Career Compass: Spanish & Italian

As a Spanish or Italian student in the Faculty of Arts, you will learn about the Spanish or Italian language and the rich variety of literature and culture. The Department of French, Spanish and Italian has many opportunities for you to explore, with three main areas of study in Spanish and Italian:

1. Language: the study of the vocabulary, grammar and syntax of the Spanish and/or Italian language.
2. Literature and Cinema: the study of poetry, prose and drama from various historical periods..
3. Culture and Civilization: the study of the development of Spanish and/or Italian civilization and culture.

Skills you will gain by studying SPANISH and ITALIAN

• A comprehensive knowledge of the Spanish and/or Italian language (writing, speaking, reading, listening and translation)
• An understanding of the relationship between language and culture
• The ability to critically evaluate text, media and other cultural forms and independently research new areas of information
• The ability to communicate effectively in Spanish and/or Italian

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Spanish: SPAN 1180 ;or SPAN 1190

Italian Studies: ITLN 1080

*Refer to the Academic Calendar for alternate course requirements as there are different options available depending on your entering knowledge of Spanish.

To do this year:

1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor to help you plan your program
2. Check out the Financial Aid and Awards Office to search for funding sources to help finance your education.
3. 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. Student groups from various ethnocultural backgrounds or Arts Student Body Council.
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 Community Engaged Learning programs.

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 the Spanish and Italian Centre, the Language Centre or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Spanish: SPAN 1262 and SPAN 1272 or SPAN 1290

Italian Studies: ITLN 2080 or 6 credit hours selected from ITLN 2090, ITLN 2100, ITLN 2200 and ITLN 2300 plus additional required courses

*Refer to the Academic Calendar for alternate course requirements as there are different options available depending on your entering knowledge of Spanish.

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 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. 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 a research assistant position or Undergraduate Research Award.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out Folklorama, Spanish Club of Winnipeg.

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

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange to Mexico or Chile, Community-Engaged Learning Travel Experiences, My World Abroad or SWAP for a “working holiday”.

Staying local? Check out Reading Buddies. Practice your conversational Spanish or Italian through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Spanish: SPAN 2550, plus additional SPAN grammar, conversation, literature, translation and cinema courses

Italian Studies: 6 credit hours selected from ITLN 3050, ITLN 3060, ITLN 3760, ITLN 3770, ITLN 3780 plus additional required courses

To do this year: 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. 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 other academic institutions.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

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

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

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Spain.gc.ca, Italy.gc.ca, 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

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, volunteer for the International Student Mentorship Program or take part in Graduation Pow Wow.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Spanish Advanced: 15 credit hours in SPAN at the 3000 level plus additional SPAN grammar, literature, translation and cinema courses.

Italian Studies: Complete any outstanding course requirements.

To do this year:

1. 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 the Official Languages Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

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

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Communications Officer
• Cultural Resource Manager
• Exchange Program Coordinator
• Foreign Communication Analyst
• Foreign Intelligence Analyst
• Foreign Service Officer
• Immigration Settlement Worker
• International Development Officer
• International Student Advisor
• Interpreter
• Language Training Coordinator
• Lexicographer
• Library Service Assistant
• Student Recruitment Officer
• Terminologist
• Tourism Development Officer 
• Verbatim Reporter

Options requiring other education

• Adult ESL Teacher
• Citizenship and Immigration Agent/Consultant
• Disaster Response Manager
• Foreign Correspondent
• Lawyer
• Librarian
• Linguist
• Spanish Teacher
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Translator
• University Professor

Industries such as business, communications, education, government and justice would value a Spanish or Italian 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

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