Topic

What can I do with a degree in Spanish?

17 July 2024

Whether you want to be a Translator or a Teacher, see what you can do with a degree in Spanish from UC.

HOW TO APPLY

Spanish speakers are as numerous as native speakers of English. The largest concentrations are in Spain, Central and Latin America, and the USA. Studying Spanish will put you in a position to understand and participate in the economic and political transformations that connect even the remotest places in Latin America with our increasingly globalised world.

For students studying towards degrees in areas such as Law, Commerce, Engineering or Science, the Diploma in Spanish Language provides a tertiary qualification in a foreign language which will enhance their employment opportunities, especially internationally.

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

Reading, writing, listening and speaking Spanish
Well-developed communication skills
Interpretive and analytical thinking
Understanding the global interactions which shape contemporary society
Thinking critically and creatively, and challenging ideas
Problem solving skills
Research and computing skills.

Practise your skills at work or in Spain

Opportunities to apply your learning are available:

An internship can deepen your skillset, working knowledge and employability
Immerse yourself in Spanish language and culture through an exchange programme, for example at the University of Castilla-La Mancha in Spain.

A degree in Spanish can lead to a variety of career options, for example:

Focusing on language or linguistics-related fields such as immigration, diplomacy, language teaching, interpreting/translating, travel and tourism
Entering any of the vast array of sectors that value the transferable skills of an Arts or Commerce graduate, such as policy and governance, finance, information services, research, social services
Spanish has become a language of strategic importance to Aotearoa New Zealand's trading future, with opportunities in distribution, import/export services, sales, foreign affairs and trade, customer services
Graduates also find roles in educational institutions at all levels
Spanish will also benefit students majoring in a science who wish to work or do further studies in Spain, the USA or Latin America
A popular combination is the study of a European language such as Spanish with that of a professional degree such as Law.

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

Secondary school teacher

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

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

Teacher of English for speakers of other languages

Assesses a student's reading, writing, speaking and listening skills and needs
Designs and prepares learning materials
Provides advice eg, on settling in to the area

Customer support consultant, client specialist

Is the first point of contact for customers/clients
Engages and listens
Answers enquiries and discusses solutions

Legal associate, lawyer, solicitor^

Provides legal advice or legal opinions to clients and sometimes other lawyers
Prepares legal or court documents
Makes submissions and negotiates for clients

Tutor

Plans lessons for individuals or a group
Teaches students subject knowledge and skills
Encourages interactive and practical learning

Business analyst

Utilises data and analytical models for organisational information purposes
Provides insight to assist with decision making
Liaises with different business functions

Research assistant

Organises and conducts research surveys
Tests theories and interprets the results
Writes reports and makes recommendations

Youth worker

Provides support and guidance to young people
Builds relations and links people to resources
Writes reports and coordinates budgets

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 upto-date with industry knowledge, networking opportunities, events and job vacancies.