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Why Study a Foreign Language?
Foreign Languages Are Important
Language is key to increasing one's understanding of today's world. The internationalization of travel, the arts, media, politics, science and technology and the economic interdependence of the world's nations have caused a demand for multilingual professionals.
This increasingly multinational character of American society itself demonstrates the importance of foreign languages in nearly every occupation. The study of a foreign language also increases analytic and interpretive capacities in other areas.
In addition to being practical, being multilingual and multicultural results in broader and more flexible minds, which are traits that are highly valued in the modern marketplace. In the words of the Wall Street Journal, "successful managers of the future are those who have ... the ability to understand different cultures and different ways of doing business." And, of course, studying foreign languages and dealing with people from other cultures is the way to acquire that ability.
If you are still wondering why you should study a foreign language, or anything that is not directly related to how you expect to make a living, please read this article on the purpose of a liberal arts education, by Robert Harris.
What can you do with a major in a foreign language
- Direct, vocational use
- Teaching
- Translating and interpreting
- Indirect, multifaceted use
Most people who major in a foreign language do not use it in a direct way and thus their employment opportunities are quite varied.
- 'Liberal-arts' related employment
Many employees looking for a college graduate with a bachelor-of-arts background are not looking for someone with a specific skill (such as translating), but rather for someone with a strong general academic background, good critical-thinking and communication skills. In these cases training for the specific job is done by the employer. Foreign language majors (like English majors) are often very successful at this type of employment.
For the most part, employers tend to look for the right skills rather than the right major, skills such as written and verbal communication skills, honesty and integrity, teamwork skills
the ability to solve complex problems, and readiness to adapt in a changing workplace (ref.). If Spanish is what you want to do because you have a passion for it, then it's the right thing to do for you. You don't need to be stuck with a teaching or translator job when you leave college.
- In combination with a vocational career
Also, if you combine a major (or a minor) in foreign languages with another, more vocational major--such as business, education, or nursing--your employment opportunities will be greating enhanced (think of it as a value-added to your other major). Your employer will be happy to choose someone who has the ability to communicate with and understand people from other cultures and backgrounds.
The Importance of Spanish
Spanish is a major world language. It is the language of over 400 million people in over 20 countries and the second most spoken language in the United States. Hispanics have recently become the largest minority in our country and will comprise a quarter of the US population in just a few decades. For these reasons Spanish is the most studied foreign language in the country and there is a high demand for people who can use it, as well as for people who can teach it.
A Spanish minor or major--especially when combined with another major or minor--can result in greatly enhanced employment opportunities in many areas in business, government, or social services, beyond the obvious ones of teaching, translating and interpreting. Think of your language major/minor as a great way to add value to whatever other career you have chosen.
View the Spanish Major Brochure (PDF)
Other pages about foreign language study
The Value of Foreign Language Study
These links will give you a better idea of what the study of foreign languages can do for you and help you grow personally and academically.
Foreign Language Careers
"Foreign Language graduates pursue careers in business, education, government, and the non-profit sector, and some pursue advanced degrees. Future career options may be determined not so much by the choice of your college major, but by your interests, skills, values, and types of work experiences acquired during college. Regardless of your career aspirations, increase your marketability to employers through internships, related work experience, good grades, advanced coursework, and involvement in campus activities. Many careers do not require a specific major, but rather a wide range of demonstrated skills, accomplishments, and related work experience while in school." (Rutgers U.)
These pages will give you an idea about specific jobs that someone with a foreign language major could be doing. But remember that a foreign language major often is not a 'career major', but either a value added major (to combine with another major) or a strong 'liberal arts' basis for a multitude of employment oportunities where your employer will train you in the specific skills you need.
The Value of a Liberal Education
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