Career Compass: French

As a French student in the Faculty of Arts, you will learn about the French 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 French:

1. French Language: the study of the vocabulary, grammar, and syntax of the French Language.
2. French Literature: the study of poetry, prose and drama from various historical periods, with a particular emphasis on French Canadian literature.
3. French Civilization: the study of the development of French and French Canadian civilization and culture.

Skills you will gain by studying FRENCH

• A comprehensive knowledge of the French 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 French and apply language skills in the workplace

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: FREN 1190 or FREN 1200

To do this year:

1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor academic 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. 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 International Centre, the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain, Louis Riel Institute or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Honours: 24 credit hours in FREN courses at or above the 2000 Level.

Double Honours: 24 credit hours in FREN courses at or above the 2000 Level.

Advanced: 18 credit hours of FREN at or above the 2000 level

Double Advanced: 15 credit hours of FREN at or above the 2000 level

General: 12 credit hours of FREN 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 that will open opportunities.
3. Check in the Academic Calendar to make sure you satisfy the French language and French literature requirements.

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 Festival du Voyageur, Folklorama, or St. Boniface Hospital.

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 the Study in France student exchange, Explore Program, Student Guide Program in France or travel to France for a “working holiday.”

Staying local? Check out the Language Partner Program or Reading Buddies. Practice your conversational French through the Language Exchange Program.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Honours: 21 credit hours of FREN at or above the 3000 level

Double Honours: 6 credit hours of FREN at or above the 3000 level

Advanced: 24 credit hours of FREN at or above the 3000 level

Double Advanced: 21 credit hours of FREN at or above the 3000 level

General: 12 credit hours of FREN at or above the 3000 level

To do this year:

1. Meet with a department advisor for honours program approval.
2. 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: Languages at Work, Manitoba Legislative Assembly, Winnipeg Public Library and Young Canada Works.

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

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:
Honours: FREN 4426, 6 credit hours of FREN at the 4000 level 

Double Honours: FREN 4426, 3 credit hours of FREN at the 4000 level 

Advanced and Double Advanced: See Year 3. 

To do this year:

1. Meet with a department advisor for honours program approval.
2. 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 bilingual environment: Consider taking French Second Language for Civil Servants at Université de Saint-Boniface.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Communications Officer
• Copy Editor
• Editorial Publishing Assistant
• Foreign Communication Analyst
• Foreign Intelligence Analyst
• Foreign Service Officer
• Immigration Agent/Consultant
• Immigration Officer (NOC)
• Immigrant Settlement Worker
• Interpreter
• Language Training Coordinator
• Lexicographer
• Library Service Assistant
• Sales Account Manager
• Student Recruitment Officer
• Terminologist
• Verbatim Reporter

Options requiring other education

• Diplomat
• Foreign Corespondent
• Lawyer
• Librarian
• Linguist
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Teacher
• Translator
• University Professor

Industries such as business, communications, education, government and justice would value a French 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.