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"A man who knows two languages is worth two men." -French Proverb
Bilingualism cannot be stressed enough. Knowing another language unlocks the door to so many amazing opportunities that were previously unavailable. So, whether you're learning a foreign language as a primary or secondary school student or in the university years, your courage and determination are admirable.
Of the many foreign languages that are useful for students in the United Kingdom, French is at the top of the list. Why's that? Well, an appeal to France's cultural elements and its proximity to Britain have made learning French a no-brainer for most students. Therefore, it's no surprise that a French degree is very popular with students in the UK. Last year over 207,000 people enrolled in them.
However, there is a misconception that may cause concern; some people don’t believe modern language degrees offer many careers to students. But, of course, this is complete nonsense. The truth is that Fseverales teach you several transferable skills that are crucial to employability and will open up a variety of diverse careers. Such as? Let's answer that question and others in today's article.
What's a French Degree?
Before we begin discussing all the employment positions that are open to Fransweringgraduates, it's wise to start by answering a simple question, what's a French degree? In the simplest of terms, a French degree can be described as a degree or study program in French that validates studies of the language, linguistics and culture of French.
Throughout their French degree programme, students learn to not only write and read French but also understand and speak it too. French degrees equip graduates to work in French-speaking nations such as France, Canada, Haiti, Madagascar, Central Africa, and Belgium, to name a few.
French degrees feature various courses and projects about the core characteristics of the French language.
But, what exactly are the jobs available for French degree students? Let's find out in the following subheading!
What are the Best Jobs for French Degree Graduates?
Graduation day is done and you've they are any exciting careers await there are many exciting careers that await you. Without further ado, let’s explore what jobs are open to French graduates:
- Speech Therapist: your knowledge of linguistics and the communication skills you develop throughout your degree will allow you to advance into the world of speech therapy. Speech therapy is a rewarding career that would suit a graduate who loves improving people’s lives. With a French degree, you'd be a French speech therapist.
- Banking and Finance Jobs: surprisingly, modern language graduates are in high demand in the banking and finance sectors. Why's that? Well, having a second language will be a definite advantage when dealing with international clients. From your study of a language such as French, your critical thinking, analytical skills, and communication skills will be invaluable to any company that employs you.
- Translation and Interpretation: your excellent listening and oral communication skills will make you perfect for a career in translation or interpretation. You will also be able to put into practice your knowledge and understanding of French culture. This will assist your understanding of the information being communicated and avoid meaning becoming lost in translation when trying to correctly interpret a piece of literature.
- English as a Foreign Language Teacher: your intercultural awareness will allow you to teach English in a French-speaking country. You will be more than capable of teaching your native language with an excellent understanding of the processes and challenges of learning a foreign language since you went through the processes recently to secure your French degree. We'll talk a bit more about tutoring in the following subheading.
- Multi-Lingual Editor or Proofreader: upon graduating with your French degree, your analytical skills and aptitude for languages will make you a fast and efficient proofreader in French and English. You would also have a choice as to what sector you work in as an editor/proofreader. For example, the options range from politics to public services.
- Sales and Marketing: there are a huge variety of roles within the sales and marketing sector and many of which will benefit from your problem-solving skills, flexibility and excellent communication abilities.
- Tour Guide: with your language, communication and teamwork skills, along with your knowledge of French culture, you will be well up to the role of tour manager in any French-speaking country. Imagine this: exploring the streets of Provence, living close to the beaches of Martinique, and smelling delicious Belgian waffles, will just be part of your life as a tour guide!
- French Teacher: perhaps this is an obvious one but it’s a rewarding career that will allow you to pass on your knowledge and your passion for French to young minds. Plus, since the number of foreign language teachers required in primary schools in the UK is increasing, your chances of employment are looking good. You could be a French teacher at either a primary or elementary school.
- International Business: French graduates with a business background can pursue careers in international business. Fluency in French can be an asset in industries such as hospitality, tourism, and trade. Graduates can work for multinational corporations or start their own business ventures. In addition, French graduates with an interest in marketing or public relations can work for companies that have a presence in French-speaking countries.
- Diplomacy and International Relations: French graduates with an interest in politics and international affairs can pursue careers in diplomacy and international relations. Fluency in French can be an asset for those seeking careers in the United Nations, foreign service, or non-governmental organizations. Graduates can also pursue careers in international law or human rights advocacy.
After reading this list, we're sure that you've come to realise that with a French degree, all is possible. As you can see, an aptitude in French isn’t the only transferable skill you are currently developing throughout your degree. So never fear, French undergraduates, your degree is opening up a variety of doors for you; it’s just up to you to step through them!
Have You thought of Becoming a French Tutor?
There's a major need in the sector of education for men and women who have a knack for offering private tutoring lessons. Why's that? While the education systems in the UK and abroad do their best to accommodate the needs of every student, there simply isn't enough time and, albeit with sincere interests, teachers may neglect pupils with needs for more significant attention. This leads to a gap in understanding and a stable foundation isn't built.
Therefore, you could say that there's a need for French tutors!
So, if you're working as a French teacher, translator, editor, proofreader, etc. and you want to make a little money on the side, we highly recommend creating a tutor profile on reputable sites such as Superprof. You can earn £20-30 per hour and hone your teaching skills while helping students that will be forever grateful for your assistance.
What are the Best Resources to Find Work with a French Degree?
Now that you have your French degree and you know the types of employment positions that are open to you, the time to look for a job is now. But, how and where? While traditional methods of finding a job such as through word of mouth, networking at functions in your sector, and applying for internships out of uni are all still successful and widely used, it's worth pointing out that since we're living in the 21st century, many things have moved online.
Therefore, the most efficient and highly effective way to find a job with a French degree is via the interweb on job hunting sites.
Without further ado, the following are the best job-hunting sites for recently graduated uni students across the United Kingdom:
- Indeed: one of the major recruiting websites that have a vast listings database and a straightforward design Indeed is at the top of everyone's list when searching for work outside of further education studies.
- Glassdoor: why would you try Glassdoor compared to the many other options available? Well, Glassdoor is free for job seekers, has a huge database of employers, and there are loads of company reviews. The Glassdoor website allows you to get a feel for the company's culture ahead of time.
If you're desperately looking for work, we highly recommend applying to the multiple jobs that are relevant to your field on the previously mentioned websites; this significantly increases your chances of an interview and, hopefully, a well-paying, stable position.
In conclusion, we significantly hope that you've learned everything there is to learn about finding work with a French degree. Are you ready to say bonjour to your new life?
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