
What can I do with a major in German?
UGA Specific Information for German
Students majoring in German study one of the major languages of the world and are prepared in language, culture and literature. Primary emphasis for German majors is on German speaking countries in Germany, Austria, and a large part of Switzerland. German is also spoken as a first or second language in several countries in Eastern Europe. Having a greater sense of the German culture and language prepares students for professions in government, politics, international relations and business, banking, trade, travel, or a host of other related professions. Many companies in the United States and abroad are looking for employees who speak more than one language. Even if students don’t use his or her ability to speak German, the cultural awareness gained is a transferable skill that will be highly prized.
Class of 2018 Career Outcomes for German*
** Includes Self-Employed
Campus Resources
To find additonal clubs and organizations, visit the Center for Student Organizations.
And connect with your Career Consultant!
Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations/Considerations
General Information and Strategies
- 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.
(source: http://whatcanidowiththismajor.com/major/foreign-language/)
Tip: 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.
Supplemental Career Research Dashboard
Additional Career Research Resources
- My Next Move - Powered by O*NET
- Occupational Outlook Handbook -
- Career Insider: Vault Guides
- Candid Career - View professionals speaking about their careers
Employment Websites
Professional Associations/Resources
- American Association of Language Specialists
- American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
- American Association for Applied Linguistics
- American Association of Teachers of German
- American Translators Association
- College Language Association
- German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
- Modern Language Association
- National Association for Bilingual Education