Why Study French?

Studying French—whether toward a business certificate, a minor or a major—can have many benefits!

Learn about France and its Renowned Culture

Whatever one may think of France, its cultural importance is unsurpassed. Discussions about literature, art, gastronomy and fashion inevitably start from and return to France. By studying French, you will be able to experience the varied products of French culture firsthand and to travel more easily in the world's top-rated tourist destination.

Connect With Other Countries

French is an official language of 28 countries on five continents, including France, Canada, Belgium, Senegal and Vietnam. Learning French will allow you to converse with and better understand people throughout the world.

Give Yourself a Competitive Edge

Along with English, France is the world's most important diplomatic language. It is an official language of organizations such as the United Nations, UNESCO, NATO and the international Red Cross. France, with the world's fifth largest economy, is a leader in the export of luxury goods and techology; Canada's French-speaking province of Québec is in itself the United States' fifth largest trading partner. For this reason, French is an important language for conducting business in the United States and elsewhere.

Career Paths

Along with English, France is the world's most important diplomatic language. It is an official language of organizations such as the United Nations, UNESCO, NATO and the international Red Cross. France, with the world's fifth largest economy, is a leader in the export of luxury goods and techology; Canada's French-speaking province of Québec is in itself the United States' fifth largest trading partner. For this reason, French is an important language for conducting business in the United States and elsewhere.

Career Paths

Business

  • Analyst/Junior Associate for international financial services firm
  • Bilingual Call Center Representative
  • Bilingual Technical Support Specialist
  • Business/Customer Service Manager
  • Buying  for major department store
  • Executive/Administrative Assistant
  • Financial/Research/Business Analyst
  • Human Resource Director/Specialist/Trainer
  • Insurance Consultant
  • Intern for major French bank
  • Marketing/Sales Representative for international company
  • Property Manager for large residential/commercial property management company

Communications

  • Assistant News Analyst
  • Editorial Assistant for independent book publisher
  • Film & Video/Book Editor
  • Freelance Translator
  • Marketing Coordinator for local TV/radio corp.
  • News Anchor/Reporter
  • Production Assistant for major TV network
  • Technical Writer for Computer Company

Education

  • College Admissions Officer/Counselor
  • Community College/University Professor
  • Early Childhood Family Teacher
  • ESL Teacher/Assistant abroad
  • Librarian
  • Middle/High School French Teacher
  • Research Assistant/Associate
  • University Grant Writer

Hospitality / Recreation

  • Flight Attendant
  • Guest Services Agent with a large hotel chain
  • Hotelier
  • Major Gifts Assistant at city museum
  • Marketing Assistant for national sports league
  • Public Relations assistant for French restaurant
  • Sales Coordinator for international hotel company
  • Tour Guide/Consultant

Government / Law / Social Service

  • Attorney/Legal Editor
  • International Trade Specialist
  • Legal Assistant/Paralegal
  • Military/Intelligence Officer
  • Program Assistant for U.S. Supreme Court
  • Public Health Data Analyst
  • Social Worker

Temporary / Time-Limited Opportunities

  • AmeriCorps
  • Federal Government Internship programs
  • Fulbright Scholarship
  • Peace Corps
  • Rotary Scholarship
  • Teach for America

Graduate School Options

  • Business Administration (MBA)
  • Higher Education Administration
  • International Affairs
  • K-12 Education/ESL
  • Law School
  • Medical School
  • Psychology/Counseling
  • Public Health
  • Social Work