Careers with a Languages Degree

Our majors are sought after in a range of careers. Like other disciplines in Arts, Educations, and Sciences, a degree in Modern Languages does not prepare students for one career but provides the skills essential in many professions. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the need for interpreters and translators will grow 42% in the next 5 years. In addition, traveling and interpreting are one of the 15 fastest growing careers for the next 10 years.

Our graduates are currently employed in:

• Government—as translators/interpreters both within and outside the U.S.
• Finance/banking/marketing---in area banks and in financial service agencies
• Education—teaching at the high school and university levels
• Libraries and museums
• Law enforcement---attorneys, local police forces, and federal agencies
• Medicine and health sciences---doctors, occupational/physical therapists, nurses
• Counseling---school and private agencies
• Military---as translators
• Small business owners
• Telecommunications
• Airport
• Religious and missionary positions
• Journalism/TV
• Construction
• Hospitals
• Pharmacists

Quotes from Graduates

"Knowing another language literally opened up the world to me. Cultures and people that are foreign to you suddenly become accessible when you are able to speak their language. Speaking Spanish allowed me to travel, live, and teach in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Cuba. And after coming back to the US, I worked for a company where I often conducted business with our clients who were Spanish-speaking banks. When you only speak one language, you are limited to seeing the world via the lenses of that language. But when you learn a second language, you come to realize that words and the way we express ourselves are a window into understanding how other cultures and people view the world. Speaking Spanish has not only provided me travel and work opportunities, it has given me tools to build relationships with people who otherwise would have been closed off to me." - Travis Kelly 2004

"I am doing well and back to being a Guardsman. I was recently recognized nationally as the National Guard's Language Professional of the Year. I am the Command Language Program Manager for my military unit. Long story short, I manage 12 Linguists." - Bray Harris  2008

"When I majored in Spanish, it was because I enjoyed it and was pretty good at it, but I didn't know what I wanted to be. I knew that being bilingual would make me more marketable in the job market, but never thought it would grow me into the profession that has become my purpose and passion. Today I use my knowledge of language acquisition to teach and help people who truly need it. I teach English to non-English speakers. In the Houston area, this is not just Spanish, but Arabic, Vietnamese, Malayalam, Portuguese and French (just in my experience). ULM Foreign Languages Department and professors nurtured my interest and started me on my path to a very rewarding career using the knowledge it and they taught me. I wouldn't trade my major (Spanish) for any other out there!" - Rikki Lynn Edge  2007

 

"In 2014 I began my journey of learning Spanish.  I wasn't for sure exactly what I would do with a Spanish major but soon enough would I find out.  During the years of 2015 to 2017 I had the privilege togo to Honduras and Guetemala and serve at schools.  Through the modern language program at ULM not only did I learn vocabulary and grammar but was given the classroom experience and practice with world life situations.  ULM gave me a confidence to speak and write Spanish and to know that the only way one can get better is if they keep practicing and learning from their mistakes.  I am now happy to say that I am working at a school in Guatemala."