East Asian Studies | Career Centre

Are you fascinated by East Asia, its rich history, culture, people and past civilizations? Majoring in East Asian Studies will expose you to one of the most socially and economically vibrant, diverse and dynamic regions of the world. Offered in a variety of degree options, assuming a demonstrated competence of an East Asian language (excluding minor option), core courses are focused on the study of contemporary and past Chinese, Japanese and Korean societies and their cultural and sociopolitical heritage. You can further expand your familiarity of the region by participating in an exchange in China, South Korea or Japan at one of the many universities York collaborates with in the region.

Career Options in East Asian Studies

This list is not exhaustive but it provides a solid idea of what fellow graduates have gone on to do and what potential careers an East Asian Studies degree can offer. Some options are more directly associated with specific areas of East Asian Studies than others.

Activist
Ambassador
Author
Charity Coordinator
Community Center Director
Community Developer
Corporate Recruiter/Trainer
Diplomat
Entrepreneur
Economist
Entrepreneur
Event Planner
Foreign Service Worker
Historian
Human Rights Advocate
Immigration Officer
Interpreter

Journalist
Lawyer
Legal Aide
Lobbyist
Marketing Specialist
Media Correspondent
Museum Curator
Non-Profit Administrator
Political Consultant
PPublic Policy Advisor
Public Relations Representative
Publisher
Researcher
Social Service Worker
Social Worker
Speech Writer
Teacher
Translator

Some of these career choices may require additional education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential education or professional formative courses and exams. For a more in-depth description of some of the careers mentioned above visit Career Cruising (login information can be found on the home page of the Career Centre's online system) or the National Occupational Classification website.

Skills Developed through an East Asian Studies Degree

A background in East Asian Studies ensures that you develop the skills and mindset to tackle many different professional challenges.

Core Skills

A sound grasp of the historical legacy and cultural inheritance of East Asia, with focus on the 19th and 20th centuries
Exposure to interdisciplinary approaches in contemporary research methods
An ability to understand and communicate in an East Asian language, whether Japanese, Korean or Chinese
An understanding of the cultural, societal, ethical and socioeconomic issues dominating contemporary debate in East Asia.

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

The ability to present your thoughts clearly and intelligently in written statements and written opinion pieces
Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument
The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas
The skills to collect various types of information, assess them, analyze and incorporate potential linkages from different fields, put them into writing and efficiently convey your message and the goal of your work

Management and Teamwork

The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project's intended and successful end result
The capacity to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds
Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
The ability to debate, persuade, mediate and present your thoughts and opinions to others, as well as the capacity to recognize and incorporate other potential solutions or applications to given problems

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing the industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field.