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Slavic Languages and Literature

Occupational Possibilities

Study of Slavic languages and literature enhances the ability to understand and communicate with people of other nations and cultures, in addition to developing proficiency in reading, writing, and oral expression. Graduates of the program are prepared for graduate or professional study in business, law, or liberal arts disciplines.

Slavic studies majors also pursue a wide range of career paths, some of which are listed below. This list was compiled from national data and from Major Options by Nicholas Basta (1991, New York: The Stonesong Press), which is available for use at University Career & Employment Services. For some of the occupations listed below, such as criminologist, additional skills and/or related training are desirable. Additional graduate study is generally expected for those occupations marked with a * on the following list.

Health and Human Services

  • Director, health and human resources
  • *International health care systems analyst
  • *Counseling psychologist
  • *Psychiatrist
  • *Physician
  • Cataloger
  • Laboratory technician
  • *Science information and research specialist
  • *Social worker
  • Director, international airport visitors center
  • Youth program leader
  • *Bioengineer



Business and Industry

  • Economist
  • Insurance adjuster
  • Technical writer, corporate publications
  • International marketing analyst
  • District sales manager
  • Staff human relations training coordinator
  • Management consultant
  • Customer support specialist
  • *Patent attorney
  • Technical translator
  • Overseas representative
  • Travel planner
  • Bank administrator
  • Hotel manager

Government and Public Sector

  • Volunteer recruiter, Peace Corps
  • *Social science analyst
  • International education specialist, Agency for International Development
  • *Securities examiner
  • Criminologist
  • Mediator trainee
  • Translator/interpreter
  • Customs inspector
  • Import specialist
  • International relations officer, Commerce Department
  • National Security Agency linguist/analyst
  • Foreign Service officer, Department of State

Education and Communications

  • Exchange student program coordinator
  • Conservator
  • Teacher
  • *Professor
  • *Librarian
  • *Guidance counselor
  • *Intellectual properties attorney
  • Coordinator, cultural arts center
  • Publisher, foreign language books
  • *Foreign film distributor
  • Guidebook writer
  • Abstractor
  • Editor of foreign publications

 

 

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Skills and Abilities

Study of Slavic languages and literature enhances the ability to understand and communicate with people of other nations and cultures through development of language fluency and the knowledge of the practices and customs of Russia and other Slavic countries. Abilities such as communicating in another language, adapting to cultural diversity, and reading critically prepare graduates for numerous careers in our expanding global society. For example, the ability to communicate ideas and adapt to cultural diversity may be useful to a market analyst interpreting international strategies, and to a travel consultant arranging a tour for a professional organization. A sampling of representative skills and abilities follows.

Communication

  • Speaking to groups
  • Reading/writing another language
  • Reporting and editing
  • Clarifying ideas
  • Writing clearly
  • Reading for content and structure
  • Understanding historical language change
  • Explaining complex concepts
  • Communicating between cultures

Analysis

  • Reading critically
  • Interpreting data
  • Assessing needs
  • Evaluating information
  • Comparing translations/interpretations
  • Weighing values
  • Evaluating evidence

Research

  • Working with original sources in many fields (e.g., philosophy, history, art,
  • music, natural sciences)
  • Gathering information
  • Designing instruments
  • Organizing materials/information
  • Establishing hypotheses
  • Summarizing ideas
  • Compiling/recording data
  • Working with research subjects
  • Evaluating results

Interpersonal Relations

  • Collaborating as part of a team
  • Understanding cultural diversity
  • Determining the needs of others
  • Acknowledging value systems
  • Adapting to other cultures
  • Listening carefully
  • Interviewing non-judgementally

Career Planning and Resources

Internships

Job Search

Professional Associations

 

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For More Information

...about careers, graduate and professional schools, internships, professional associations, or job descriptions contact:

University Career Center
110 Burge Union
(785) 864-3624

For information about majors and concentrations in Slavic languages and literature:

Slavic Languages and Literature Department

2134 Wescoe Hall
864-3313

 

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