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 Emma Kitson
  • Student spotlight

    “Immerse yourself in the language. Get involved early with the Spanish & Italian Club and take advantage of the international exchange programs offered by the University.

    Emma Kitson, Spanish student

Spanish & Italian at UM

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

Year 1 - 30 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
Spanish: SPAN 1180 or SPAN 1190

Italian Studies: ITLN 1080

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-StudySTEP 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.

Year 2 - 60 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


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

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

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 ExperiencesMy 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.

Year 3 - 90 credit hours

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 3050ITLN 3060ITLN 3760ITLN 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 EntrepreneurshipWorld 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 StudiesExtended 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.caItaly.gc.caJob BankFind My JobIndeed 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.

Year 4 - 120 credit hours

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

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

Options requiring other education

What do employers want?

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.

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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Select a Career Compass

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.

Information for career counsellors

Contact us

Department of French, Spanish and Italian, Faculty of Arts
430 Fletcher Argue Building
15 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V5 Canada

204-474-9313