Having trouble deciding on your major for college? If studying Spanish further interests you, you might be wondering, “What can I do with a Spanish degree?” Check out your options — and the benefits of a degree in Spanish — in this guest post by Carmichael, CA Spanish tutor Joan B...
Spanish is a field in bloom, as the number of Spanish speakers in the United States continues to grow. Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish can open up a wide variety of career paths, and a Spanish minor is another valuable option to consider if you have other fields you wish to major in. As you continue reading, you will discover several in-demand fields for those with a degree in Spanish, as well as the benefits of obtaining a minor.
If you’re interested in learning more about what you can do with a degree in Spanish, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the most common career paths for Spanish majors, as well as some tips on how to make the most of your degree. So, whether you’re just starting out in your studies or you’re nearing graduation, read on for some great advice!
What Jobs Can You Get By Knowing Spanish?
Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world, making it a valuable asset for anyone looking for a job. There are many different careers that can be pursued by someone with Spanish language skills, ranging from customer service to teaching.
- In the customer service industry, Spanish speakers are in high demand. They can work as bilingual customer service representatives or interpreters, helping customers who only speak Spanish.
- Spanish speakers can also find jobs in the healthcare industry, working as nurses, doctors, or other medical professionals.
- They may also work as translators or interpreters in hospitals or clinics.
- Those with Spanish language skills can also find jobs in education. They may work as teachers in Spanish-speaking countries, or they may teach Spanish to students in the United States. They may also work as interpreters or translators in educational settings.
There are many other career options for Spanish speakers as well. They may work as business professionals, diplomats, journalists, or tour guides. With so many choices available, there’s sure to be a career that’s perfect for anyone with Spanish language skills.
If you’re ready to take the job market by storm, you better brush up on those Spanish skills! Sign up for Spanish lessons and check out all the other benefits of taking Spanish classes by watching the video below:
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What is a Spanish Major Good For?
While it is true that a Spanish major can lead to exciting career opportunities, there are many other benefits that come with this degree.
For starters, Spanish majors gain a deep understanding of Latin American culture and history. They also develop strong research and writing skills that can be applied in any number of settings.
In addition, Spanish majors often find themselves in high demand as bilingual employees.
However, perhaps the most valuable benefit of all is the ability to communicate with people from other cultures. In an increasingly globalized world, this skill is more important than ever.
Whether you go on to work in an office or travel the world, a Spanish major will give you the ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
What Can You Do With a Spanish Degree?
Here are a few jobs you can pursue with a Spanish degree.
Translation or Interpreting
Perhaps the most obvious job for someone majoring in Spanish is as a translator or interpreter. However, even this job contains numerous, varied opportunities. Joining the field of translation and/or interpretation means that you could act as a court interpreter, or a medical or legal translator, among other positions. These positions are in great demand and are satisfying since you are using Spanish to help others.
Teaching
Another interesting career option for Spanish majors is teaching. The possibilities are endless. You could obtain your K-12 teaching credential and then teach in a bilingual school, or you could tutor Spanish privately. You could also teach the language to businesspeople in corporations. A variation on teaching would be to work as a tour guide with a travel company. By using your Spanish as a tour guide, you are educating, entertaining, and perhaps even visiting Spain or Latin America.
Medical Professional
One of the most popular pre-professional tracks for Spanish majors is medicine. As the U.S. population becomes increasingly diverse, there is a growing demand for medical professionals who can communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking patients. Spanish-speaking medical professionals also have the opportunity to work in Spanish-speaking countries, providing much needed care to underserved populations.
With a Spanish degree, you can open the door to a career in medicine that is both stimulating and rewarding.
Sales Professional
You can become a Sales Professional with a Spanish degree! As the economy continues to globalize, Spanish has become one of the most important languages for businesses to communicate in. As a result, there is a growing demand for sales professionals who are bilingual in Spanish.
With a Spanish degree, you will have the language skills and cultural understanding that businesses are looking for. In addition, you will be able to build relationships with potential customers in Spanish-speaking markets. If you are passionate about sales and have a desire to work in a fast-paced and international environment, then a career in sales may be the perfect fit for you!
Customer Service Representative
Spanish degrees can be very helpful in securing a position as a customer service representative. Many customer service representatives are required to have a basic knowledge of Spanish in order to assist Spanish-speaking customers. As a result, having a Spanish degree can give you a significant advantage over other candidates who do not have this credential.
In addition, Spanish degrees can also provide you with the communication and people skills that are essential for success in this role. Customer service representatives must be able to effectively communicate with customers, often in high-pressure situations. They must also be able to build rapport and resolve conflicts.
As such, a Spanish degree can equip you with the skills you need to excel in this career.
Writer
A degree in Spanish can be a great foundation for a career in writing. Spanish is not only the second most widely spoken language in the world, but it is also a language with a rich literary tradition.
As a result, Spanish majors often have a strong grasp of grammar and syntax, as well as a deep understanding of cultural context. In addition, Spanish majors typically have strong research skills, which can be essential for developing well-rounded and nuanced characters. If you’re interested in becoming a writer, consider pursuing a degree in Spanish. With its global reach and literary depth, Spanish can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to build a successful writing career.
Law Enforcement Worker
A degree in Spanish can open up many doors in the field of law enforcement. Spanish-speaking communities are growing rapidly in many parts of the country, and there is a high demand for bilingual officers who can effectively communicate with these communities.
In addition, Spanish-language skills can be helpful when investigating crimes that have taken place in Spanish-speaking countries or interviewing witnesses and suspects who speak Spanish. As a result, a Spanish degree can be a valuable asset for anyone interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.
Government Worker
A Spanish degree can be a valuable asset for anyone interested in a career in government work. There are a number of different positions available to Spanish speakers at all levels of government, from local to federal. In addition, Spanish is one of the official languages of the United Nations, so a Spanish degree can open up opportunities for working at the UN or other international organizations.
With a Spanish degree, you will have the skills and knowledge necessary to compete for these exciting and rewarding positions.
Other Career Opportunities
In addition to the above Spanish-focused careers, Spanish can also be used in many professions where being bilingual is either a plus or is required: international finance, non-profit organizations, international organizations, and nursing are all examples of this. If these types of careers interest you, you might consider double-majoring in Spanish and another discipline of your choice. Alternatively, you could also consider graduate work as a way to expand and supplement your knowledge.
Should You Major or Minor in Spanish?
Speaking of multidisciplinary study, if you love the Spanish language and culture, but also have other educational interests, you might consider a minor in Spanish. While some might wonder if minoring in Spanish is worth it, a minor can not only give you a good foundation of knowledge in Spanish, it can also be the nudge that pushes you to the top of an interview list or rounds out your resume.
A minor is also a great option if you want to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country. Once you have completed the initial prerequisite language classes, a minor can be accomplished quickly in an immersion setting as you take classes. Often, some classes can even go toward both major and minor requirements. For example, as a Spanish minor and an art history major, a class on Spanish art might serve both. A minor is also a smart option if you’re not certain how you want to incorporate Spanish into your career. In this case, the knowledge and the pleasure of learning the language will be there for you, but you will still have plenty of time to explore other interests during your time in college.
As you explore your options, don’t hesitate to speak with the graduate students and professors in your school’s Spanish department. In addition to your academic advisor, they can be valuable sources for advice and suggestions.
What Type of College Degree in Spanish Should You Get?
When it comes to choosing a college degree in Spanish, there are many options to consider. For students who want to pursue a career in Spanish translation or interpretation, a Bachelor’s Spanish degree is typically the minimum requirement.
However, for those who want to teach Spanish at the high school or college level, a Master’s degree or PhD may be necessary. Students who are interested in working in the business world may find that a Spanish degree in business or economics is helpful.
And for students who simply want to improve their fluency in Spanish, any type of degree can be beneficial. No matter what type of career you’re interested in pursuing, there’s a college degree in Spanish that can help you reach your goals.
Here’s more information to help you decide.
Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish
A bachelor’s degree in Spanish will cover a wide range of topics, from grammar and literature to culture and history. Students will learn how to speak, read, and write in Spanish, and will also develop an understanding of the Hispanic world.
The degree can prepare students for careers in education, government, business, or social work. It can also be useful for those who wish to travel or work in Spanish-speaking countries. In addition to language skills, students will gain valuable critical thinking and communication skills that can be applied in a variety of settings.
Associate’s Degree in Spanish
Earning an associate’s degree in Spanish can open up a number of career opportunities. With this degree, you can work as a translator, interpreter, or language teacher. You’ll also be prepared to work in a number of different industries, including healthcare, business, and government.
In addition to giving you a solid foundation in the Spanish language, your coursework will also cover cultural studies and Hispanic literature. As a result, you’ll have a well-rounded understanding of the Spanish-speaking world that will serve you well in any career you choose.
Master’s Degree in Spanish
A Master’s Degree in Spanish will cover a wide range of topics related to the language and culture. Students will learn about the history and origins of Spanish, as well as its evolution over time. They will also study the grammar and structure of the language, in order to be able to communicate effectively in both written and spoken form. In addition, students will have the opportunity to learn about Spanish literature, cinema, and art.
By the end of the program, students should be prepared to use their Spanish skills in a variety of professional contexts. For example, they may work as translators, interpreters, or teachers. They may also work in fields such as business, law, or medicine. Ultimately, a Master’s Degree in Spanish provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue a variety of career paths.
Online Degree in Spanish
Earning an online degree in Spanish can provide a number of benefits for students. For one, it can help them to improve their fluency in the language.
In addition, it can also prepare them for careers in which they may need to use Spanish on a daily basis. For example, many jobs in the medical field require employees to be able to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients.
Similarly, there is an increasing demand for Spanish interpreters in a variety of settings, such as legal proceedings and business meetings. Therefore, by earning an online degree in Spanish, students can set themselves up for success in a number of different fields.
How Do You Say Degree in Spanish?
Now that you know all the nitty gritty details about how and why to earn a Spanish degree, here’s the fun part!
The word “degree” can be translated to Spanish in a few different ways, depending on the context in which it is being used. The most literal translation of the word “degree” is “grado,” which can be used to describe the Temperature, an angle, or even a level of education.
However, when referring to a degree of temperature, the word “grados” is more commonly used. For example, you might say “hace treinta grados fuera,” which means “it’s thirty degrees outside.”
When referring to an angle, you would use the word “grado” when referring to a single unit, but use the plural form, “grados,” when referring to multiple degrees. For example, you might say “el ángulo es de 180 grados,” which means “the angle is 180 degrees.”
Finally, when referring to a level of education, such as a bachelor’s degree or Ph.D., the word “título” is more commonly used.
For example, you might say “tengo un título en español,” which means “I have a degree in Spanish.” As you can see, there are a few different ways to translate the word “degree” into Spanish, depending on the context in which it is being used.
Is a Degree in Spanish Worth It?
A Spanish degree can be extremely beneficial if you plan to pursue a career that involves working with the Spanish-speaking population. With the ever-growing Hispanic population in the United States, there is an increasing demand for bilingual professionals who can effectively communicate with Spanish-speakers.
A degree in Spanish can help you stand out from other job applicants and give you the skills you need to succeed in a variety of fields, including education, healthcare, and business. In addition, a Spanish degree can also be helpful if you plan to travel or work in a Spanish-speaking country. By becoming fluent in Spanish, you will have a much better understanding of the culture and be able to more easily navigate day-to-day life in another country.
Overall, a degree in Spanish can be extremely beneficial both professionally and personally.
A Spanish degree can open up a world of opportunities for you, both in terms of your career and your travels. With so many different directions you could take with this degree, it’s important to consider what you want out of your education.
If you’re looking for a versatile degree that will allow you to explore the world while also advancing your career prospects, then studying Spanish may be the perfect choice for you.
Joan B. lives in Carmichael, CA and has been teaching high school Spanish for more than 18 years. A lover of language, she’s studied French, Arabic, and Italian, and spent time living in Spain. Joan aims to help students improve on tests and increase their conversational ability when traveling to Spanish-speaking countries. Learn more about Joan here!
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Suzy S.