Careers in RLL
Add a language. Open more doors.
A degree from the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures (RLL) at the University at Buffalo prepares you to communicate across cultures, think critically and work in a global environment. Language skills help you stand out to employers by demonstrating cultural awareness, communication ability and global perspective.
Studying languages strengthens abilities that employers value in many fields. These skills help you work across cultures, communicate clearly and adapt in a changing global environment.
In this program you will build:
- Strong written and spoken communication skills
- Cultural awareness and global perspective
- Critical thinking and analytical reading
- Research and information analysis
- Problem solving and adaptability
- Confidence working with people from different backgrounds
These skills prepare graduates for careers in business, education, health care, government, nonprofit organizations, international work and graduate study.
Take your learning abroad
Study abroad is one of the most rewarding parts of language study. RLL students can earn credit while living, learning and exploring in countries where French, Italian and Spanish are spoken.
Whether you study French, Italian or Spanish, you gain language fluency, cultural understanding and analytical skills that open doors in many industries. RLL graduates pursue careers in education, international development, health care, business, media, translation, tourism and public service. Many also continue into graduate or professional programs.
Graduates work in many fields where communication, language and cultural knowledge matter.
Common career paths include:
Teach in middle school, high school or college. Graduates also work in international education, advising international students or developing educational materials.
Language skills support careers focused on human rights, gender justice, entrepreneurship and community development around the world.
Multilingual professionals improve patient communication and access to care. Language skills are especially valuable in global public health and community health organizations.
Work as an interpreter, translator or media specialist, or support publishing, communications or immigration services.
Use language and cultural expertise in diplomacy, international trade, tourism, global business or research organizations.
Many students also continue into graduate programs in language, education, law, business, public health or international affairs.
Language skills can also lead to opportunities around the world. Many graduates teach, work or volunteer abroad while gaining professional experience and strengthening language fluency.
Examples include:
- Teaching assistant programs in Spain
- Teaching assistant programs in France
- Volunteer teaching programs in Chile
These experiences allow you to live in another country while building professional and intercultural skills.
The Career Design Center helps you explore options, build practical skills and take action on your goals. Whether you are just starting to think about what comes next or actively preparing for jobs or graduate school, you will find clear guidance and real opportunities to move forward.
What you can do at the Career Design Center:
- Meet one-on-one with a career design consultant
- Get support with job and internship searches and graduate school planning
- Use online tools for resumes, interviews, networking and exploring real-world challenges
- Attend job + Internship fairs, skillshops and networking events
- Gain access to thousands of jobs + internship postings on Bullseye powered by Handshake.
- Explore the Career Design Studio any time to discover tools, resources and ideas that help you plan your path.
Language skills strengthen your resume and expand your opportunities. In Romance Languages and Literatures, you graduate ready to work across cultures, industries and communities.