Career Opportunities
In order to complement academic work with practical experience, the FLL maintains a network of internship sponsors. Many organizations in Washington participate in internship programs, allowing students to learn about certain fields before seeking employment. Previous internship sites include the Embassies of France, Argentina, Canada, Germany, and Italy, the Organization of American States, CNN, the National Gallery of Art, and the Smithsonian Institution. In some instances, internships have led to full-time, permanent positions.
Students are encouraged to pursue post-
Languages and Linguistics
Various branches of the federal government need linguists, both at home and abroad. Some positions involve translation and/or data analysis for the protection of our national security. Others may require some knowledge of politics or economics along with language ability. In addition, government agencies, private industry, and many universities are pursuing linguistic research in areas such as psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, communications engineering, speech pathology, and child language acquisition. Language and linguistics majors pursue many and varied careers in areas such as:
- Business
- Investment banking
- Law
- International affairs
- Communications
- The Arts
- Education
- Medicine
Business
The Business Coursework Program, Business minor, and language-specific business courses prepare students for the corporate world. An increasing number of students accept positions in various areas of the private industry every year. Graduates are now working in companies that deal extensively with overseas markets. Banking and investment concerns have also attracted some graduates, as has the publishing world and the fashion/cosmetics industry. Students interested in these fields are encouraged to minor in business. Graduates with business coursework often pursue careers in:
- Personnel
- Marketing
- Electronic commerce
- Management