George Fox University | Academics | Departments | Tips from Alumni

Job Tips from Spanish Major Alumni

Galena Smith - "Learn medical terminology...it seems like hospitals often need to hire translators...If you are looking for a job it is good to be up front with your prospective employer about the extent of your ability to speak fluent Spanish."

Cari Hogan - "Do something you LOVE! You'll be surprised at how Spanish will fit in to anything you do!"

Julianna Guy - "Pray and be open to God's leading. You may have to work in a job that pays well before you can start doing what you really want to do."

Andrea Corzatt - "Be persistent! Apply for anything and everything that sounds good, because the job hunt is a lot of hard work. A resume thrown out occasionally won't land much. And even if you are offered a good job in an area you're not too excited about, you're not married to that as a career. A well-paying job may be just what you need for a while to build skills and earn money until you can move into the next stage God has for you."

Melody Abarca - "Network! I have been offered many jobs by many people when they found out I spoke Spanish. The more you let people know about your Spanish skills the more opportunities you will have to find a job."

Kelly Bilinski - "Think about if you want to go into academia, missions, government, etc. Look at your long term goals "in general." If you DO want to go into academia, start planing ahead now!"

Cindy Colyer - "Study Abroad! As you're applying for jobs, be sure to highlight your diverse cultural experiences AND your Spanish language skills. Businesses and organizations have their eyes wide open for bilingual and bi/multi-culturally experienced job candidates who know how to adjust well in diverse settings."

Sharlee Blackwell - "Have a double major with something else that interest you; being bi-lingual and having another skill set will be a great advantage. Or, if a Spanish Major does not double major, I recommend that students enter directly into Graduate School to get a Masters in Spanish or any other program that he or she is interested in."

Sarah Groff - "I have found that one needs other skills, in addition to speaking Spanish, in order to acquire employment...at least in most cases. For example, combining a Spanish major with teaching, counseling, a position in the medical field, international business, etc."