Department Career Overview
The Department of World Languages and Literatures prepares undergraduate students to work in nearly every field, including translation and interpretation, business and marketing, federal and local government, military and public service, law and non-profit work, medicine and healthcare, science and technology, media and communication, and travel and tourism.
A B.A. or a B.S. in a world language with a general education background provides you with the solid language skills needed to make your language and intercultural abilities the center of your career in any of these fields, or as a base for graduate study. Alternatively, a major in these fields with a minor in a world language or in Medical Spanish can give you a competitive edge when it comes to building a fulfilling career. In every case, world language skills are highly marketable and desirable in today’s economy, whether it be for a career in serving local immigrant populations or one involving international travel. The possibilities are limitless.
Another specialty of the Department of World Languages and Literatures is preparing world language teachers at the secondary level. In our certification programs, we prepare world language majors to share their knowledge of and enthusiasm for a language and culture with children and adolescents in a challenging, but rewarding and secure career in education. If you enjoy working with young people and see the reward in preparing our youth for an increasingly interconnected world, becoming a world language teacher might be for you.
General Career Assistance
Each one of our majors and minors is assigned a faculty advisor, with whom they can discuss an appropriate course of study and opportunities for employment after graduation. Our students build a strong sense of departmental belonging through academic coursework, participation in language clubs, and department events held throughout the year. Additionally, the Office of Career and Professional Development is available to provide various levels of focused career assistance. Students should visit the Office of Career and Professional Development throughout their tenure at SCSU.
Internships and Experiential Learning Opportunities
- Internships – Our majors and minors are able to complete an internship as part of their coursework. Internships allow students to gain knowledge, skills and competencies in a wide range of organizations and companies. In recent years, our students have completed internships at places as varied as Junta for Progressive Action, Yale New Haven Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut, the National Organization of Italian American Women, and SCSU’s Center for Communication Disorders.
- Independent Study – Our students may explore a topic of their choice under the guidance of a faculty member with expertise in that area.
- Work Opportunities – Many students interested in world languages and/or technology are hired to work in the department language lab. Our student employees earn money, while gaining valuable work experience under the guidance of our language lab director, Dr. Elu Tu. If you are interested in learning more, contact Dr. Tu at tui1@southernct.edu.
- Study Abroad – The department offers a number of study abroad programs. Each summer, our faculty direct programs in France, Italy, and Spain. In addition, the department has a semester- or year-long direct exchange program in Valencia, Spain. Students may also take advantage of the wide range of study abroad opportunities offered through the Office of International Education.
- Volunteer Opportunities – Many of our students use their language skills serving the community as volunteers. For instance, our students have long participated in the CTMOM Free Dental Clinic and have volunteered at Junta for Progressive Action and at SCSU’s Center for Communication Disorders.
Sample Occupations of Recent Graduates
- Founder and CEO -- Forgotten Youth Supply Co.
- High School Teacher of Italian -- New Haven, Conn.
- Middle School Spanish Teacher -- Waterbury, Conn.
- High School Spanish Teacher -- Newtown, Conn. (Admission to Southern Connecticut State University’s M.A. in Romance languages program)
- Travel Consultant -- Fairfield, Conn.
- Airport Operations Crew Member -- Boston, Mass.
- Coordinator in Special Events and Engagement -- International non-profit disaster relief and global health organization, Stamford, Conn.