What Can I Do With a Major In Spanish?

UGA Specific Information for Spanish

Students majoring in Spanish 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 Spanish-speaking world. This world primarily consists of the language, culture and literature of Spanish-speaking countries found in South America and Spain. Proficiency in a foreign language also helps students with this major find employment in the public and private sectors. Having a greater sense of the Spanish culture, students are prepared for professions in government, politics, international relations, business, banking, trade, travel, or a host of other professions. Even if students don’t use his or her ability to speak Spanish, the cultural awareness gained is a transferable skill that will be highly prized. 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW EMPLOYERS/POSITION TITLES and GRADUATE SCHOOLS/PROGRAMS REPORTED FOR THIS MAJOR

Class of 2021 Career Outcomes for Spanish*

** 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

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.

Supplemental Career Research Dashboard

Additional Career Research Resources

Employment Websites

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Professional Associations/Resources

Employers/Position Title Reported by Class of 2021 Spanish majors

The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2021 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)
ALDI District Manager
Arcadis Staff Water Engineer
Arden's Garden Manager
Entree Health Submission Coordinator
Georgia Skin Cancer and Aesthetic Dermatology Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
Hallway Plumbing LLC Quality and Control Safety Agent
Jordan Air Inc. Inside Sales Associate
Kiddle Korner Preschool Teacher
Modern Language Association Publishing Intern
Oasis Catolico Santa Rafaela Tutor
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp Chief of Staff’s Office Intern
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp Chief of Staff’s Office Intern
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp Chief of Staff’s Office Intern
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp Chief of Staff’s Office Intern
OTR Capital Account Coordinator
PLUS Communications Public Affairs
University of Georgia Hazardous Materials Safety and Compliance Assoc. II
* 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 2021 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 2021 Spanish majors

The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2020 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)
Auburn University Educational Leadership, MA
Georgetown University Law, JD
University of Georgia Public Administration, MPA
University of Georgia Public Administration, MPA
University of Georgia Comparative Biomedical Sciences, PhD
University of Georgia Romance Language Linguistics, MA
Wake Forest School of Medicine Medicine, MD
* denotes no responses received.

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