You like French, but you are not sure what to do with it, or what it can do with you? Career opportunities with skills in French may not necessarily seem obvious, but Carleton alumni with French and Francophone Studies majors are engaged in a stunning array of careers around the globe, from running NGOs to teaching in higher education, from working in publishing to practicing law or medicine.

A degree in French and Francophone Studies provides you with all the assets of a degree in English (communication skills, critical thinking, argumentation), with the added benefit that you have all these skills in two languages. Aside from the inherent pleasure of working in different tongues, the added advantage of French opens up opportunities in Europe, Canada, twenty-three African nations, and more. You become a versatile player in the field of your choice.

1. Careers

For further information, contact our Career Adviser/Internship Coordinator, Professor Christine Lac, (clac@carleton.edu or at 507 222 4539), or any other member of the French and Francophone Studies faculty. We will be happy to speak with you about your interests and aspirations and to assist you as you consider your future after Carleton.

2. Recommendations for Graduate School and for Jobs

Professors in the department gladly write letters of recommendation for their students. It will be helpful if you adhere to the following guidelines:

• Please request a letter of recommendation at least one month before the stated deadline, and preferably six weeks or more.
• Provide the professor with the following:
• 1. a list of all the schools to which you will be applying
  2. the name of each of the programs (for example, "the M.A. Program in International Relations"). A given field is often referred to by several names (e.g., Government, Security Studies, Law and Diplomacy, Advanced International Studies) so the specific title will avoid confusion.
  3. the deadline for each school
  4. your statement of purpose or entrance essay
  5. a recent c.v. 

3. Internships

There are schools and programs throughout the French-speaking world that offer internships and other opportunities for working abroad. Please see the Internships page for a list.

4. Alumni

The Career Center can provide you with a list of French and Francophone Studies alumni, their addresses, and their professions. Carleton alumni are usually delighted to speak with current students about their jobs. They can serve as resources for choosing among graduate programs, finding internships, and seeking a job in a given field.