Modern Languages
What can I do with my degree in Modern Languages?
About the program
Language is the primary medium of human culture and expression. It is the fundamental vehicle not only of the routine of daily life but also of our highest intellectual aspirations and achievements. Concordia's Modern Languages undergraduate programs (Spanish, Italian, German, Arabic, Chinese) are designed to give students ample knowledge of the language, spoken and written, as well as a coherent overview of culture, tradition, history and literature. The flexibility within the programs allows our students to concentrate on language, translation, culture and/or literature.
For the latest information on programs, visit Modern languages.
Skills developed
As a student in Modern Languages, you will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills, some of which are listed below. Your transferrable skills can be applied to many different jobs and situations that go beyond your field of study.
- Compare interpretations
- Creativity
- Curiosity
- Good grasp of historical events and current affairs
- Intellectual rigor
- Interest in other cultures and cultural sensitivity
- Knowledge of the structure & function of language
- Language fluency
- Openness and flexibility
- Research skills
- Translation and interpretation skills
- Understand the thoughts and ideas of people from other times and places and explain these ideas in modern terms with relevant historical context
- Communicate ideas clearly by listening carefully and responding effectively
- Read critically
- Write technical reports and essay
- Explain complex concepts and theories to others
- Interact with others and build professional relationships
- Public speaking
- Manage tasks and meet deadlines
- Work under pressure
- Influence and persuade
- Make decisions and use sound judgement
- Give and receive feedback
- Lead and follow
- Negotiate
- Conduct research, analyze and evaluate information to make a good judgement or conclusion
- Understand complex problems and identify solutions
- Airlines, cruise lines
- Archives
- Adult education
- Art galleries
- Broadcasting industry
- Community and social services
- Culture and heritage centers
- Educational institutions
- Entertainment companies
- Film industry
- Government (federal, provincial and municipal)
- Historical societies
- International organizations
- Immigration, francisation et intégration Québec
- Immigration Canada
- Import and export companies
- Language schools
- Libraries
- Museums
- Non-governmental organizations
- Parks/historic sites
- Public interest groups
- Publishing companies
- Religious institutions
- Research centres
- Social service organizations
- Translation bureaus
- Travel and tourism industry
What jobs can a Bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages lead to?
Please note that many positions listed below may require related extra-curricular activities, volunteer or work experience.
For details on these job titles, main duties and employment requirements visit Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- Art gallery assistant
- Art specialist/advisor
- Assistant curator
- Conservator – museum
- Consultant
- Event planner
- Exhibit assistant
- Gallery sales representative
- Heritage interpreter/advisor
- Historical site interpreter
- Hotel/resort manager
- Interpreter (immigration, judicial system, conferences, law firms, etc…)
- Museum development & fundraising coordinator
- Museum educator
- Museum technician/interpreter/guide
- Project officer/coordinator
- Recreational activities officer
- Tourism officer
- Translator
- Case worker
- Community organizer
- Community outreach assistant
- Cultural analyst
- Development associate
- International development worker
- Program director/planner/coordinator
- Socio-cultural workshop facilitator
- Dialect coach
- Education consultant
- Language instructor/teacher
- Language school manager
- Lexicographer
- Program advisor/coordinator
- Research associate/assistant
- Student services administrator
- Undergraduate program assistant
- Cultural advisor
- Cultural heritage consultant
- Diplomatic service officer
- Education and public programming officer
- Foreign language communication analyst
- Funding officer
- Government agency worker
- Heritage policy specialist
- Immigration officer
- Intelligence analyst
- Multicultural project officer
- Policy analyst
- Archive assistant
- Biographer
- Broadcast journalist
- Chronicler
- Communications officer/specialist
- Content writer
- Critic
- Editorial assistant
- Grant writer
- Journalist
- Media correspondent
- Proof-reader
- Publishing consultant
- Reporter
- Researcher
- Speech writer
- Writer/editor
- Account manager
- Airline customer service representative
- Assistant manager
- International business consultant/executive
- Marketing analyst/executive
- Public relations representative
- Sales representative
- Travel agent
Jobs and career possibilities with a Master's and PhD in Modern Languages
The job titles listed below are examples of careers requiring further education such as an MA or PhD degree, a second bachelor degree, a certificate or a graduate diploma and relevant work experience.
For details on these job titles, main duties and employment requirements visit Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- Archeologist
- Archive manager
- Archivist
- Art dealer
- Artist
- College teacher
- Diplomat
- Historian
- History/classical language teacher
- Lawyer
- Librarian – information specialist
- Linguist
- Mediator
- Museum manager
- Non-profit rganization director
- Political advisor/consultant
- Psychologist
- Publisher
- Researcher
- Speech therapist/pathologist
- Terminologist
- University professor
Start your job search
Explore career options
Explore the types of jobs for each industry and find out about required skills, education level and salary ranges in Canada:
Occupation - Government of Canada Job Bank: Find out about job prospects, wages and skills for specific job titles. You can use the job titles listed in the Career Possibilities – Bachelor degree and Career Possibilities – Beyond the bachelor degree for your search.
Field of study – Government of Canada Job Bank : Find out about employment rates, wages and the types of jobs related to a specific field of study.
Search job titles or companies - LinkedIn: Search by job title or field of study. You can also find out what type of positions individuals with the same degree as you have occupied.
Career Cruising
Explore your interests, learn about careers and find jobs on the Career Cruising website. Find the link and login information in the Student Hub's My CU Account.
Search for jobs
Browse the websites below to find jobs available in Quebec and Canada related to your field of study. You can also search the CAPS online job bank or find employers in Canada that hire new graduates in your field.
Book an appointment
To get help with your career exploration and goal setting, book an appointment with a career counsellor. For job search tips on finding the job you want, book an appointment with a career advisor.
To book an appointment with either professional, please call 514-848-2424 ext. 7345
*Only current Concordia students and recent alumni can access this service
Networking and professional associations
Connect with professionals in the field and professional associations to find out what a day in your career of choice looks like. Professional associations websites also provide useful career descriptions and job hunting tips, and sometimes list job openings and potential employers. You can also attend one of our career workshops, career fairs or career panels to get a head start.
