Careers by Major - Languages

 

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This program is offered through the Department of Language Studies

Each Careers by Major page provides lots of ideas on various career areas, as well as how to gain related skills and experience. Useful resources and job samples are also provided.

Table of Contents 

1. Sample Occupations and Jobs
         1a. Sample Occupations
         1b. Sample Job Listings
         1c. Sample Areas of Employment
2. Program-Related Skills
3. Explore Careers & Build Networks
4. Get Experience
         4a. On-Campus
         4b. Off-Campus
5. Useful Resources & Next Steps 

 

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1. Sample Occupations and Jobs
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Below is a sample of the many types of occupations and jobs pursued by graduates of this program.

1a. Sample Occupations

 
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Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Detailed career profiles are available in the Career Centre. Some occupations require further education and experience.

Translating/Interpreting 

  • Interpreter
  • Certified Translator
  • Certified Terminologist
  • Certified Court Interpreter
  • Sign Language Interpreter

Business

  • International Trade Officer
  • International Business Analyst
  • Bilingual Customer Service Specialist
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Conference Planner
  • Marketing Manager
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Import/Export Coordinator
  • Management Consultant
  • Compliance Officer
  • Hospitality Industry
  • Travel Agent
  • Flight Attendant
  • Communications Specialist
  • Technical Writer

Teaching/Education

  • Elementary School Teacher
  • ESL Teacher
  • Language Instructor/Teacher
  • International Student Advisor
  • Coordinator, Programs Abroad
  • International Education Assistant
  • Researcher
  • Professor
  • High School Teacher
  • Adult Education Teacher
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Educational Assistant

Government/Non-Governmental
Organizations

  • Foreign Service Officer
  • Foreign Affairs Specialist
  • Immigration Officer
  • Customs Broker
  • International Development
  • Political Aide
  • Community Worker

1b. Sample Job Listings

 
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Below is a sample of delisted positions that have been posted on UofT's Career Learning Network (CLN). To access current listings, login to CLN and click on Jobs

  • Coordinator for International Relations, JET Programme Canada
  • Foreign Language Intelligence Analyst, Communications Security Establishment
  • Volunteer Notetaker, AccessAbility Resource Centre, UTM
  • Junior Copy Editor, Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario
  • Interpreter, Legislative Assembly of Ontario
  • Marketing/Technical Writer, Idée
  • Bilingual Registration Officer, BMO Financial Group
  • Bilingual Research Assistant, Rogers Media
  • Project Coordinator, Department of Language Studies, UTM
  • French Tutor, Expert Tutors Inc.
  • English to French Translator, Allstate Insurance Canada
  • Special Event Volunteer, Harbourfront Centre
  • Bilingual Client Care Representative, Fort Garry Industries
  • Museum Educator, Bata Shoe Museum
  • Foreign Language Subtitle Editors, SDI Media

1c. Sample Areas of Employment

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  • Federal, provincial and municipal government
  • Financial institutions
  • Schools, colleges and universities
  • Airlines, airports, cruiseship lines
  • Travel agencies and tour companies
  • Communications and broadcasting companies
  • Private sector/large corporations
  • Language schools, international schools
  • Translation and interpretation firms
  • Cultural organizations
  • Non-governmental organizations (e.g. United Nations)
  • Market research firms

 

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2. Program-Related Skills
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Academic courses in this program provide opportunities to develop the following types of skills. Make a career counselling or an employment strategy appointment to discuss how you can demonstrate these skills to employers.

  • Technical: knowledge of language structure and function; knowledge of teaching methodology; understanding of how people learn languages; and understanding of historical language change.
  • Communication: proficiency in reading, writing, and oral expression in other languages; and comprehensive knowledge of grammar and vocabulary.
  • Research: read materials accurately and analytically; and understand, organize and integrate information.
  • Interpersonal and leadership: interact with people from various backgrounds; awareness of cultural diversity; and motivate, empathize, and provide constructive criticism.
  • Critical thinking: understand historical language change; actively listen and question; analyze and interpret information; and formulate and defend positions.

 

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3. Explore Careers & Build Networks
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Career Exploration 101

Take our 15 minute online module. Gain access to UTM's career exploration programs:

Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are a great way to connect with professionals in a career area of interest and gain valuable insights about a particular career, company, or industry that would otherwise be difficult to find in books or online. Check out our tip sheet to learn more.

Alumni Profiles

Check out our Alumni Profiles page with submissions from UTM grads to find out how their experiences have affected their career direction.

Events

Attending career panels, networking events, employer info sessions, and career fairs is a great way to meet professionals and learn more about careers, companies, and industries. Login to CLN and click on Events & Workshops to see what's coming up.

Talk to Professors

Connecting with your professors can be a great way to explore the different paths a major can lead you to, as well as learn about possible opportunities for research, volunteering, or becoming a TA. Drop by during their office hours or request an appointment.

Student Organizations

Join a student club or an academic society at UTM to meet like-minded people, explore your interests, and make valuable connections. To view a list of current clubs and societies, visit the Centre for Student Engagement's website. Some organizations you may consider are:

  • Language Studies Academic Society
  • English & Drama Students Society
  • Etudiants Francophones de UTM
  • Italian Club of Erindale

LinkedIn

Create a LinkedIn profile to connect with professionals in various fields, explore the career paths of UTM alumni, research employers, apply for specific positions and more. Need help? Come to the Career Centre to book a LinkedIn profile critique.

Professional Associations

There are many benefits of becoming a member of association(s), such as developing a network of contacts, learning about industry trends, accessing industry-related job postings and stating your affiliation on your resume. Some associations related to this major are:

 

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4. Get Experience
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Get some experience and exposure to the industry while being a student. This will increase your chances of finding a job after graduation, while helping you decide what area might be most suitable for you.

4a. On-Campus

 
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On-Campus Opportunities Booklet

Check out the On-Campus Opportunities booklet to view a list of some of the ways you can get valuable experience on campus.

Work Study Positions

The work study program provides eligible students with an opportunity to work on campus during the academic year and gain experience. Many departments use this program to hire UTM students during the Fall/Winter and Summer terms.

Research Opportunity Program (ROP)

UTM's Research Opportunity Program (ROP) allows undergraduate students to gain valuable research experience and earn a course credit by participating in a faculty member's research project. Courses are held during Summer and Fall/Winter terms.

Part Time and Volunteer Positions

  • Attend the annual Get Experience Fair 
  • Check out our binder with detailed information on volunteer opportunities; available in the Career Centre
  • Learn about the Co-Curricular Record (CCR), which can help you find opportunities beyond the classroom and have your skills and experiences captured on an official document; go to the co-curricular database to find out how you can get involve

Student Organizations

Joining any student club or academic society at UTM is a great way to gain valuable skills and expand your resume. To view a list of current clubs and societies, visit the Centre for Student Engagement's website.

4b. Off-Campus

 
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Internships, Summer, Part-Time and Volunteer Positions 

Full Time Positions

  • Networking is an essential element of job search today, as most jobs are not advertised. While you should still apply for positions you find online, building relationships with professionals is a proven way to access the 'hidden job market' with some of the most desirable opportunities. Attend the "Learn to Network" workshop to discover proven techniques to effectively introduce yourself and make contacts.
  • Login to CLN and click on Jobs to access current postings advertised to graduating students and recent U of T grads. Note: You must attend the "Now That I'm Graduating, What's Next?" workshop to gain access to these postings.
  • Attend the annual Get Hired: Summer and Full-Time Jobs Fair
  • Check out our list of industry-specific job boards

 

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5. Useful Resources & Next Steps
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Career Resource Library

The Career Resource Library contains information about a wide range of occupations in all industries, resume and cover letter resources, effective work search methods, graduate/professional school preparation guides and more.

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Career Planning by Year

Visit our Career Planning by Year page for ideas of important career related activities for each year. You can visit us in the Career Centre to find out more about career areas that interest you.

Additional Web Resources


Updated August 2023