Italian Studies | Career Centre

Are the Italian language and the study of Italy your passions? Have you always been fascinated by the allure of Italy, its rich historical inheritance and deeply romanticized culture and art? Pursuing a major in Italian Studies within the department of Languages, Literatures and Linguistics will give you the opportunity to engage in a multifaceted education focusing on literature, language, media and art. You will further be able to follow studies abroad and participate in an exchange in Italy acquiring first-hand experience in the language, culture and everyday life of the country.

Career Options in Italian Studies

This list is not exhaustive but provides an idea of the options graduates have and what they have gone on to do. Some options are more directly associated with a Italian Studies degree than others.

Archivist
Art Dealer
Artist
Author
Communications Consultant
Cultural Consultant
Diplomat
Editor
Entrepreneur
Event Planner
Executive Assistant
Foreign Business Consultant
Fundraising Coordinator
Historian
Historical Site Guide
Human Resources Specialist
Industrial Relations Consultant
International Aid Director
International Brand Strategist
International Development Worker
Interpreter
Journalist

Lawyer
Legal Aid Worker
Librarian
Linguist
Lobbyist
Market Researcher
Marketing Director
Media Correspondent
Non-Profit Organization Director
Photographer
Politician
Professor
Public Policy Analyst
Public Relations Representative
Publisher
Recruiter
Researcher
Retail Strategist
Social Program Director
Speech Coach
Speech Writer
Translator
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 an Italian Studies Degree

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

Core Skills

An ability to think analytically and be able to critique and examine ideas from a philosophical and literary perspective
An exposure to and familiarity with the art, history, media and culture of Italy
A solid understanding of the Italian language and exposure to key classical works and modern literary offerings
A capability to express yourself and your opinions in debate, in oral presentations as well as in written work

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 organize, understand and analyze sources of information and to apply new information to different professional settings and tasks
The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument
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 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
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.