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 accessing 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.