This guide contains only a partial list of occupational titles and career fields that may be of interest to students considering a modern languages major.  In addition to the skills and knowledge gained through your college course work in this major, you may also need to acquire career related work experience, additional work related skills and/or additional education. Some of the occupations require an advanced degree to enter the field.

After you have identified possible occupations of interest to you, it is important to investigate the nature of work; education and training requirements; skills and special talents needed; types of employers; future trends and employment outlook related to each of these careers. 

We have set up links to internet sites that provide detailed descriptions of these occupations.   You may want to research these occupations by reading the books and literature available in the Philadelphia House Career Resource Library, by contacting related professional associations and by talking with individuals working in the field.

This guide also provides information about obtaining related work experience including links to possible internships. However for the best information on current, local internships contact Sally Cardenas, Director of Internships and Community-Based Learning at 562-464-4533 or email her at scardenas@whittier.edu.

Career Options

Note: (2) refers to second information link for occupational title

Typical Employers

Airlines and cruise lines, banks, colleges and universities, entertainment agencies, government agencies, hotels, international service organizations, international trade organization, law enforcement agencies, libraries, magazines and newspapers, military services, museums, public and private schools, social service agencies, transportation agencies, travel industries

Liberal Arts Related Occupations
(click here for additional options)

Marketable Skills Associated with Modern Language Major

• Ability to read and write articulately and analytically
• Analyzing written materials; evaluating information; reading critically; comparing translations/interpretations
• Comprehensive command of grammar and vocabulary
• Good listening, clarifying, questioning and responding skills
• Proficiency in speaking and writing
• Ability to organize and memorize detailed information
• Ability to think logically
• Ability to adjust to new environments; adaptability
• Appreciation for diverse cultures; analyzing and comparing cultures; considering cultural preferences in planning and design of programs/projects; communicating between cultures

Getting Career Related Work Experience

To be competitive in today's job market and to improve your qualifications for graduate school, gaining career related work experience while you are a college student is very important. Career related work experience can include various forms of paid and volunteer experience (i.e. internships, some work study positions, summer or part-time jobs in your career field of interest, possibly fellowships, and some volunteer positions)

Modern Languages Related Internships

Sources of Career Information

Career Information Links on the Internet

• Business Information Links
• Communication Information Links
• Education Information Links
• Government Information Links
• Social Service Information Links
• Links to Professional Associations

Graduate School Resources

General Graduate School Links