Topic

What can I do with a degree in Chinese?

15 July 2024

Whether you want to be an Interpreter or an Export Broker, see what you can do with a degree in Chinese from UC.

HOW TO APPLY

The Chinese programme at UC provides a wide range of courses in both the language and the studies of Chinese literature, thought, tradition, culture and society. The Chinese language courses aim to develop language competence in modern standard Chinese in both its spoken and written forms.

Students also learn about aspects of Chinese history and culture in the course of their study. There are two first-year language courses, one catering for beginners in Chinese and the other for students who have studied Chinese at high school. A first-year course in Chinese civilisation is also offered.

Through their Chinese degree, graduates develop a valuable set of skills that includes:

Reading, writing, listening and speaking Chinese
Oral and written communication skills
Interpretive and analytical thinking
A better understanding of the global interactions which shape contemporary society
Thinking critically and creatively, and challenging ideas
Problem solving skills
Research and computing skills

Opportunities to apply your learning outside the classroom are available in this major through internships and international study tours. These experiences deepen your skillset, awareness of others, working knowledge and employability.

Learning about influential languages and cultures is advantageous for many careers around the world as graduates are increasingly required to be culturally competent, globally aware and ready to work internationally.

Chinese graduates are in high demand by:

Local and central government, in such departments as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Professional and research-based organisations
Tourism, transport and related industries
Educational institutions
International traders, import/export businesses
Business, finance and law firms.

Lawyers, accountants, engineers, managers, teachers and other professionals with Chinese skills and knowledge can find work in Aotearoa New Zealand, China and other Asian countries.

Graduates with this degree are employed in a range of jobs — see some examples below.

Note: Some of the jobs listed may require postgraduate study. See the ‘Further study’ section.

Interpreter

Translates spoken language from one language to another, often simultaneously
Keeps abreast of up-to-date meaning of words
Researches specialist topics, travels with groups and presents to different audiences

Translator

Conveys the content of the source text into the target language
Researches terminology or technical words and language trends
Often works collaboratively as part of a team of translators

Teacher of English for speakers of other languages (TESOL)

Assesses a student's reading, writing, speaking and listening skills and needs
Designs and prepares learning materials
Presents lessons, including on local knowledge and skills for coping in a new place

Policy analyst / advisor

Identifies and investigates issues and opportunities eg, in society, law or governance
Interprets and consults on existing policies
Prepares reports and recommends changes

Tourism marketing officer

Researches consumer market and interests
Manages customer networks and relationships
Creates and maintains corporate brands and advertising media

Language officer / consultant

Outlines the sounds, words, structure, and vocabulary of a language spoken for organisational purposes
Leads engagement and information sessions
Translates and interprets

Immigration officer / migration consultant

Understands immigration instructions
Assesses client eligibility for visas
Helps navigate migration processes for individuals or organisations
Writes submissions and files applications

Research specialist / analyst

Organises and conducts research
Develops and tests theories, interprets results
Writes reports, makes recommendations and publishes research

Secondary school teacher

Plans and delivers instructional lessons
Evaluates performance and provides feedback
Sets and marks assignments and tests

Import / export broker

Assists with marketing and sales activities
Investigates overseas demand for goods
Builds networks and customer relationships

Entrepreneur and CEO

Develops an idea, product or service
Offers services as a freelancer/consultant

Get started with Entrepreneurship here.

As they progress, students and graduates often join professional bodies relevant to their area of interest. These organisations can provide regular communications and offer the chance to network.

Social media networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter can provide avenues to keep up-to-date with industry knowledge, networking opportunities, events and job vacancies