Are you ready to turn your language skills into career opportunities? Many of our students build successful careers in diverse fields such as business, education, government, and the nonprofit sector, while others pursue advanced degrees. Language proficiency and intercultural competence are key to working effectively across cultural perspectives in an evolving global landscape.
Join us for Language & Career Week in March 2025—a dynamic series of panels, roundtables, and networking opportunities designed to help you bridge the gap between language learning and professional success. Hear from industry experts, alumni, and faculty about how languages have shaped their careers, and discover how your language skills can open doors in unexpected ways.
Check out the full schedule below and start planning your week!
Schedule
Schedule
Monday, March 3
Your Networking Game Plan: Prep for SuccessTHH 309K | 12:00–1:00 PM
Career Resources – Handshake, GoinGlobal, VMOCK, Big Interview THH 309K | 1:00–2:00 PM
Panel: Languages in STEM & Government THH 309K | 2:00–4:00 PM
This panel explores the critical role of language skills in STEM and government careers. Panelists will discuss how multilingualism enhances collaboration, research accessibility, and public service.
Tuesday, March 4
Panel: Languages and Education: Navigating Global Experiences and Academic Growth
THH 271 | 12:00–2:00 PM
This panel examines how foreign language learning shapes experiences abroad, teaching careers, and academic advancement.
Livestreaming Podcast Show on YouTube THH 309K | 12:00–2:00 PM
Join us for an engaging livestream podcast featuring two esteemed USC language professors as they share insights on language learning, cultural connections, and professional applications.
Panel: Spanish for the Professions – Law, Business, and Translation THH 309K | 3:30–5:00 PM
This session highlights the significance of Spanish proficiency in law, business, and translation, discussing how language skills impact client interactions and cultural understanding.
Wednesday, March 5
Panel: East Asian Languages and Cultures THH 309K | 12:00–2:00 PM
Panelists will explore how knowledge of East Asian languages influences careers in business, education, and international relations (lunch provided to the first 25 attendees)
Roundtable: PR, Journalism, Language Internships THH 309K | 2:00–5:00 PM
Industry experts will discuss how multilingual communication benefits careers in public relations, journalism, and international internships.
Thursday, March 6
Panel: US-China Institute THH 309K | 12:00–2:00 PM
This session highlights the value of Chinese proficiency in diplomacy, business, and career development. (refreshments provided)
Panel: Arabic in the Workplace THH 217 | 2:00–3:00 PM
A discussion on how Arabic language skills create professional opportunities in government, business, and international relations.
Keynote Speaker: Kate McCutchen THH 309 | 4:00–5:30 PM
L.A. to Paris and London – How a French Degree Opened Global Opportunities
Kate McCutchen ’04 has built a successful international career, living and working in Paris, London, and Luxembourg. With a background in French and international business, she has held key roles at Apple, Samsung, and luxury luggage brand Away, leveraging her language skills and global expertise to navigate diverse professional landscapes.
This event is organized by the Center of Languages and Cultures and is sponsored by
Dornsife Projects Supporting Undergraduate Education grant
with additional support from:
Department of Middle East Studies
Department of French and Italian
Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures
USC U.S.-China Institute