Career Opportunities Students generally choose to major in French in order to enrich their lives rather than to train for a career, but many employers recognize the value of a well-rounded liberal arts education. The increasing involvement of the United States in international business has created new opportunities for young people interested in international management. Employers look for knowledge of a foreign country's culture and language together with training in economics or business. A major in French combines effectively with a second major or minor in business, economics, or political science. A significant number of French majors choose a career in teaching.
Recent studies indicate that the demand for qualified teachers is rising.
With a secondary teaching credential, one can teach at the high school level or pursue more advanced study in preparation for a university career, either in French or in related subjects such as linguistics or comparative literature. Translators are employed by the United States government, the United Nations, charitable and benevolent societies, private foundations, and foreign branches of private business. It is also possible to earn a living or to supplement one's income with freelance work in translating. To further explore career options in this field, visit the Career Services Website. Students with more than four years of French courses or with advanced proficiency in French may opt to take the department proficiency examination.