French Studies | Career Centre

Do you love the French language? Do you want to learn more about Francophone culture around the world? A French Studies major provides you with the opportunity to not only learn and practice the French language but also get acquainted with the Francophone world and the diversity of its society and art. Topics in French Studies include French language and culture, linguistics, and literature.

Career Options in French Studies

Below is a sample list of some future choices to explore following studies in French 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 French Studies degree can offer. Some options are more directly associated with specific areas of French Studies than others.

Archivist
Author
Community Worker
Cultural Interpreter
Curator
Diplomatic Service Worker
Editor
Entrepreneur
Event Coordinator
Foreign Language Correspondent
Foreign Service Worker
Fundraising Coordinator
Freelance Writer
Government Administrator
Historical Site Guide
Human Resources Specialist
Immigration Officer
International Business Advisor

International Aid Director
International Development Worker
Journalist
Lawyer
Lobbyist
Marketing Consultant
Mediator
Non-Profit Administrator
Paralegal
Politician
Professor
Public Policy Analyst/Strategist
Researcher
Social Program Director
Speech Writer
Translator
Travel Agent
UN Representative

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 a French Studies Degree

A background in Classical Studies and Classics ensures that you develop the skills and mindset to tackle many different professional challenges. Here are just a few of the skills a Classical Studies and Classics degree can help you develop:

Core French Studies Skills

The ability to express yourself in the French language
An appreciation for the Francophone culture’s rich literary history through in depth analysis of various cultural works and authors from past to present
A more worldly life perspective and the chance to gain knowledge and experience by living and traveling in France and Europe by participating in an exchange program.

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 ability to learn new information and apply this to professional demands
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

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 capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

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. The following is a selection of organizations related to the field of French Studies that you may want to visit as you research career options for French Studies graduates.