Proficiency in a foreign language and in-depth knowledge of other cultures are essential components of success in today’s international marketplace.
With a major in a foreign language, individuals have the ability to demonstrate more cultural awareness and sensitivity for other cultures. In addition, acquiring linguistic proficiency can be the means for you to develop the following skills: i) capability to interpret cultural issues fluently and analytically, ii) significant command of grammar and vocabulary, iii) advanced questioning and responding proficiency, iv) advanced capability of translating documents, v) ability to systematize detailed information, vi) acquiring phonetic proficiency in another language.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES?
Our graduates have been hired by such employers as Whirlpool, Turner Broadcasting, Deloitte and Touche, Siemens, Alliance Data Systems, American Express, the Ohio Public Schools, the Peace Corps, and the U.S. Government.
-Business and organizations seek bilingual and bi/multi-culturally experienced job candidates since this is an indication of how they bring in diversity and their language skills can be of assistance to a group of diverse clients.
-Interpreters/Translators: hospitals, courtrooms, conference centers, self-employed. You would need at least a bachelor’s degree, study abroad experiences, short-term/long-term certificates in specific areas of translation
-Proficiency in a foreign language is now important to employers who require their employees to travel overseas.
-Teaching Spanish/German/French/Education/Teacher certification.
- Teach English Abroad with or without TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certification.
-U.S. Department of State; foreign policy; serving as liaisons to analysts and officials, in the field of human rights issues: this where you can apply your foreign language skills, and international cultural experiences. Typically, spoken/written proficiency in Spanish/German/French will give you access to jobs such as National Security Agent, Cultural Attaché, UNESCO Official, and Foreign Service Officer.
-You might want to consider adding a language minor or a second major to go along with your French/German/Spanish degree. Some options include Business/International Studies, History, Political Science, Music, Social Services, Theater, Communication, Journalism, and Health professions/Nursing.
-German is spoken officially 5-6 countries, and it is the most likely native language of a citizen of the European Union.
-French is the official language of 32 countries. French is the only other language, besides English, to be spoken on 5 of the world’s continents. With French, students will be understood in more than 56 countries by more than 200 million people who use French in their daily lives.
-Spanish is the official language in at least 21 countries in the world. By 2050, the U.S. Census Bureau projects that Spanish speaking communities will make up 30% of the nation’s population.
-International Relations Consultant
-Publishing specialist (for example, many major magazines and newspapers in French/German/Spanish require new or re-focused articles; online publishers designed for Hispanic audiences also seek writers with reading and writing proficiency in French/German or Spanish. You may have editorial responsibilities, verifying the accuracy of the translation).
-International Account Manager
-Communications and marketing
-Bilingual HR Administrative positions
-Research your study abroad options; combine your interest in French/German/Spanish with a field/discipline/language that will motivate you for years to come. Look for volunteering experiences, and internships where you can use Spanish/French/German.
USE THE STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCE
--Add study abroad experience to your resume. Prospective employers view international experiences as examples of being resourceful, internationally minded, and diverse. Practical experience in other countries can help you to become aware of cultural differences, more proficient in a foreign language, more flexible/adaptive, push you to be more creative and complex thinkers (helping you to make unexpected links/connections between disparate concepts/ideas).
-Take courses in a study abroad program and receive ONU academic credit towards your major or minor.
-William Maddux (Associate professor of Organizational Behavior at INSEAD): “People who have international experience or identify with more than one nationality are better problem solvers and display more creativity, our research suggests. What’s more, we found that people with this international experience are more likely to create new businesses and products and to be promoted.”