UGA Specific Information for Romance Languages

Students majoring in Romance languages will take courses that combine the study of literature, language, culture, and linguistics, which will lead to a development of language proficiency and an understanding of the cultures of areas of the world where these languages are spoken. Proficiency in two foreign languages also helps majors find employment in the public and private sectors. Majoring in Portuguese is possible at UGA only within a Romance Languages degree program (in combination with French, Italian, or Spanish). Portuguese, spoken in Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and several other countries in Africa, is a major language with over 170 million native speakers, making it the sixth most spoken language in the world. Half of all US businesses in Latin America are located in Brazil and there are a growing number of businesses in the Southeast with interests there.



Class of 2023 Career Outcomes for Romance Languages*

** Includes Self-Employed


Campus Resources


Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations

SKILLS

The study of languages develops a core set of skills sought after by employers in a wide range of occupational settings. A sampling of representative skills and abilities follows.

Communication

  • Multilingualism
  • Cross-cultural communication
  • Expressing & understanding multiple viewpoints
  • Presenting information logically
  • Reading critically
  • Writing effectively
  • Linguistic sophistication

Human Relations

  • Understanding cultural differences
  • Sensitivity to cultural issues
  • Flexibility in thinking and learning
  • Ability to adjust to new environments
  • Appreciation of cultural history, literature, politics, music, and more

Critical Thinking

  • Thinking collaboratively
  • Analyzing information, cultures, and complex problems
  • Comparing & contrasting interpretations
  • Offering diverse perspectives
  • Assessing cultural differences
  • Synthesizing themes
  • Research skills

Problem Solving

  • Assessing needs
  • Defining problems
  • Understanding alternative perspectives
  • Gathering information from a variety of sources
  • Weighing alternatives
  • Generating creative solutions

SAMPLE INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

  • U.S. State Department
  • Government agencies (e.g. National Security Agency)
  • Embassy (U.S. & foreign)
  • Museums (e.g. Smithsonian Institutions)
  • Educational Programs (e.g. Summerbridge)
  • Consulting firms (e.g. Social Technologies)
  • Media (e.g. ABC Nightline, Dateline NBC)

TIPS

  • Choose an additional academic area of study to supplement the foreign language, preferably one that requires a high degree of technical skill. Most people with foreign language ability use those skills to assist them in a different career field such as business, education, journalism, law, etc.
  • Related courses to study include geography, history, civilization, foreign relations, international law, and world economics.
  • Plan to attend a private language institute to learn additional languages and cultures.
  • Utilize a number of learning methods to develop language fluency.  Combine listen and repeat drills, textbooks, audio lessons, and learning apps.
  • Travel to a foreign country or study abroad in international exchange programs to develop your language skills and international/intercultural competency.
  • Study and practice your foreign language skills by reading foreign newspapers, magazines, and books.
  • Seek opportunities to interact with international students on your campus or members of your local community. Host international students, join relevant student organizations, and participate in international campus events.
  • Watch foreign movies and listen to foreign broadcasts to maintain your fluency.
  • Volunteer your language skills to churches, community organizations, and programs that work with people who speak your target language.
  • Correspond with someone from a foreign country.
  • Contact professional associations and read their publications to learn about job opportunities.
  • Research job postings on the Internet to get an idea of jobs in which knowledge of a foreign language is useful.
  • Participate in summer programs, co-ops, and internships to improve your skills.
  • Network with others in the field to learn about job opportunities.
  • In general, international positions are competitive and difficult to obtain. Be very proactive in developing the skills and experiences international employers seek.
  • Get your foot in the door in domestic positions because many international employers promote current employees into international positions.
  • 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.


Additional Career Research Resources

  • 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. 


Employment Websites

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:


Professional Associations/Resources


Employers/Position Title Reported by Class of 2023 Romance Languages majors

The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2023 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Employer Position Title(s)
Bethany Christian Services Case Support Specialist
The Fulbright Program Program Participant
* denotes no responses received.

*Source: Areas above marked with an Asterisk (*) have been created utilizing data taken from the UGA Career Outcomes Survey. The "Employers Hiring...," "Job Titles of...," "Career Outcomes for...," and "Graduate/Professional Schools and Programs..." information listed above represent UGA Class of 2023 Graduates. The lists are not exhaustive and therefore do not represent all potential career options. Click here for more detailed Career Outcomes information regarding this major.

Graduate/Professional Schools attended by Class of 2023 Romance Languages majors

The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2023 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Graduate School Program(s)
* denotes no responses received.