Why MCLS?
Modern and Classical Language Studies (MCLS) provides a wide range of programs in foreign languages, literatures, cultures, and translation, as well as Classics and American Sign Language.
- Gain vital skills in research, critical thinking, writing, and collaborative problem solving, which open doors to many career paths and are essential to success in today's job market.
- Become a global citizen through multilingual communication and gain an understanding of other cultures.
- Stand out in the career market with multilingualism, important in both U.S. culture and the global economy.
- Study abroad and immerse yourself in another language and culture.
General Information and Strategies
- Choose an additional academic area of study to supplement the foreign language, preferably one that requires a high degree of technical skill. Most people with foreign language ability use those skills to assist them in different career fields such as business, education, journalism, law, etc.
- Consider which language and culture appeals to you most and the level of foreign language ability you will need to acquire for success in your career. Possible languages to study: Spanish, German, French, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Hebrew, and Arabic. Some languages will offer more job opportunities than other languages in various industries or geographic locales. Some are considered critical needs and will offer the most opportunities.
- Related courses to study include geography, history, civilization, foreign relations, international law, nursing, public health, and world economics.
- Consider planning to attend a private language institute to learn additional languages and cultures.
- Utilize a number of learning methods to develop language fluency. Combine listen and repeat drills, textbooks, audio lessons, and learning apps.
- Travel to a foreign country or study abroad in international exchange programs to develop your language skills and international/intercultural competency.
- Study and practice your foreign language skills by reading foreign newspapers, magazines, and books.
- Seek opportunities to interact with international students on your campus or members of your local community. Host international students, join relevant student organizations, and participate in international campus events.
- Watch foreign movies and listen to foreign broadcasts to maintain your fluency.
- Volunteer your language skills to churches, community organizations, and programs that work with people who speak your target language.
- Correspond with someone from a foreign country.
- Contact professional associations and read their publications to learn about job opportunities.
- Research job postings on the Internet to get an idea of jobs in which knowledge of a foreign language is useful.
- Participate in summer programs, co-ops, and internships to improve your skills.
- Network with others in the field to learn about job opportunities.
- In general, international positions are competitive and difficult to obtain. Be very proactive in developing the skills and experiences international employers seek.
- Get your foot in the door in domestic positions because many international employers promote current employees into international positions.
"Focus 2" Major & Career Information
- Create an account in Focus 2 to reveal your best career-fit and explore majors that connect you to your career
Match Majors to Careers
U.S. Department of Labor Websites
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Learn about occupations including responsibilities, salaries, education required, and employment outlook
- Career One Stop - Explore careers, salary and benefits, training required, and employment seeker services by state
- O*Net - Quick search tool for Ohio employment data and more
Ohio's In-Demand Careers
- In-Demand Careers - Learn about growing fields in the state of Ohio
Talk with Faculty, Family and Professionals
- Find out what a career is really like by speaking to someone in the field. Review the informational interviewing questions to ask and the list of possible people in your network to speak with.
- Talk with your professors who have a wealth of knowledge about their career fields.
- Chat with family members about their work experiences and:
- how they selected their careers
- what they find rewarding/challenging
- what skills they utilize
- what their long-term goals are
Resources
Professional Associations
International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language
Association of International Educators
Council on International Educational Exchange
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
Foreign Policy Association
American Translators Association
National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators
National Council on Interpreting in Health Care
International Association of Conference Translators
International Federation of Translators
Occupational Outlook Information
Interpreters and Translators
Adult Literacy and GED Teacher
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers
Postsecondary Teachers
Flight Attendants
Miscellaneous Career Information
World Languages and Cultures Career Resources
Transitions Abroad
Careers in Languages from Wake Forest University
The Riley Guide International Resources
Overseas Employment Information
American Institute for Foreign Study
Volunteers Abroad
U.S. Department of State
Peace Corps
United Nations
Job Postings
OverseasJobs.com
JobsAbroad.com
International Staffing Consultants
Lat Pro
Trabajos.com (in Spanish)
TwoLingos.com
Asian Jobs.com
Hispanic Jobs.com