Skills you’ll develop
During your Latin American Studies degree, you’ll gain broad exposure to the peoples and places of Latin America, and you’ll gain an understanding of the cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity of the region. You’ll develop important skills through flexible interdisciplinary course work in anthropology, art history, geography, history, political science, literary and cultural studies, and languages.
These skills may include:
- Critically thinking about and analyzing concepts while demonstrating intercultural awareness
- Applying problem-solving to examine issues relevant to Latin American regions and cultures
- Demonstrating an understanding of historical and contemporary issues and events used to assess and anticipate future needs
- Language proficiency in Spanish and/or Portuguese
- Creating and evaluating translations of original texts
- Researching, collecting data, synthesizing, and analyzing 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 Latin American societies
Explore 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
- Child welfare policy analyst
- Communications specialist
- Community development worker
- Community programs director
- Conservator
- Copywriter
- Cultural anthropologist
- Curator
- Diplomat
- Documentarian/Filmmaker
- Economist
- Event planner
- Foreign service officer
- Genealogist
- Government official
- Heritage interpreter
- Historian
- Human rights officer
- Immigration officer
- International development worker
- Journalist
- Lawyer
- Library director
- Lobbyist
- Media or Information consultant
- Media relations officer
- Museum administrator
- Museum educator
- News analyst
- Policy advisor
- Public relations coordinator
- Records technician
- Regional development analyst
- Research assistant
- Social policy researcher
- Teacher or Professor
- Tourism industry consultant
- 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 Latin American Studies 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 Latin Dance Club
Make new friends and join beginner-friendly Latin dance classes. - Model United Nations Student Association at UBC
Collaborate with other students to propose resolutions to global issues through United Nations-style simulations. - UBC Journal of International Affairs
Showcase your research by submitting papers to be published in a peer-reviewed journal. - Outside-In: International Photojournal
Contribute to UBC’s only peer and faculty reviewed student publication for photojournalism. - Latincouver
Join local events that bring together Latin Americans and Latin enthusiasts living in British Columbia. - International Experience Canada
Check out opportunities for Canadians to do a working holiday in Latin America and around the world.
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.
- Amnesty International
- Association for Cultural Studies
- Canadian Association for Latin American and Caribbean Studies
- Canadian Association for the Study of International Development
- Canadian Association for Translation Studies
- Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers
- CoDevelopment Canada
- Cultural Human Resources Council
- Cultural Studies Association
- Expoplaza Latina
- Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences
- International Association of Conference Interpreters
- International Economic Development Council
- International Studies Association
- Latin American Studies Association
- Latincouver
- Literary Translators Association of Canada
- Society of Translators and Interpreters of BC
- United Nations Commission on International Trade Law
- Vancouver Latin American Cultural Centre
- Vancouver Latin American Film Festival
Connect with alumni on LinkedIn
Find UBC Latin American 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.