What can I do with a degree in Russian or Eastern European Languages and Literatures?
By studying Slavic languages and cultures, you will graduate with much more than proficiency in Slavic languages. You will also gain a transformed view of the world, as well as the skills and confidence necessary to be successful in an increasingly global society — whether you plan to continue with your studies in graduate school, or enter the job market.
Students who combine substantial foreign language fluency with a solid foundation in the liberal arts or a second major (such as accounting, business, law, economics, science, or education), as well as adequate job search preparation and an internship, position themselves well to find a fulfilling occupation after graduation. In fact, some studies suggest that those people who learn about another culture may have an edge over those who don't! Employers value our alumni for their intercultural competency, ability to communicate persuasively, and willingness to tackle difficult challenges and composure in unfamiliar situations, and our graduates have gone on to get prestigious jobs at many well-known companies and organizations, such as:
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Alumni Profiles
Reading about the paths our alumni have taken is a great way to explore potential careers and get helpful tips for how to best take advantage of your time as a student in Slavic Languages & Literatures. Check out these sources to learn more about our graduates (and other graduates with similar interests), and hear their advice:
- There's a Job for That! — Take a quick quiz (only three questions!) to learn what UW College of Arts & Sciences alumni with similar interests have done since graduating.
- UW LinkedIn — See career trajectories of UW graduates who studied Slavic Languages & Literatures, as well as other fields.
- Department Newsletter — Read the latest news from our alumni in the department newsletter.
- Alumni News — From the Peace Corps, to being an ambassador, to translating Russian literature, our alumni have done a lot! Find out more about their accomplishments here.
- Advice from Alumni and Graduating Seniors — Get helpful tips from departmental alumni and graduating students.
Internships & Service Learning
We recommend that all students participate in an internship or service learning while in school, as it allows you to take what you learn in the classroom and apply it in a real-world context, all the while developing important, career-related skills. The department partners with the Polish Home Association to offer unique internships, and also maintains an Internship page with a list of other opportunities that may be of particular interest to our students. You may also want to check out the Carlson Leadership & Public Service Center, which can connect you with a meaningful community-based experience in and around Seattle, based on your interests.
Career & Job Resources
University of Washington
The University of Washington offers diverse career resources to help students build the skills to launch their careers, and it is never too early to start using them:
- C21: Center for 21st Century Liberal Learning — Offers immersive learning experiences, partnerships both on campus and in the community, and a network of mentors to help guide students in the College of Arts & Sciences on the pathway toward selecting a major and preparing for a career after college.
- Career & Internship Center — Educates and supports students as they explore and choose academic majors and career options, obtain and reflect upon career-related experiences, and develop professional presence and essential skills for workplace success.
Articles of Interest
- March 2, 2020: Not a ‘math person’? You may be better at learning to code than you think — UW News
- February 6, 2020: Translation, wings that helped ‘Parasite’ soar free and high — The Korea Herald
- September 20, 2019: In the Salary Race, Engineers Sprint but English Majors Endure — The New York Times
Also be sure to check out the advice we have assembled about the career-related skills and strengths you will develop as a student in our department, and how to translate those skills to professional resumes!