Spanish
Spanish Heading link
Today, about 350 million people across 20 countries speak Spanish as a native language, making it the world’s second most spoken language. It has become an essential language in the business, legal, and medical communities, and the demand for bilingual Spanish-English speakers is ever-increasing in the global economy.
The Spanish program at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is a nurturing and stimulating place to grow intellectually and discover the significant career opportunities that a degree in Spanish can make possible. By studying Spanish you’ll also learn about the people and traditions behind the language. Spanish majors go on to find career success in government, communication, foreign affairs, human resources, social service, education, and more!
See how other students found their fit below with this major!
Alumni Highlights Heading link
Below is a sample of how UIC alumni have applied their Spanish major to a professional path!
- Director, LAS Career Development, University of Illinois Chicago
- Communications Specialist, DeVry Education Group
- Director of Marketing and Communications, The Chicago Community Trust
- Legislative Fellow, U.S. House of Representatives
- Market Specialist, Column Technologies
- Program Manager, University of Illinois at Chicago
- Upper School Director, The Latin School of Chicago
- Talent Acquisition Coordinator, McDonald’s Corporation
Unique Skills and Competencies Heading link
In addition to the foundation set of skills and competencies you will gain in any liberal arts and science major, there are also unique skills and perspectives you gain from your Spanish major. Review the list below to learn more:
- Effective formal communication skills in different professional contexts such as academic, health, business, and law
- Analytical reasoning and critical thinking, argumentation, and clarity of expression
- Attainment of skills necessary for careers in fields such as education, translation, social work, gaming industry, or state & federal agencies
- Acquisition of the skills necessary to translate and interpret in a variety of registers and styles
- Complex understanding of how language influences interactions with each other and the world
- Understanding of global citizenship in political and social issues
Industry Clusters Heading link
There are many work place settings, industries, and career areas you can apply your major based on your professional interests. Below is a sample list of industry clusters that other Spanish majors have transitioned into professionally. What type of setting or career focus appeals to you?
- Arts, Media, and Communications
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- Criminology and Law Enforcement
- Cultural and Museum Studies
- Education
- Government, International Affairs, and Public Service
- Healthcare, Global Health, and Wellness
- Law and Legal Services
- Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations
- Social Services
- Tourism and Travel
- Writing and Editing
Meet Andrea Magallon! Heading link
“I found a fit with my major when I was undecided and was taking language requirement classes. I really enjoyed taking Spanish and found my Spanish classes interesting and intriguing even when they were challenging. Therefore, I decided to look into a Spanish major and ended up declaring it.”
Meet Christopher Kooy! Heading link
“My major allowed me to polish and professionalize my colloquial Peruvian Spanish into something that will serve me well in the Foreign Service. Combined with an increased understanding of the history and culture of Latin American countries, the Spanish major has been an incredible asset to me as an aspiring diplomat. “