Beyond the Major in French, Spanish, and Romance Languages
Letters of recommendation: Students in
the department should understand that, whether their goal is
graduate school or employment, recommendations from departmental
faculty will be essential. Good recommendations come from faculty
who know you and your work thoroughly and who can speak to the
qualities that distinguish you from other students. Enthusiasm,
interest in relevant subject matter beyond the classroom,
willingness to do more than what is simply required, are examples of
the characteristics that we hope to find in our majors.
Washington and
Lee Office of Career Services: Should be your first stop on
the career trail. Go early!
http://careers.wlu.edu/
Graduate School: A
major in Spanish or French provides a very sound preparation for
graduate school in languages or in related fields. Especially
strong language majors also make excellent candidates for graduate
fellowship programs like the Fulbright, Watson, Rhodes, or Rotary.
Speak with professors in the discipline and/or in related
disciplines. They often have helpful insight as to motivation for
attending graduate school, types of programs, top schools, teaching,
research, tips on what to be doing to prepare for graduate school,
grant opportunities, what the actual experience will be like, etc.
Teaching Spanish/French in
the U.S. Consider speaking with the Director of the
Teacher Education Program at W&L, particularly if you are interested
in public school teaching. There are many organizations, such as
Southern Teachers Association in Charlottesville, that can help you
to get your resume to different types of schools in broad
geographical ranges. It is good to get on their mailing lists
early. Visit the Teacher Education at W&L:
http://teachereducation.wlu.edu/
Teaching English
Abroad: There are many ways to go about teaching English
abroad—from the formal approach through a program to the informal
approach of just showing up in a country and seeing what turns up.
Job opportunities range from formal schools to informal tutoring to
business-oriented teaching. Consult the Center for International
Education
http://internationaleducation.wlu.edu/ for information,
brochures, and advice on this career choice.
Business:
Career Services is useful for linking your business and
Spanish/French interests. Consult also with professors from the
Williams School
http://williams.wlu.edu/
Journalism:
Speak with professors from W&L’s Journalism Department
http://journalism.wlu.edu/
Law:
Speak with W&L professors, visit Career Services, consider a visit
to the Admissions Office at W&L Law
http://law.wlu.edu/,
Medicine:
Speak with W&L professors, the Pre-Med Adviser
http://chemistry.wlu.edu/HealthProfessions.html . You might also
consider working with ESOL so that you can work on medical Spanish
through the Translations and Hotline Committees.
Politics/Public
Policy: Your Spanish / French is a great skill in the area
of political life. There are many places to contact in D.C.
(embassies, OAS, senators, etc.) and beyond, of course. You should
especially consult the Politics Department about The Washington
Term (Politics Department at W&L:
http://williams.wlu.edu/whatwestudy/poli/ )
Study Abroad Guides and
Administrators: This is an area that many students do not
consider until they have had significant experience abroad. The
ever-expanding study-abroad field offers many career opportunities
(front office administration; on-location guides; travel planners;
university liaisons; etc.). See Center for International
Education:
http://internationaleducation.wlu.edu/ and W&L language
professors
Country-specific Contacts:
A number of RL alumni have spent
significant periods abroad in French and Spanish-speaking
countries. Our alumni network can be one of the most fruitful
resources you enjoy. Contact RL faculty for names of alumni.
