What To Do With A Degree In European Languages
What to do with a degree in European Languages
In this world where global relationships are often crucial for organizations and businesses to succeed, you would be surprised at the length at which learning a new language would take you.
It is for this reason that individuals with degrees in European languages are in high demand in many areas of industry and businesses in roles that go farther than translation and interpretation to grasp all the parts of politics, business transaction and international cooperation.
If you are about studying European Languages as a degree and you are skeptical about it, this article would aid in pinpointing the potential and help in determining what to do with a degree in European Languages
What are European Languages?
European Languages which are also known as Modern languages refer to languages which include Russian, French and German and can be studied as a degree in the university.
What does a European language degree cover?
A European language degree does not just have to do with learning a new language alone but getting an elevated level of fluency is one of the aims. A lot of programs will need students to students to study courses which would aid in developing their understanding of the present and past cultures pertaining to the country or countries in which the language being studied is spoken.
This learning often needs the study of film and media, literary texts as well as learning about the political and historical contexts of a specific region. Courses which are professionally focused may also be available and might cover courses like international relations, translation, communication studies and media as well as process of business in diverse regions.
Why study European Language
The following are some of the reasons why you should get a degree in European Language, they include:
Employability: Regardless of any language you decide to go with, the great aspect of having a degree in language is that there is no specific path for a career after graduation. An European language degree can creat a lot of opportunities in areas that you never would have imagined to look.
Versatile Degrees: There are a vast range of joint, minor and major degrees to mix your study of culture and language with other subjects which include international studies, politics, film history, sociology history and a host of others.
Multilingualism is great for you: Learning language aids in the development of some of the following skills which are transferable and sought after by a host of employers today. Some of these skills include:
- A sophisticated cultural awareness
- Decision-making
- Critical thinking
- An sufficient written and oral communication in your other languages as well as English
Career Opportunities for European Language Graduates
The following are some of the job options for European language graduates. They include:
- Secondary school teacher
- Interpreter
- Translator
- English as a foreign language teacher
- Broadcast journalist
- International aid/development worker
- Work experience
A lot of European language degree programs provide you with a year abroad. If you decide to get a job placement during the year, make efforts to look for one in a career that you have interest in and utilise the opportunity in the development of skills pertaining to that job.
Typical employers
Some European language graduates work on a self-employed basis as translators or interpreters. Nonetheless, lots of others selected careers not related to their subject matter directly but where there is possibility of utilizing their skills in language.
For example, working alongside companies that trade or provide services on an international level to customers who do not speak English.
Below are some of the sectors that provide employment for European Language graduates.
- Charitable organizations
- Business services
- Public administration
- Tourism
- Teaching and a host of others.
Conclusion
Learning languages aid in activating the brain’s grey cell. Asides from the improvement of general memory and intelligence, going for a degree in European languages can also minimize the impact of brain aging.
This article was inspired by an organization I volunteer for, Building Nations Initiative. At BNI, we have a Language for Humanitarian Diplomacy Program, where anyone can learn major European languages including French, German, and Spanish. Other languages you can learn in the BNI LAHD program are Chinese and Sign Language. Application for the BNI LAHD Program is currently on
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