Italian: Language & Literature Emphasis

The knowledge gained from an Italian major in the Language and Literature concentration of Italian reading, composition, and conversation skills, as well as of Italian history, culture, fiction, and film, forms a strong career foundation. Graduates may work in interpretation, written translation, education, communications, business, or cultural promotion. This major also prepares students for graduate study in Italian, comparative literature, museum studies, or linguistics.

 

Italian, like many majors, teaches content and skills that can be applied to a wide variety of career fields. This major does not restrict you to a specific field. Following are career possibilities that may most closely relate to this major. Some of the career areas and job titles below may require an advanced degree or certificate.

Potential Career Areas: 

  • Translation
  • Education
  • Business
  • Cultural promotion
  • Historic preservation
  • Tourism
  • Intelligence
  • Communications

Sample Employers:

  • Schools
  • Colleges and universities
  • Businesses
  • Museums
  • Libraries
  • Government agencies
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Courts
  • Travel/tourism boards
  • Airlines

 

Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges: 

Job Title

Salary Range

Italian Teacher, Secondary $35,000 - $53,200
Italian Instructor, Postsecondary $33,800 - $59,100
Translator $22,900 - $43,300
Book Conservator $22,320 - $36,660
Historic Preservationist $25,670 - $54,530
Tour Guide $30,000 - $60,000
Court Interpreter $21,000 - $62,000
Passenger Service Agent $17,000 - $45,000
Advertising Copywriter $21,000 - $48,000
Communications Specialist $40,000 - $85,000
International Relations Officer $24,680 - $86,750
Foreign Correspondent $28,162 - $43,292

 

Sources of Information:  United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010); DISCOVER (2011); Facts on File: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center (2011).