Get the information you need for academic planning and connect with experiences to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes that employers are seeking.

This resource is meant as a guide to provide suggestions throughout your time at university (refer to the Academic Calendar for a complete list of program requirements). Develop a plan and timeline that suits you best. Make intentional choices for your courses and work experiences.

  • Photo of Simon Reimer
  • Student spotlight

    “You won’t understand a language magically overnight, nor will it be easy. But if you work at it, you eventually get rewarded for your patience. It wasn’t until my third year that I began to understand the language more, and the more I understood, the easier it became to learn new grammar and vocabulary.”

    Simon Reimer, German student

German and Slavic Studies at UM

As a German and Slavic studies student in the Faculty of Arts, you will explore in-depth the languages, literatures and cultures of Germany, Russia and Ukraine, in their histories and contemporary societies. The Department of German and Slavic Studies has many opportunities for you to explore including a minor program in Polish, community outreach activities and numerous travel and study abroad programs.

Skills you will gain by studying GERMAN and SLAVIC STUDIES

  • A comprehensive knowledge of the German and/or Slavic languages (writing, speaking, reading, listening and translation)
  • The ability to interpret another culture’s way of thinking and the ability to mediate between cultures and languages
  • The ability to critically evaluate text, media and other cultural forms and independently research new areas of information
  • The ability to develop problem solving strategies and a high self-awareness that can be transferred to many disciplines

Year 1 - 30 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
German: GRMN 1122 and GRMN 1124

Russian: RUSN 1302 or RUSN 1304

Ukrainian: UKRN 1312 or UKRN 1314

To do this year:

  1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor or department advisor to help you plan your program.
  2. If you need academic support, visit the Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a learning skills instructor.

CAREER TIPS


Start planning your career:

  1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
  2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
  3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
  4. Set up your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

  1. Join student groups and/or associations including the German (D.E.R. Klub), Russian, Ukrainian and/or Polish Student Association.
  2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience.
  3. Student work opportunities including Work-StudySTEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
  4. Experiential education opportunities such as UM Community Volunteers.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Considering international opportunities? Visit the Centre for Ukrainian Canadian Studies, Language Centre and check out the International Centre website to learn more international opportunities for UM students. Consider taking a Travel Study course to Germany, Ukraine or Poland this summer.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit Migizii Agamik, the International Centre for Students or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

Year 2 - 60 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
German: GRMN 2102 and GRMN 2104. Check the Academic Calendar for additional requirements. 

Russian: RUSN 2812 or RUSN 2814

Ukrainian: UKRN 2722 or UKRN 2724

To do this year:

  1. Should you follow a 3-or 4-year plan? Meet with a department advisor and career consultant to map out your options.
  2. Consider taking a double major program or the Polish minor program.

CAREER TIPS


Make professional connections:

  1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
  2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
  3. Develop professional connections with professors by applying for an Undergraduate Research Award.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Explore student research opportunities: Apply for an Undergraduate Research Award and inquire about research assistant positions.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out Folklorama and Volunteer Manitoba opportunities in cultural communities.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Become a Faculty of Arts Student Ambassador or join the Student Leadership Development Program.

Earn while you learn: Consider applying to the Arts Co-operative Education program once you have completed 48 credit hours.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange to Germany, Ukraine or Hungary, Canadian Summer School in Germany or the Summer Session Language Seminar in Ukraine.

Staying local? Consider learning a new language and culture through the Volunteer Language Exchange Program or participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: volunteer for Graduation Pow Wow.

 

Year 3 - 90 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
German: GRMN 3202 and GRMN 3204. Check the Academic Calendar for additional Year 3 requirements. 

Russian: 6 credit hours from RUSN 3100 or RUSN 3110 or RUSN 3220, plus additional RUSN or SLAV courses, or from designated list

Ukrainian: UKRN 3952 and UKRN 3962, plus additional UKRN or SLAV courses, or from designated list. 

To do this year:

  1. Meet with a department advisor for honours program approval.
  2. Meet with your co-op advisor (if applicable).
  3. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).

CAREER TIPS


Investigate your career options:

  1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
  2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
  3. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate StudiesExtended Education or other academic institutions. Consider taking a pre-Master’s to be eligible for graduate school in Slavic Studies.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Check out student job opportunities with: Work Student Summer Program or the German-Canadian Congress.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Germany.gc.caJob BankFind My Job, Indeed or other search engines.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus:
Visit the International Centre web site to learn about international opportunities for UM students, participate in the Intercultural Leadership Development Program, volunteer for the International Student Mentorship Program or take part in Graduation Pow Wow.

Year 4 - 120 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
Check the Academic Calendar for Year 4 requirements. 

To do this year:

  1. Meet with an department advisor for honours program approval.
  2. Meet with your co-op advisor (if applicable).
  3. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

CAREER TIPS


Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to graduate school: Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as as the Foreign Language Assistant Program in Germany and other internships in Central and Eastern Europe.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus and register for the Intercultural Leaders program through the International Centre.

What do employers want?

Industries such as business, education and government would value a German and Slavic studies major in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

  • Oral and written communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Teamwork
  • Cultural Competency
  • Digital technology
  • Continuous learning

Attain skills through your classroom education by taking advantage of experiential education opportunities.

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000+ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.

Get one-on-one help

  • Meet with a career consultant

    Meet with a career consultant for a confidential discussion about your career goals, job search, resumé/CV and interview preparation.

    Contact Career Services at cs.receptionist@umanitoba.ca or call 204-474-9456 to make an appointment.

  • Talk to an academic advisor

    Talk to an academic advisor who will guide you to resources to help you make important decisions for your future. Advisors are specialized, often by program, faculty/school or unit.

    Find your advisor

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Use Career Compass as a guide to develop a strong connection between your studies and your occupational choices. It will provide you with suggestions for academic and career planning specific to your program.

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Contact us

Department of German and Slavic Studies, Faculty of Arts
328 Fletcher Argue Building
15 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

204-474-9370