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
  • Comparative analysis and transnational perspective of the Romance-speaking world, both past and present 
  • Application of linguistic, communicative, and intercultural skills in real-world, community-based settings by engaging with local or global organizations or initiatives

Career possibilities

Knowing multiple languages offers a range of benefits for any career path, significantly enhancing communication, cultural awareness, and problem-solving abilities. In today’s globalized economy, many industries value employees who can engage with clients, colleagues, or partners across linguistic and cultural boundaries.

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.

Visit the Job Bank Canada website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field. Some career options may require further education or training.

  • Activist (such as sustainable tourism, human rights, environment) 
  • Archivist
  • Biographer
  • Charitable organization director
  • Communications specialist
  • Community development worker
  • Community programs director
  • Conservator
  • Copywriter
  • Cultural anthropologist
  • Curator
  • Diplomat
  • Documentarian or Filmmaker
  • Ecology and environmental conservation worker 
  • Event planner
  • French or Spanish immersion teacher
  • Foreign service officer
  • Genealogist
  • Government official
  • Healthcare worker or administrator
  • Heritage interpreter
  • Historian
  • Human rights officer
  • Immigration officer
  • International development worker
  • Interpreter
  • Journalist
  • Language instructor
  • Lawyer
  • Library director
  • Linguist (e.g. computational, historical, applied, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics)
  • Lobbyist
  • Media or 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 or Instructor (such as language, immersion, literature, culture, history)
  • Technology
  • Tourism industry consultant
  • Translator
  • Writer

Make the most of your specialization

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities, develop your skillset, and help you clarify your values and interests.

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

Learn about possible career paths by browsing alumni stories or viewing the profiles of UBC French, Hispanic, and Italian Studies graduates on LinkedIn.

As you read, take note of interesting job titles, organizations, and experiences you may want to explore. If a particular story or profile aligns with your goals, consider reaching out for an informational interview.

More information

Throughout 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.