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/benefts 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 studing 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:
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.