Language Degree
Arabic | Classical Studies | French | German | Russian | Spanish
Focus Areas
Academic Focus
Co-Curricular and Engagement
Career Development
Milestone
First Year: Explore
Academic Focus
- Meet with your academic advisor and build your academic plan
- Enroll in language courses that fit your proficiency level and Pathways courses aligned with your interests
- Explore potential minors or second majors
Co-Curricular and Engagement
- Go to Gobblerfest and join student organizations related to language or cultural interests
- Visit the Student Success Center for support services
- Attend cultural events, lectures, and language-focused programming
- Begin exploring study abroad opportunities and connect with the Global Education Office
Career Development
- Begin developing your professional resume
- Create a Handshake account
- Attend a career exploration workshop or event, like the Alumni Spotlight Series or a career fair
- Research career goals and internship opportunities; meet with Career and Professional Development to discuss interests
Milestone
- Identify initial academic interests and potential career paths
- Establish a connection with at least one faculty member
Middle Years: Focus and Connect
Academic Focus
- Update your academic plan with your advisor
- Explore elective courses and areas of interest within your major
- Declare a minor or second major, if interested
- Take upper-level courses in your major
- Engage in undergraduate research or a faculty-led project
- Review your Degree Audit Report (DARS) regularly and apply for your degree in Hokie Spa
Co-Curricular and Engagement
- Participate in opportunities to practice your language and intercultural skills like cultural events, film nights, or lectures
- Engage in service-learning or community-based experiences (VT Engage)
- Serve in a leadership role in a student organization
- Study abroad or participate in a global experience, if aligned with academic plan
- Mentor newer students and participate in departmental initiatives
Career Development
- Update your resume and have it reviewed; complete mock interviews
- Reach out to a VT alum for an informational interview
- Attend a career fair and build your LinkedIn profile
- Identify 2-3 potential post-grad pathways (such as graduate school, fellowships, or jobs)
- Build connections with alumni, faculty, and professionals in field of interest
- Apply for internships, fellowships, research opportunities, or summer jobs related to your major
Milestone
- Gain first professional experience
- Make a connection with a VT alum or professional in your career path
- Complete an experiential learning opportunity (internship, study abroad, research) and add to your resume
Last Year: Launch
Academic Focus
- Consider presenting research, attending a conference, or pursuing publication of research in an undergraduate research journal
- Ensure all remaining degree requirements in DARS are planned and completed
Co-Curricular and Engagement
- Serve in a leadership or mentorship role
- Contribute to departmental events, outreach, or alumni engagement
Career Development
- Update resume and LinkedIn profile with experiences
- Apply to jobs, graduate programs, or fellowships
- Reflect on experiential learning and leverage in interviews
- Complete the First Destination Survey
Milestone
- Graduate with a clear plan and a professional network
- Engage with alumni association in your hometown
Finding
Your Future
in Languages and Cultures
Our graduates have the skills to:
- Communicate effectively across languages, cultures, and audiences
- Analyze complex problems
- Navigate diverse perspectives in a global society
- Adapt and learn in a rapidly changing world
- Build meaningful connections across cultures and communities
Common job titles include:
- Foreign Service Officer
- International Business Analyst
- Technology Manager
- Foreign Diplomat
- International Marketing Manager
- Teacher
- Translator
Top Employers & Graduate Schools:
- Federal Government
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Salesforce
- Carilion Clinic
- KPMG
- Pfizer
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Wisconsin
Personalize Your Path
Every student’s path is unique. Use this resource as a guide and work with your academic advisor, faculty mentor, and career advisor to customize your experience.