​Practically anything!  One of the many benefits of a language major is the flexibility afforded to students.  You could even work for NASA, as Russian is a required language for astronauts who work aboard the International Space Station! Russian is considered a critical language by the U.S. Government and is a desirable skill for anyone seeking security, diplomatic or foreign service work. However, one of the many benefits of a language major is the flexibility afforded to you. You can work in whatever areas you've gained experiences in while in college through part-time jobs, internships and student organizations.  If you are interested in living/working in the Russia, review Russian companies and job postings to better understand what is available to you.

 

Students can work in whatever areas they've gained experiences in while in college through part-time jobs, internships and student organizations.  If a student is interested in working in hospitality, for example, they can study Russian and complete hospitality courses while also working a part-time job in the hospitality industry.  If a student is interested in working for the government, they can begin as volunteers in a government office, apply for City of Chicago internships, and work part-time as an office assistant or desk receptionist for an alderman's office.  Working on campus in an administrative capacity can also provide students with excellent experiences in an office setting.

Students gain a variety of skills when they complete language courses, which prepares them for success as a professional in any field.  Students can improve their verbal & written communication skills, interpersonal skills, ability to work in diverse environments, and critical thinking skills, to name a few.  Students may also find a more comprehensive list of what they can do with a language major through the Career Center's website.  Auburn University also has a list of additional skills/benefits gained from language study.

It's important to note that many people do not work in jobs directly related to their major if they don't seek out professional experiences while in college related to their area of study. It is therefore important for students to recognize the overall skills they gain and need to develop while in college, while studying what they enjoy and that corresponds with their strengths.  If students enjoy working/talking with people from other cultures and enjoy the wonder and beauty of self-expression in other languages, a language program may be a good fit! Here are a few articles that address this point:

• Washington Post: Only 27% Of College Grads Have A Job Related To Their College Major
• The Choice - New York Times: Does The College Major Matter? Not Really
• Forbes: The 10 Skills Employers Most Want In 2015 Graduates 
• The Choice - New York Times: Your College Major May Not Be As Important As You Think
• USA Today: Why Your College Major Might Not Matter
• The Grindstone: Most Employers Don't Care What Your College Major Was 

A college degree can help students qualify to apply for a job; experience, likability, and fit are what get them hired. Students can work on all of these while they are in college, so as to make the most of their college experience and expenses. Read more about the skills employers are looking for in new hires (link above) and look for opportunities to polish these skills.