Department of European Languages--
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spacer Prospective Students

Careers with Languages :

Three of the most persistent myths about languages are
(a) that language graduates cannot find jobs;
(b) that the British don’t need to learn other languages since everyone else speaks English;
(c) that the only jobs for linguists are teaching and translating. All three statements are demonstrably wrong.

What is the reality? :

The reality is: Over 60% of British trade is with non-English-speaking countries and British businesses lose billions of pounds every year because of poor language skills.

Unemployment amongst language graduates is very low: it is 5.7% amongst all UK graduates but only 4.5% for language graduates. Only graduates with specific vocational skills (medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, law and education) have a better chance of finding employment.

Language graduates do a range of jobs: some do indeed go in for teaching (there is a shortage of modern languages teachers in British schools so extra grants are available for students who take a PGCE in languages) or translating, but language graduates can be found everywhere: in manufacturing, sales, banking, social services, international organisations, etc.

Sometimes language graduates use their linguistic skills directly, often, however, they are employed not only because of their competence in a particular language or languages but because they have well-developed communication skills in general: Students' voices

Another of a language graduate's major selling points is the year abroad: he or she will have acquired flexibility and maturity, characteristics much valued by future employers: What students say

Other links that you may find useful and interesting:
Aberystwyth Careers Service
Careers Advisory Service
Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Schools and Colleges Liaison Service
Language Courses for Non-specialists (LNS)
The Year Abroad
Central Bureau (assistantships)
Essay writing and exams preparation: USEFUL TIPS
Local Facilities - Aberystwyth and Area
Regional Facilities - Wales


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