in Travel Centers. VGM Career Books, 1996.
Internet Resources:
Professional Associations
- American Institute for Foreign Study
- Association of Departments of Foreign Languages
- Modern Language Association of America
This information was adapted from:
Fort Lewis College, Career Service’s homepage: http://cso.fortlewis.edu
