Spanish | Career Centre

Have you always been fascinated by the Spanish language and the remarkable history of Spanish culture around the world throughout antiquity to today? Studying Spanish in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Linguistics will expose you the richness of one of the key social and linguistic influences on contemporary global society and to the language of more than 400 million people. Aside from direct study of the Spanish language, you will discover the vibrant literature of Spanish writers from various geographic backgrounds. You will further have a chance to study abroad as part of the York study and internship program in Spain and Latin America. Whether it is a means to prepare for further study or direct preparation for a career using the language, a Spanish degree from York can open many professional avenues.

Career Options in Spanish

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

Author
Archivist
Art Dealer
Community Developer
Diplomat
Entrepreneur
Event Planner
Editor/Freelance Writer
Foreign Service Worker
Historian
Historical Site Coordinator
Human Rights Advocate
Immigration Officer
International Development Worker
International Health Policy Advisor
Interpreter of Spanish
Journalist
Lawyer

Legal Aide
Linguist
Magazine Contributor
Marketing Specialist
Media Correspondent
Museum Curator
Non-Profit Organization Director
Political Consultant
Politician
Public Relations Representative
Publisher
Recruiter
Researcher
Social Service Worker
Speech Writer
Spanish Language Teacher
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 a Spanish Degree

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

Core Skills

Familiarity and the ease of use of the Spanish language in both its written and spoken forms
Knowledge of Spanish and Latino literature and the history and evolution of the language over time and between continents
Exposure to the contemporary social and cultural context of key issues facing Spanish speaking societies in literature and media
An ability, though international study, to immerse yourself in Spanish culture and language in a variety of possible countries

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

The ability to present your thoughts clearly and intelligently in written and oral statements
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 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
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. The following is a selection of organizations related to the field of Spanish that you may want to visit as you research career options for Spanish graduates.