Latin American Studies

Latin American Studies is an interdisciplinary major that provides comprehensive training in the Spanish and/or Portuguese languages as well as Latin American and Caribbean culture, geography, history, politics, and society. The major provides an understanding of the background of the Latino population in the United States, economic development and underdevelopment from a comparative perspective, and allows for insight into interdisciplinary work in the social sciences from a variety of methodological perspectives.*

Sample Occupations

Types of Employers

Preparing for your career in

*For all industries : Develop Spanish language proficiency; consider a double-major or minor relevant to your desired career path; learn how to sell your major to companies or organizations

Government & Law: Keep abreast of foreign policy issues and current events; obtain a J.D. for attorney positions or advanced degree in public administration, public policy, or international relations for government positions; seek out internships

Advocacy/Non-profit: Volunteer/intern for a social services agency or nonprofit organization that serves Latino populations; pursue a relevant double-major (ex. social work) or graduate degree (ex. public administration)

Human Services: Volunteer or intern for a nonprofit organization addressing barriers specific to Latinos; develop competence in working with diverse groups; obtain a graduate degree in psychology or counseling; obtain knowledge of government & community resources for those in need

Education: Obtain a relevant master’s degree or PhD if desiring university/college employment; double-major or minor in Education if interested in K-12 teaching (or look into lateral entry options such as Teach for America); research certification options for teaching English as a foreign/second language (TESOL, CELTA, TEFL)

Business & Industry: Double major in Business; seek out internships with companies that have a large presence in Latin America or which target Latino clients; be willing to start in a U.S.-based management-trainee program; seek leadership positions on campus

Communications: Intern with a newspaper, magazine, radio/t.v. station targeting a Latino audience, write for campus publications, create a digital portfolio/website to showcase your work

How do I know if its right for me?

ASSESS: Take a career assessment, such as PathwayU, to see how your interests, values, and personality fit with majors and careers.

RESEARCH: Research the careers on this WCIDWAMI and thousands of other careers using O*Net Online, The Occupational Outlook Handbook or FirstHand.

EXPLORE: Learn more about a career field of interest by job shadowing, attending a career panel, or participating in a Career Trek. Further your exploration while gaining valuable skills by completing an internship, co-op, volunteer, or research experience.