Jobs for the Major
How this major affects a job search
The single greatest thing about being a Latin American and Latino studies major is the versatility. Like we said earlier, a lot of students pair LALS with other majors like sociology, education, and healthcare to gain a more specialized set of skills in their chosen field.
There's a big advantage to having this kind of knowledge, given that the Latin American and Hispanic population in America is so significant (have we driven this point home yet?). Having this advantage can mean the difference between getting paid and going home to drown your sorrows in Americone Dream ice cream.
Man, that stuff is delicious. There are bits of waffle cone, for Pete's sake.
In an economic climate where people are scrambling for good jobs, the skills and knowledge you'd have as a LALS major are invaluable. You've heard about how having a second language looks good on your resume, right? Well, multiply that by, like, a zillion for having a LALS degree.
Plus, you'll seem muy inteligente at dinner parties when you quote passages from Don Quixote or can actually name the dude wearing the hat with the star on it.
If only Che could see himself now…
Common Career Fields
Business. Among the myriad of ways to apply the knowledge you'll have gained as an LALS major, business is a popular one. With your finger on the pulse of such a large and diverse group of people, you'll be able to assess their needs and desires as consumers. You could develop fine-tuned methods for marketing and appealing to the Latin American community, or maybe even start your own business or go into media and marketing relations. Having your ear to the ground of Latin American culture will help foster winning relationships and open up a ton of business opportunities.
Diplomacy. Like to travel? Are you the type that settles disputes between friends? Do you look sharp in a suit? Well, with a LALS degree, you could work as a civil service officer, a diplomatic security officer, foreign service officer, or a foreign service specialist. You could be the layman between the U.S. and Latin American countries, aiding in communication and international relations. Your expertise in Latin American culture, politics, and economics will serve you well on your world-saving endeavors. At the very least, you can prevent another Latin pop sensation invasion…so we never have to hear Ricky Martin ever again. Just kidding, Ricky—Shmoop loves ya.
Education. Think of how much more well-equipped you'll be as a teacher—especially one in Latin American and Hispanic communities. Speaking the language and understanding the culture will help you relate to both your students and their families. You can also continue schooling and get an MA or PhD in LALS to become a professor or scholar in the field. You'll be the Yoda of Latin American studies.
Healthcare. (Requires BA and MA in nursing, med, pharmacology, etc.) Few jobs are more important to a community than healthcare. As with a lot of job fields, good communication with your clients is of utmost importance. Think of how much better your bedside manner will be with your super specific cultural knowledge. It's a no-brainer. If you want to really make a difference to the immense population of Latin American immigrants in our country, you may want to consider pairing your LALS education with something in the field of healthcare.
Journalism. Is reportage more your style? Do you have a way with words? Or are you just really, really, really, ridiculously good-looking and want to be the handsome anchor of a TV news organization? With your expertise in all things Latin American, you'd be a great candidate for some hardcore journalism work. The sociopolitical landscape of the Latin American community is constantly changing, so there'll always be something to talk about. You'll be giving the rest of the world the benefit of your knowledge by contextualizing the news to include a Latin American perspective.
Law Enforcement. It's important to understand the people you're working with—especially if you're meant to protect them. Getting into law enforcement with a keen understanding of the social and political structures of the Latin American community in America would make you much more effective in protecting the innocent and upholding the law. People feel less afraid of people they can understand and relate to. Once again, your LALS knowledge goes a long way towards making you better at your job.
Social Work. Here's where all that political science and economics you'll have learned as a LALS major will come in handy. As a social worker, you'll have the opportunity to work directly with people in attempts to improve their quality of life. You may be involved in crisis intervention, community organizing, research, or policy-making. With an MA, you can become a counselor and aid disadvantaged people. Having the LALS concentration would certainly make you more fit for the job in areas where there is a large Latin American/Hispanic population.
Current unemployment of the major
8.4%Percentage of majors who get a higher degree after college
64%Stats obtained from this source.