Portuguese & Luso-Brazilian Studies

Have you always been interested in learning Portuguese? Did you know that Portuguese is the language of several countries and that it is spoken worldwide in all corners of the globe? Spoken daily by over 250 million people, Portuguese is a rich language shared by Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) countries that represent an array of diverse cultures, traditions and modes of being. A degree in Portuguese & Luso-Brazilian Studies within the Department of Languages, Literatures and Linguistics will provide you a way of understanding not just the Portuguese language, but also its cultures, historical, political and social landscapes. The program’s approach to teaching and learning are innovative, student centered, and offer cultural, immersion and experiential education opportunities. In addition, the program’s interdisciplinary component enables students to explore other areas of research, such as music or sociology, thus allowing students a deeper appreciation of the diversity of the entire Lusophone world.

Career Options in Portuguese & Luso-Brazilian Studies

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

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 Portuguese & Luso-Brazilian degree than others.

Ambassador
Archivist
Author
Blogger
Community Center Director
Portuguese Community Developer
Corporate Recruiter/Trainer
Diplomat
Educator
Entrepreneur
Event Planner
Foreign Service Worker
Health Policy Advisor
Historian
Historical Site Coordinator
Human Resources Consultant
Human Rights Advocate
Immigration Officer
International Development Worker
International Lawyer
Interpreter

Journalist
Lawyer
Legal Aide
Lobbyist
Marketing Specialist
Media Correspondent
Museum Curator
Non-Profit Organization Director
Philanthropist
Physician/Health practitioner
Political Consultant
Public Policy Advisor
Public Relations Representative
Publisher
Researcher
Social Researcher
Social Service Worker
Speech Writer
Teacher
Translator
UN Representative

Note: It is important to remember that 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 please consult the Career Cruising website, available to York University students using their Passport York account. You can also visit the National Occupational Classification website.

Skills Developed through a Portuguese & Luso-Brazilian Studies Degree

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

Core Skills

An exposure to the culture of the Lusophone world, a growing community of some 250 million people.
An ability to think analytically and be able to critique and examine ideas from a philosophical, cultural and literary perspective.
A fluency in dealing with key issues concerning Portuguese-speaking societies, from the early modern period to postcolonial and contemporary sociopolitical debates.
A solid understanding of the Portuguese language and exposure to literary offerings of Lusophone most prolific writers.
A capability to express yourself and your opinions in debate, in presentations as well as in written work.

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

Selecting information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources.
The ability to learn new information and apply it 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.
The skills to collect various types of information, assess and analyze them, 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 results.
The capacity to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches and a variety of personal and professional backgrounds.
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.