What Can I Do With a Major In Latin American and Caribbean Studies?

• Latin American and Caribbean Studies Institute

To find additonal clubs and organizations, visit the Center for Student Organizations.

And connect with your Career Consultant!

General Information and Strategies

• Latin American Studies provides an interdisciplinary background that helps students develop analytical, critical thinking, and writing skills while gaining knowledge about the cultures, histories, and languages of Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
• When paired with a major in another field, Latin American Studies can enhance the employability of a student because of a deeper understanding of the Latino experience which many organizations will value. Training in this field can lead to a better appreciation of certain customers or clients.
• Some students may choose to pursue Latin American Studies because they enjoy the subject but wish to pursue careers requiring “any major.” In this scenario, it is critical to develop skills relevant to targeted field through internships, part-time or summer jobs, or volunteer experiences.
• Latin American Studies majors are excellent candidates for a number of graduate school options because of their broad liberal arts background as well as specific interests that may set them apart from other students. For those wishing to pursue graduate education, maintain a high GPA, establish relationships with faculty to secure strong recommendations, and gain experience through volunteer, work, or research opportunities.
• Travel as much as possible to Latin America to experience it first-hand. Complete at least one study abroad experience. In the U.S., look for ways to interact with people from Latin America who are living in or visiting the States.
• More job opportunities may exist in parts of the United States where the Latino population is the largest or growing such as Florida, Texas, and California.
• Read and stay abreast of politics and current events in regions of interest.
• Join LinkedIn groups that are related to your career interest. To search, select “groups” under the “interests” tab. Also, review the groups that professionals in your field of interest have joined and consider joining them as well.

Interested in graduate school? Find current information on getting into graduate school at UGA’s Career Center webpage.

• O*NET Online – The O*NET database includes information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities, and interests associated with over 900 occupations.  
• My Next Move – An interactive tool for students and job seekers to learn more about their career options.  
• Occupational Outlook Handbook – The OOH is a career resource offering information on the hundreds of occupations that provide most of jobs in the United States.  
• Vault – Vault.com provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work in an industry, company, or profession – and how to position yourself to land that job.  
• Candid Career – This resource provides you with access to thousands of informational video interviews with real professionals through an easy-to-use website.  
• UGA Mentor Program – Connect with a mentor (alumni, faculty, staff) to research and explore industries and careers. Research industries and careers by connecting with a mentor for a quick chat or formal 16-week mentorship through the UGA Mentor Program.  
• Interstride - Interstride is an interactive tool for both international and domestic students to enhance their international experience and employment potential. The platform consists of job-listings, hiring trends, employer information, self-assessments, and up-to-date immigration guidance. 
• Glassdoor - Glassdoor is a free jobs and career community that offers an inside look at jobs and companies through "employee generated content" – anonymous salaries, company reviews, interview questions, and more – all posted by employees and job seekers.  
• Steppingblocks - Research your future career with real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with career and education searches designed to find your best path based on millions of others. It’s data-powered career exploration for doers like you.

General  

• Handshake (scroll down to the bottom of the page; login with your UGA MyID and password)  
• LinkedIn (this popular networking site also has a job board!) 
• Idealist (non-profit jobs) 
• USAJobs (federal jobs) 

Major/Career Specific:

• Electronic Network for Latin American Careers and Employment (ENLACE)
• ESL (English as a Second Language) Jobs in Latin America
• Washington Office on Latin America
• Bilingual Jobs
• Center for International Trade and Security (CITS)
• CIA Foreign Language Positions 
• U.S. Department of State Careers 
• National Association for Bilingual Education
• U.S. Travel Association
• The Electronic Embassy: U.S. Foreign Embassies
• FBI Jobs
• United Nations Internships/Careers

• Modern Language Association
• American Translators Association
• College Language Association
• National Humanities Alliance
• Latin American Studies Association
• Summit of the Americas Center
• The Conference on Latin American History
• Caribbean Studies Press
• Caribbean Studies Association