Career Exploration

Career development is a lifelong process of self-discovery, career exploration, gaining meaningful experiences, intentional reflection, and career decision-making and planning. Utilize CLA Career Services staff and resources to help you navigate your career exploration and post-graduation planning process.

Explore

Students majoring in our department develop a critical understanding of the cultural and linguistic production of the many diverse countries where Spanish and Portuguese are spoken. Core courses in the major provide students with the critical methods and vocabulary that ensure success in the more advanced courses, which focus on the language, literature, and culture. Our graduates go on to have successful careers in education, marketing, law, medicine, nursing, academia, public relations, and more!  For some alumni stories visit our Alumni & Friends page.

Experience

For more information on what you can do with a major in Spanish & Portuguese Studies, visit CLA Career Services or explore Handshake, the U of M's exclusive online career database.

Students in Spanish & Portuguese gain transcultural competency, linguistic proficiency, and critical thinking skills valued in a wide variety of fields. 

In addition, what you do outside of the classroom can improve your confidence, enhance your skills, and build your resume. Therefore, we encourage you to seek out real-world experience through research opportunities, community engagement, and internships to help you feel confident in your decision upon graduation. Students may also gain valuable and relevant skills in Spanish & Portuguese by studying abroad or joining a student organization.

Excel

Prioritize your next steps by building an effective strategy for applying to graduate programs, jobs, and/or service opportunities. You are encouraged to schedule an individual appointment with a CLA Career Counselor by calling 612-624-7577, explore Handshake, the U of M’s exclusive job and internship search database, and attend upcoming employer and career events and workshops to start building a network. You can also connect with us online via Facebook and Twitter

CLA Career Services
411 Bruininks Hall
612-624-7577

Career Counselor, Department of Spanish & Portuguese
Contact Erica Tealey for specialized career and graduate planning for Spanish & Portuguese studies majors.