Your degree in French, Hispanic, and Italian Studies

Skills you’ll develop

While studying various subjects in the Department of French, Hispanic, and Italian Studies, you’ll have the opportunity to learn topics related to French, Hispanic, Italian, Portuguese or Romance Studies. You’ll develop important skills while learning about the languages, literatures, and cultures of different regions around the world.

These skills may include:

Critical thinking and analysis of concepts while demonstrating intercultural awareness
Problem solving to examine issues relevant to various regions and cultures
Language proficiency in French, Spanish, Italian, and/or Portuguese
Creating and evaluating translations of original texts
Teamwork with diverse groups of people
Research, data collection, synthesis, and analysis of large amounts of information
Persuasive public speaking and reasoning abilities that are evidence-based and acknowledge the influence different perspectives can have on facts
Written and verbal communication skills used to identify and examine contemporary issues in specific geographical regions and cultures

Career possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including government, foreign service, global health, business, translation, non-profit, law, 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
Copywriter
Cultural anthropologist
Curator
Diplomat
Documentarian/Filmmaker
Event planner
French/Spanish immersion teacher
Foreign service officer
Genealogist
Government official
Heritage interpreter
Historian
Human rights officer
Immigration officer
International development worker

Interpreter
Journalist
Language instructor
Lawyer
Library director
Lobbyist
Media/Information consultant
Media relations officer
Museum administrator
Museum educator
News analyst
Photojournalist
Policy advisor
Public relations coordinator
Records technician
Regional development analyst
Research assistant
Social policy researcher
Teacher/Professor
Tourism industry consultant
Translator
Writer

Make the most of your specialization

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

Departmental events
Network with French, Hispanic, and Italian Studies (FHIS) students and faculty members at a variety of events.
Departmental research opportunities
Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions.
UBC Francophone Student Association
Meet other UBC students through events and programs.
UBC Italian Student Association
Join fellow students to promote Italian culture, history and traditions.
FHIS Co-op success stories
Learn about the experiences of past and present co-op students from your program and others.
Funding and awards
Check out scholarship opportunities for FHIS students.
Outside-In: International Photojournal
Contribute to UBC’s only peer and faculty reviewed student publication for photojournalism.
Go Global for French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese
Take a Global Seminar course in Quebec or study abroad in Ecuador, Italy or Brazil.
Volunteer and internship opportunities
Browse various resources to gain local and international experience.

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 French, Hispanic, and Italian Studiesgraduates 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.