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What can I do with a major in linguistics?

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SUNY Oswego - Career Services

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Department Page

Examples of where alumni in your major are working

Companies:
NYC Department of Education
Center for Teaching and Learning in China
BOCES

Titles:
ESL Teacher
Speech-Language Pathologist
Translator

Search for employers hiring graduates in your major

Employers in NY: 1,250
Employers in US: 12,142

 

Explore the numerous career fields related to your major

Education

Areas

Teacher
College Professor
Historian
Researcher/Writer
Director 

Employers

Educational Institutions:

  • Elementary
  • Secondary 
  • Post-Secondary 

Museums 

Information/Strategies

Earn a Ph.D. to teach in post-secondary institutions.
Gain research experience by assisting a professor.
Obtain certification for public school positions.
Get experience working with young people.
Develop strong public speaking skills.
Complete internships at museums or other related facility.

Government

Areas

Employers

Division of Youth and Family Services
Legislative Affairs
Political organizations
Consumer affairs
Cultural affairs
Department of Education
Civil Rights Commission

Information/Strategies

Become active in student government.
Complete an internship in a government agency.
Become familiar with government hiring practices.
Develop excellent computer, analytical, and quantitative skills.
Learn local, state, and federal government job application process.

Media and Communications

Areas

Employers

Newspapers
Magazines
Radio
TV
Telecommunications firms 

Information/Strategies

Develop excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
Take elective courses in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, and advertising.
Develop research skills.
Work for campus or local newspaper, radio station, or television station.
Get related experience through internships, even if unpaid.
Learn desktop publishing, webpage design, and other computer skills.

Non-profits

Areas

Administrator
Volunteer Coordinator

Employers

Community arts centers
Community service organizations

Information/Strategies

Take courses in psychology, sociology, or social work to broaden perspective.
Volunteer with community and campus organizations.
Learn to work well with different types of people.
Develop a wide array of skills including writing, speaking, budgeting, grant writing, and leadership.

General information and strategies

  • Develop strong written and verbal communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills. 
  • Learn to work well on a team and develop leadership skills. 
  • Explore specializations within major and professional field. Select electives to enhance knowledge in area(s) of interest. 
  • Obtain experience through part-time employment, co-op, internships, or volunteer experience. 
  • Get involved in campus activities and professional organizations. 
  • Linguistics is good preparation for graduate school in many disciplines.