Your degree in Central, Eastern, and Northern European Studies

Skills you’ll develop

While studying various subjects in the Department of Central, Eastern, and Northern European Studies, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in various study abroad opportunities and acquire communicative abilities through the study of language and cultures from these regions. You’ll develop important skills while working with experts in media theory, film history, queer studies, migration studies, applied linguistics, and translation studies.

These skills may include:

  • Language competency in German, Russian, Polish, Danish, and/or Swedish
  • Conducting research, examining and assessing issues relevant to various regions and cultures of Central, Eastern, and Northern Europe
  • Engaging with theoretical approaches and methodologies related to German, Slavic, and Scandinavian Studies
  • Thinking critically and analyzing concepts while demonstrating intercultural awareness 
  • Written and verbal communications skills for different research platforms and formats 
  • Creating and evaluating translations of original texts
  • Public speaking and reasoning abilities that acknowledge different cultural perspectives and traditions

Career possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including government, foreign service, business, non-profit, translation, journalism, tourism, education, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.

Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.

  • Activist
  • Archivist
  • Biographer
  • Charitable organization director
  • Communications specialist
  • Community development worker
  • Community programs director
  • Conservator
  • Content editor
  • Copywriter
  • Cultural anthropologist
  • Cultural consultant
  • Cultural program coordinator
  • Curator
  • Digital humanities specialist
  • Diplomat
  • Documentarian/Filmmaker
  • Editor
  • Environmental consultant
  • Event planner
  • Fact checker
  • Film critic
  • Foreign service officer
  • Genealogist
  • Government official
  • Heritage interpreter
  • Historian
  • Historical site guide
  • Human rights officer
  • Immigration officer
  • International development worker
  • Interpreter
  • Journalist
  • Language instructor
  • Linguist
  • Lawyer
  • Library director
  • Lobbyist
  • Media/Information consultant
  • Media correspondent
  • Media historian
  • Media relations officer
  • Museum administrator
  • Museum educator
  • News analyst
  • Podcaster
  • Photojournalist
  • Policy advisor
  • Public relations coordinator
  • Publisher
  • Records technician
  • Regional development analyst
  • Research assistant
  • Social policy researcher
  • Social program director
  • Speech coach
  • Speech writer
  • Teacher/Professor
  • Tourism industry consultant
  • Translator
  • Writer

Make the most of your program

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help you understand your values and interests.

  • Departmental events
    Network with Central, Eastern, and Northern European Studies (CENES) students and faculty members at a variety of events.
  • Departmental research opportunities
    Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions.
  • CENES co-op success stories
    Learn about the experiences of past and present co-op students from your program and others.
  • CENES alumni
    CENES alumni have a long history of individual achievements and collective success. Contact the department to learn more about who they are and how to get connected.
  • Go Global
    Find opportunities for CENES students to study foreign languages and cultures abroad.
  • German Student Library and German Book Club
    Make new friends, join a book club, and find great reading recommendations.
  • UBC’s German Corner
    Read the blog for educational resources, scholarships, events, and study abroad opportunities.
  • UBC German Club
    Join others interested in German language and culture for a variety of conversation opportunities and activities. 
  • UBC Polish Club
    Get involved in social gatherings, conversations, and other events that promote Polish traditions, culture and language.
  • UBC Russian Cultural Community
    Browse opportunities to experience Russian traditions and values through social, educational, and language learning events.
  • UBC Scandinavian and Nordic Cultural Association
    Meet other students with an interest in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and the Nordic region.
  • Outside-In: International Photojournal
    Contribute to UBC’s only peer and faculty reviewed student publication for photojournalism.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

Connect with alumni on LinkedIn

Find UBC Department of Central, Eastern, and Northern European Studies graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.

More information

From your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.