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During undergraduate studies

There are many exciting career pathways for Linguistics students. During your undergraduate studies, several entry-level opportunities that can lead to lucrative careers are available to first and second-year students. Upper division Linguistics students are especially well-positioned to take these pathways. See the list of links below for details and typical requirements. During your time as an undergrad, it is also valuable to consider taking courses from other departments and faculties at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV to widen your career options. In particular, consider exploring courses in Communication, Computing Science, Education, Psychology, Indigenous Studies, and Anthropology. 

Contact the Linguistics Advisor for further information on how to navigate your career path as a Linguistics undergraduate student. We're here to make sure that your undergraduate course planning includes all of the prerequisites needed for your chosen career goals. ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV staff at Career and Volunteer Services are also available to help students explore their best options.

After graduation

Upon completion of your Linguistics degree, more pathways become available to you now that you've gained this valuable credential. It can be prudent for some to simply dive right in to the job market by experimenting with a variety of entry-level positions that are in some way related to linguistics, until you find a pathway that suits you naturally while also meeting your needs and providing fulfillment (see pathways list below). Many profitable options require no further education than an undergraduate degree, and yearly wages increase based on years of experience.

However, other options open wider by exploring an ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Continuing Studies program. You may be eligible for financial assistance for these programs, through grants and government funding. Depending on the pathway, it may not be necessary to complete the entire certificate, as targeted groups of courses or even individual courses can be sufficient for your goals.

Consider these Continuing Studies programs: 

• Strategic Public Relations Microcertificate
• Community Capacity Building Certificate
• Non-profit Management Certificate
• Project Management Certificate
• Technical Communication Certificate
• Editing 
• Plain Language 
• Dialogue and Civic Engagement

Other popular careers that require advanced training due to the specialized and/or regulated nature of the job, such as speech therapy, audiology, and library sciences, require a graduate degree in order to begin pursuing the path. See details below. 

Consider these career pathways: 

Audiologists have training and expertise in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of hearing and balance disorders.

Professionals in communications and public relations develop and implement advertising, promotion and/or fundraising strategies.

Computational linguistics is a field of data science that powers chatbots, search engines, and more.

As a content writer, you use your creativity to write content that tells a story about a brand or product. Most companies like to use content to promote their products or services. Your job is to develop content that presents the company in a positive light. 

An editor's job is to review, evaluate, and edit various types of written content to ensure clarity, accuracy, and readability for the intended audience. They may work on manuscripts, articles, news reports, and other publications. 

An education policy analyst evaluates and shapes education policies to improve school systems and student outcomes.

Official English-language proficiency testing is required for many purposes, such as immigration, academic acceptance, and professional certification. See the COLD Series video below for more info (skip ahead to 37:30).

ESL teachers help non-English speakers learn written and spoken English. It's also a very versatile career as you can work in Canada, abroad in a classroom, or even work remotely.

Forensic linguists apply their training in language and forensic science to find proof for criminal cases. 

Becoming a language instructor can be a lucrative way to share your love of languages with students, whether in-person or online.

Immigration associates, often working within immigration law firms, provide crucial support to immigration lawyers and consultants. Their tasks include assisting clients with various aspects of the immigration process, such as preparing and submitting applications, communicating with government agencies, and preparing clients for interviews and appeals.

Jurilinguists are highly qualified professionals who review the translation of decisions from precedings of the Courts. 

Librarians select, develop, organize and maintain library collections and provide programs, instructions and advisory services for users. A Master's degree in library science is required in order to become a librarian. 

Market research analysts pore over trending keywords, survey responses, social media mentions, and more to understand markets, customers, and competitors. 

Technology analysts use their technical knowledge and analytical skills to support, improve, and guide the use of technology within a company. Their expertise helps businesses maintain a competitive edge by ensuring the company optimizes the use of technology for growth.

SLPs help improve quality of life for those who struggle with communication health. A Master's degree is required. For info on becoming a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA), which has reported earnings of up to $38.00 per hour in British Columbia, . 

A survey analyst conducts social research evaluations and surveys to collect data. Job duties include identifying trends, managing customer, and social media feedback, and developing reports on the data. 

A technical writer is a professional communicator whose task is to convey complex information in simple terms to an audience of the general public.

Terminologists conduct research to itemize terms connected with a certain field, define them and find equivalents in another language. The work of terminologists is similar to the work of a basic translator yet much more specialized in that it narrows in on terminology used in a specific field of activity.

A generalist writer can be contracted by a book publisher, hired as a freelance ghostwriter, become a speech writer for politicians and executives, write textbooks and other types of nonfiction, write scripts for e-learning companies, and countless other types of writing across myriad industries.  

¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Career and Volunteer Services

¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Career and Volunteer Services is an incredibly valuable resource to help students find their pathway. This free service offers assistance for your first steps, such as career exploration and career research guidance. Staff may provide an aptitude test  to determine a path suited to your personality, skills and interests. Career staff can also help with conducting a strategic work search, creating effective documents for job applications, and developing an action plan for productive transitions, among other resources. 

• FASS CAREER EXPERIENCE: This is a go-to page for career tips, resources, and events for FASS students. In addition, check out the Career Roadmap that highlights the mindset, actions, and supports available at different stages of your degree.
• WHAT CAN I DO WITH A DEGREE IN LINGUISTICS? This is your first step to exploring opportunities in your area of study and beyond. Expand your career ideas and see where different options could lead you.
• JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES AND TIPS: There are many stages involved in getting the work or volunteer opportunity you want — Learn more on how to develop a professional digital representation of yourself through your online presence and resume, and how you can improve your interview skills.
• CANVAS CAREER COURSES: Enroll in self-directed Canvas courses on topics such as resume and cover letter writing, interviews, and networking skills. Check out the full list of Canvas courses. 
• TALK TO A CAREER ADVISOR: Have questions about your job search and want to explore your career options? Come chat with a Career Advisor from ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Career and Volunteer Services. One-on-one appointments and drop-in sessions are available throughout the week. You can also stop by Arts Central for workshops and events, such as drop-in sessions of Ask Albert.