Career Compass: Linguistics

As a linguistics student in the Faculty of Arts, you will learn about the analysis of speech sounds, the structure of words and sentences, the meanings they transmit, and differences and similarities between spoken and signed languages. The Department of Linguistics has  many areas of study for you to explore. Two of which are: 

1. General (3-year), Advanced Major (4-year) or Honours (4-year): for students wanting to complete a Linguistics degree 
2. Clinical and Developmental Linguistics: for students planning to do a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology.

Skills you will gain by studying LINGUISTICS

• A knowledge of sound, the structure of words and sentences, and their meanings
• An understanding of the way in which language is used to construct identity, signal resistance, and create art.
• A knowledge of the similarities and differences among the languages of the world including signed languages, minority languages, indigenous languages, and endangered languages.
• The ability to discern the way sounds change, words come and go, and meanings shift
• The ability to think and read critically and assess evidence to understand and develop innovative solutions to complex problems
• The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: LING 1000 AND LING 1010

To do this year:

1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor in the Faculty of Arts 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. Register for the Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including Arts Student Body Council, UMSU, Linguistic-ISH, or a ethnocultural club.
2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as UM Community Volunteers and the Student Leadership Development Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Considering international opportunities? Visit the Language Centre and check out the International Centre website to learn more international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit Migizii Agamik, the International Centre or learn about local agencies via the 211 Manitoba. Explore the Indigenous Languages of Manitoba’s programming to learn more about indigenous languages.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:

Advanced and Honours: LING 2100 and LING 2400. 3 credit hours in Linguistics courses at or above the 1000 level. 12 credit hours in Linguistics courses at or above the 2000 level.

General: LING 2100 and LING 2400. 3 credit hours in Linguistics courses at or above the 1000 level. 9 credit hours in Linguistics courses at or above the 2000 level.

To do this year:

1. Should you follow a 3- or 4- year plan? Meet with an academic advisor and career consultant to map out your options.
2. When choosing a minor, take courses (such as computer science) that will open opportunities.

CAREER TIPS

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
3. Become a Student Affiliate with a professional organization such as the Canadian Linguistic Association or Canadian Association of Applied Linguistics.
4. Develop professional connections with professors by applying for a research assistant position.

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.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out Deaf Centre Manitoba, Language Partner Volunteer Program, or Toastmasters.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Become a Faculty of Arts Student Ambassador.

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

Review experiential requirements for graduate programs: You may be expected to volunteer or shadow a professional.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange, Travel Study program or a service-learning program, My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday."

Staying local? Check out Community Engaged Learning programs. Consider learning a new language and culture through the Language Partner Volunteer Program or register for ASLL 1000 and learn about American Sign Language (ASL).

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:

Advanced and Honours: 15 credit hours in Linguistics courses at or above the 3000 level.

General: 6 credit hours in Linguistics courses at or above the 3000 level.

To do this year:

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

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. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.
4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or professional programs at UM.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

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

Check out student job opportunities with: Winnipeg Public Library, social service agencies or become a Writing Tutor with the Academic Learning Centre.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the International Youth Internship Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Did you travel abroad? Become an exchange mentor for the International Student Mentorship Program, join the exchange student community at the University of Manitoba or write an article about your experience.

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program or take part in the Graduation Pow Wow.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:

Advanced: 6 credit hours in Linguistics courses at the 4000 level.

Honours: 12 credit hours in Linguistics courses at the 4000 level.

To do this year:

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

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: Update your references to include three (3) work references who will be expecting to be called. Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Job Bank, Find My Job, Indeed or other search engines.

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

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus. Get access to LinkedIn Learning through the Winnipeg Public Library and take courses to develop you cross-cultural intelligence.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Accessibility Advisor
• Communications Officer
• Copywriter
• Editor/Digital Editor
• Educational Assistant
• Event Coordinator
• Foreign Communication Analyst
• Foreign Intelligence Analyst
• Foreign Service Officer
• Immigration Officer
• International Student Advisor
• Lexicographer
• Library Service Assistant
• Literacy Program Coordinator
• Proofreader
• Publisher
• Technical Writer
• Terminologist
• Verbatim Reporter

Options requiring other education

• Audiologist
• ASL-English Interpreter
• Computational Linguist
• English Additional Language Teacher
• Forensic Linguist
• Interpreter/Translator
• Journalist
• Lawyer
• Librarian
• Marketing Manager
• Public Relations Officer
• Special Education Teacher
• Speech Analytical Linguist
• Speech-Language Pathologist
• University Professor

Industries such as business, education and government would value a Linguistics 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
• Numeracy and data use
• Digital technology
• Continuous learning

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