French Studies

Do you love the French language? Do you want to learn more about Francophone culture around the world? A French Studies major provides you with the opportunity to not only learn and practice the French language but also get acquainted with the Francophone world and the diversity of its society and art. Topics in French Studies include French language and culture, linguistics, and literature.

Career options in french studies

Below is a sample list of some future choices to explore following studies in French Studies. This list is not exhaustive but it provides a solid idea of what fellow graduates have gone on to do and what potential careers an French Studies degree can offer. Some options are more directly associated with specific areas of French Studies than others.

  • Archivist
  • Author
  • Community Worker
  • Cultural Interpreter
  • Curator
  • Diplomatic Service Worker
  • Editor
  • Entrepreneur
  • Event Coordinator
  • Foreign Language Correspondent
  • Foreign Service Worker
  • Fundraising Coordinator
  • Freelance Writer
  • Government Administrator
  • Historical Site Guide
  • Human Resources Specialist
  • Immigration Officer
  • International Business Advisor
  • International Aid Director
  • International Development Worker
  • Journalist
  • Lawyer
  • Lobbyist
  • Marketing Consultant
  • Mediator
  • Non-Profit Administrator
  • Paralegal
  • Politician
  • Professor
  • Public Policy Analyst/Strategist
  • Researcher
  • Social Program Director
  • Speech Writer
  • Translator
  • Travel Agent
  • UN Representative

 

NOTE: Some of these career choices may require additional education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential education, or professional formative courses and exams. For a more in-depth description and overall background of some of the careers mentioned above, refer to Job Bank’s Trend Analysis tool by typing the job title into the search engine.  

 

Additionally, consider visiting the Career Cruising website. To locate the university’s username and password, you must login to Experience York using your Passport York information. It can be found under the “Career Education & Development” drop-down menu on the left then under “Career Development Tools”. 

Skills Developed through a french studies Degree

A background in Classical Studies and Classics ensures that you develop the skills and mindset to tackle many different professional challenges. Here are just a few of the skills a Classical Studies and Classics degree can help you develop:

Core French Studies Skills

  • The ability to express yourself in the French language
  • An appreciation for the Francophone culture’s rich literary history through in depth analysis of various cultural works and authors from past to present
  • A more worldly life perspective and the chance to gain knowledge and experience by living and traveling in France and Europe by participating in an exchange program.

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

  • The ability to present your thoughts clearly and intelligently in written statements and written opinion pieces
  • Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
  • The ability to learn new information and apply this to professional demands
  • The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument
  • The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas

Management and Teamwork

  • The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project’s intended and successful end result
  • The capacity to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds
  • Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
  • The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing the industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field. The following is a selection of organizations related to the field of French Studies that you may want to visit as you research career options for French Studies graduates.

• Association Nationale France Canada
• European Community Studies Association
• Association for French Language Studies
• Nineteenth Century French Studies Association
• University Association for Contemporary European Studies
• The Society for French Studies
• The Association for the Study of Modern and Contemporary France
• Keele Department of French Studies
• Glendon Department of French Studies