Translating Your Skills to Professional Resumes

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
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