Career Compass: German and Slavic Studies

As a German and Slavic studies student in the Faculty of Arts, you will explore in-depth the languages, literatures and cultures of Germany, Russia and Ukraine, in their histories and contemporary societies. The department of German and Slavic studies has many opportunities for you to explore including a minor program in Polish, community outreach activities and numerous travel and study abroad programs.

Program options: 

B.A. Honours (German): 4 years

B.A. Advanced (German): 4 years

Co-op option available for Advanced and Honours in German

B.A. General (German, Russian, Ukrainian): 3 Years

Skills you will gain by studying GERMAN and SLAVIC STUDIES

• A comprehensive knowledge of the German and/or Slavic languages (writing, speaking, reading, listening and translation)
• The ability to interpret another culture’s way of thinking and the ability to mediate between cultures and languages
• The ability to critically evaluate text, media and other cultural forms and independently research new areas of information
• The ability to develop problem solving strategies and a high self-awareness that can be transferred to many disciplines

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
German: GRMN 1120

Russian: RUSN 1300 or RUSN 1330

Ukrainian: UKRN 1310 or UKRN 1320

To do this year:

1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor or department advisor to help you plan your program.
2. If you need academic support, visit the Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a learning skills instructor.

CAREER TIPS

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Set up your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Join student groups and/or associations including the German (D.E.R. Klub), Russian, Ukrainian and/or Polish Student Association.
2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as UM Community Volunteers.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Considering international opportunities? Visit the Centre for Ukrainian Canadian Studies, Language Centre and check out the International Centre website to learn more international opportunities for UM students. Consider taking a Travel Study course to Germany, Ukraine or Poland this summer.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit Migizii Agamik, the International Centre for Students or learn about local agencies via Manitoba 211.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
German: GRMN 2100. Check the Undergraduate Calendar for additional requirements. 

Russian: RUSN 2810 or RUSN 2820

Ukrainian: UKRN 2720 or UKRN 2730

To do this year:

1. Should you follow a 3-or 4-year plan? Meet with a department advisor and career consultant to map out your options.
2. Consider taking a double major program or the Polish minor program.

CAREER TIPS

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
3. Develop professional connections with professors by applying for an Undergraduate Research Award.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Explore student research opportunities: Apply for a Undergraduate Research Award and inquire about research assistant positions.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out Folklorama and Volunteer Manitoba opportunities in cultural communities.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Become a Faculty of Arts Student Ambassador or join the Student Leadership Development Program.

Earn while you learn: Consider applying to the Arts Co-operative Education program once you have completed 48 credit hours.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange to Germany, Ukraine or Hungary, Canadian Summer School in Germany or the Summer Session Language Seminar in Ukraine.

Staying local? Consider learning a new language and culture through the Volunteer Language Exchange Program or participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: volunteer for Graduation Pow Wow.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
German: GRMN 3200. Check the Undergraduate Calendar for additional Year 3 requirements. 

Russian: 6 credit hours from RUSN 3100 or RUSN 3110 or RUSN 3220, plus additional RUSN or SLAV courses, or from designated list

Ukrainian: UKRN 3952 and UKRN 3962, plus additional UKRN or SLAV courses, or from designated list. 

To do this year:

1. Meet with an department advisor for honours program approval.
2. Meet with your co-op advisor (if applicable).
3. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).

CAREER TIPS

Investigate your career options:

1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
3. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other academic institutions. Consider taking a pre-Master’s to be eligible for graduate school in Slavic Studies.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Check out student job opportunities with: Work Student Summer Program or the German-Canadian Congress.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Germany.gc.ca, Job Bank, Find My Job, Indeed or other search engines.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus:
Visit the International Centre web site to learn about international opportunities for UM students, participate in the Intercultural Leadership Development Program, volunteer for the International Student Mentorship Program or take part in Graduation Pow Wow.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Check the Undergraduate Calendar for Year 4 requirements. 

To do this year:

1. Meet with an department advisor for honours program approval.
2. Meet with your co-op advisor (if applicable).
3. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

CAREER TIPS

Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to graduate school: Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as as the Foreign Language Assistant Program in Germany and other internships in Central and Eastern Europe.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus and register for the Intercultural Leaders program through the International Centre.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Citizenship and Immigration Agent
• Communications Officer
• Copy Editor
• Editorial Publishing Assistant
• Foreign Communication Analyst
• Foreign Intelligence Analyst
• Foreign Service Officer
• Global Public Relations Specialist
• Immigrant Settlement Worker
• International Student Life Officer
• Interpreter
• Language Training Coordinator
• Lexicographer
• Library Service Assistant
• Reference Assistant
• Terminologist
• Verbatim Reporter
• Visitor Services Agent

Options requiring other education

• Diplomat
• Foreign Corespondent
• Lawyer
• Librarian
• Linguist
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Teacher
• Translator
• University Professor

Industries such as business, education and government would value a German and Slavic studies major in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Oral and written communication
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Teamwork
• Cultural Competency
• Digital technology
• Continuous learning

Attain skills through your classroom education by taking advantage of experiential education opportunities.

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.

Details of that report can be found here.