WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN... COMPARATIVE LITERATURE

1. WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN... COMPARATIVE LITERATURE www.sc.edu/career

2. com⋅par⋅a⋅tivelit⋅er⋅a⋅ture The study of the literatures of two or more groups differing in cultural background and, usually, in language, concentrating on their relationships to and influences upon each other.* *"comparative literature." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 28 Sep. 2009. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/comparative literature>.

3. Comparative Literature Majors Study • Literature from a multitude of different perspectives • History of literary criticism and theory • Linguistic competence, theoretical fluency, and broad literary culture ...And more

4. Ph.D Comparative Literature At The University Of South Carolina • MA • BA

5. Comparative Literature At The University Of South Carolina

6. Comparative Literature At The University Of South Carolina

7. Employment Settings • Business, Industry & Commerce • Education • Government & International Law Enforcement • Interpreting & Translation • Media • Service • Travel & Tourism

8. Business, Industry & Commerce • Careers in the business sector can use knowledge of languages as a secondaryskill. • Skills developed from language study like writing and speaking clearly, data analysis, problem solving, organizing information, and collaboration are useful in business occupations.

9. Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Business, Industry & Commerce • Auditor • Banking Correspondent • Loan Officer • Contract Interpreter • Financial Planner • Finance Director • Foreign Exchange Trader • Importer/Exporter • International Account Manager • International Banking Officer • International Resort Manager • Investment Analyst • Senior Credit Analyst • Trade Economist

10. Education • Careers in teaching can use knowledge of languages as a primary orsecondaryskill. • The ability to communicate in a foreign language is important to educators teaching another language to English speakers, teaching English to foreign speakers, or working in areas where English is not a dominant language. Knowing how to explain complex concepts, clarify ideas, and relate to other cultures in also important.

11. Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Education • Bilingual Educator • Child Services Counselor • College and University Professor (advance degree needed) • Curriculum Developer • Elementary Teacher • English as a Second Language Teacher • Librarian • Overseas Instructor of English • Peace Corp Cultural Instructor • Secondary School Language Teacher

12. Government & Law Enforcement • Careers in the government and law sectors can use knowledge of languages as a secondary skill. • Language study skills like communicating clearly, problem solving, working with diverse groups, and explaining concepts, and communicating in foreign languages are useful in government and law enforcement careers.

13. Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Government & Law Enforcement • Immigration Agent • Intelligence Researcher • International Protocol Specialist • National Security Agent • Paralegal • Police Officer Civil Service Employee Court Interpreter Cultural Attaché Customs Inspector FBI Agent Foreign Service Officer Foreign Diplomat

14. Interpreting & Translation • Careers in interpreting and translation use knowledge of languages as a primaryskill. • The ability to speak, read, and write a foreign language is needed for careers in this area. It is also important that one can work with people from diverse cultures, read for content and structure, and listen carefully.

15. Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Interpreting & Translation • Advertising Agent • Air Traffic Controller • Conference Interpreter • Customs Officer • Foreign Exchange Trader • Foreign Linguist • Immigration Officer • Import-Exporter • International Banker • International Protocol Specialist • Interpreting Guide • Language Specialist • Literary Translator • Negotiator • Judicial Translator • Précis Reporter

16. Media • Careers in the media sector can use knowledge of languages as a secondaryskill. • Skills developed from language study like writing clearly, organizing information, speaking another language, clarifying ideas, and evaluating information are all useful in media related careers.

17. Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Media • Art Dealer • Copywriter • Editor • Foreign Correspondent • Filmmaker • Journalist • Media Specialist • Magazine Columnist • Musician • Performing Artist • Production Supervisor • Proofreader • Publisher • Radio/TV Announcer • Travel Writer

18. Service • Careers in the service industry can use knowledge of languages as asecondaryskill. • Skills developed from language study like speaking another language, speaking to groups, collaborating as part of a team, working with people from diverse backgrounds, organizing information, and clarifying ideas are useful in service careers.

19. Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Service • Bilingual Sales Clerk or Teller • Bookkeeper • Civil Service Employee • Communications Director • Interpretive Guide • Overseas Personnel Manager • Flight Attendant • Foreign Plant Manager • Pharmaceutical Sales Representative • Production Supervisor • Social Worker • Transportation Manager • Quality Control Specialist

20. Travel & Tourism • Careers in the travel and tourism industries can use knowledge of languages as a secondaryskill. • Skills developed from language study like communicating clearly, speaking another language, organizing information, analyzing data, determining the needs of others, and working with people from diverse cultures are useful in travel and tourism careers.

21. Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Travel & Tourism • Interpretive Guide • Missionary • Peace Corp Volunteer • Protocol Specialist • Resort Manager • Travel Agent • Travel Writer • Tour Organizer Advertising Manager Cruise Director Cultural Attaché Flight Attendant Foreign Travel Consultant International Conference Planner International Hotel Administrator

22. Comparative Literature Majors Develop Skills In • Cross-cultural communication • Understanding of cultural differences and ability to interact effectively with peoples of different backgrounds • Knowledge of culturally specific behavior, customs, and values • Language competence for speaking, writing, reading, and listening • Understanding of target culture, history, literature, music, and folklore • Appreciation of diversity, and sensitivity to cultural issues • Awareness of differences in cultural perspectives • Global experience and ability to adjust to new environments

23. Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want • Obtain teaching certification • Practice becoming more fluent by reading books, using tapes and videos, training sessions and film • Develop business skills to complement your knowledge of language Be familiar with current events Travel to countries in which your target language is spoken Get work experience in a place where your language is the native tongue Acquire a passport

24. Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want • Develop research skills and be able to analyze problems • Develop good communication skills • Work at a US location of an international company • Network with professionals working in companies and sectors in which you’re interested • Become comfortable working with diverse groups of people

25. Books And Web Resources Web Resources The Modern Language Association http://www.mla.org/ Bilingual Jobs.com http://www.bilingual-jobs.com/default_new.htm Books Inside A U.S. Embassy: How the Foreign Service Works For America published by American Foreign Service Assoc. Careers For Foreign Language Aficionados by J. Laurence Day

26. Resources For More Information Department of Language, Literatures and Cultures http://www.cas.sc.edu/dllc/ Career Library http://www.sc.edu/career/Library/library.html Foreign Language Related Websites http://www.sc.edu/career/la/llc.html College of Arts and Sciences Career Development Program www.sc.edu/career/cascdp/index.html

27. Career Center Contact Information University of South Carolina Career Center 6th Floor, H. William Close Building (BA Building) Columbia, SC 29208 Phone: (803) 777-7280 On-call counseling without an appointment: M - F, 1:00 am - 4:00 pm (Summer and holiday hours may differ, please check the website at www.sc/edu/career)