Translating Your Skills to Professional Resumes | Slavic Languages & Literatures

This table illustrates how the skills acquired while studying Slavic languages and literatures translate into the professional world. For more job-seeking advice, see our Careers page.

ACADEMIC ASSIGNMENT or ACTIVITY	CAREER-RELEVANT SKILLS LEARNED	*WHAT YOU MIGHT* PUT ON YOUR RESUME**	*WHAT YOU SHOULD* PUT ON YOUR RESUME**
10-page Paper on Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment	Analysis of complex texts Creating evidence-based critical arguments Library research Response to and revision of work based on feedback from instructor & peers	Slavic L & L major Studied 19th century Russian literature	Advanced writing skills Able to conduct critical analysis of contradictory texts, extract key elements, identify discrepancies, collate in final report Experience using databases, locating and evaluating print materials Can incorporate criticism, conduct self-evaluation Can meet multiple deadlines
In-class Presentation	Public speaking Leading discussions Q & A follow-up	Gave in-class presentations	Experience in facilitating group discussion Knowledge of audiovisual presentation media
Advanced Russian, BCMS, Czech, Polish, and/or Ukrainian	Bilingual Knowledge of critical world languages and cultures	Slavic major or minor	Bilingual in strategic and stronghold languages (U.S. Department of Defense) Intercultural competence with strong communication skills
Study Abroad	Bilingual Knowledge of critical world languages and cultures Experiential Learning	Slavic major or minor	Bilingual in strategic and stronghold languages (U.S. Department of Defense) Intercultural competence with strong communication skills Experience living in and navigating diverse communities abroad Applied use of Slavic languages in public sector
Community Internships	Knowledge of critical world languages and cultures Experiential Learning	Slavic major or minor	Intercultural competence with strong communication skills Experience working in diverse communities in the U.S. Applied use of Slavic languages in the public sector Community service using target languages
Honors Thesis	In-depth, original research carried out over several months, using print and electronic sources, and/or interviews, visual media Strong working relationship with faculty advisor Multiple revisions, evaluations of sources, methodologies	Thesis Graduated with departmental honors	Recipient of highly selective invitation by department to engage in M.A.-level research project Published research Worked collaboratively with faculty Advanced command of texts and materials in one or more Slavic language Can meet multiple deadlines with minimal supervision Presented findings to public audience
Departmental Activities	Participation in Russian Table, Slovene Table, Russian film nights, Maslenitsa, Polish Home events, Homecoming, writing for student magazine, Kolokol	Departmental clubs and activities	Coordinated events with a diverse group of co-workers: peers, immigrant community, and faculty Excellent time-management skills Welcome opportunities to extend learning beyond the traditional classroom