Career possibilities
Linguistics majors combine their studies with other areas to prepare for career opportunities in international business, government, travel, health, journalism, law, or communication. Companies such as Microsoft, Xerox, Apple, and other high-tech firms regularly hire employees with linguistics degrees. Opportunities also exist for government work, for example, as a special agent linguist for the FBI. Some graduates choose to pursue advanced study in linguistics or other disciplines. A master’s degree with TESL emphasis qualifies graduates to teach English as a second language in the United States or overseas. Graduates with bachelor’s degrees in linguistics may be admitted to certain graduate programs without additional academic preparation, such as anthropology, English literature, foreign language specializations, law, library science, philosophy, psychology, and sociology.
Fulbright Program
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is designed to give recent bachelor’s graduates, master’s and doctoral candidates, young professionals, and artists opportunities for personal development and international experience. Projects may include English teaching assistantships, independent research, creative/artistic projects, university coursework or degree programs, training in a music conservatory or art school.
Graduate school
While many of our graduates pursue exciting careers in the private and public sectors, others wish to seek additional training through graduate studies. They may pursue the masters and doctoral degrees in fields as diverse as American Studies, Business, Communications, Education, Ethnic Studies, History, Law, Library and Information Science, Medicine, Museum Studies, Political Science, Public Administration, and Social Work.
Career resources for UI undergraduate students
The Pomerantz Career Center provides high-quality resources and services to students, alumni, and employers. The site has information designed to help you move through the various stages of the job search process, including the Handshake@UIowa website as well as information on upcoming employer visits, internships, and careers after college.
Meet with a career coach
All undergraduates can meet with a career coach to explore interests, skills, strengths, and values as you plan for after graduation.
Write an effective resume
Learn the level of detail needed to get noticed in the applicant pool and by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) software, including tips on how to format your resume, effective use of power verbs, a formula for crafting bullet points, and more.
Participate in a mock interview
Experience first-hand what an interview might be like by participating in a Mock Interview where you can practice interviewing, ask questions about the interview process, and be critiqued by volunteer employers from surrounding communities.
Find or create an internship
We'll guide you through the process of finding an internship, creating your own opportunity, and evaluating internship offers.
Attend a career fair
Network with employers and learn more about job and career opportunities in a variety of areas right here on campus.
Explore majors and careers
Learn more about how your personal attributes impact potential success and satisfaction with different career options and work environments. Or, start by exploring career fields and find majors that align with your interests and skills.