IntroductionThe East Asian Languages and Cultures Department offers major programs in Chinese and in East Asian Languages and Area Studies, and minor programs in Chinese, Japanese, and Asian Studies. For students just beginning the study of East Asian languages, the different writing systems, the complex characters and idioms, and the new set of sounds and inflections present intellectual challenges. Upper-level courses also offer more advanced students the opportunity for an in-depth analysis of another culture. Through courses on Chinese, Japanese and Korean civilization and literature, Rutgers students study the elements that formed these languages centuries ago and the forces that shape their modern expression.
Proficiency in an East Asian language opens doors to a wide range of opportunities for individual and academic growth, whether students seek the feeling of achievement that comes from mastering a different language, the practical skills that can lead to an exciting international career, or a new perspective on the world from a distant society. Today, students of East Asian languages enjoy expanded job opportunities, enhanced by a growing world economy and new political relationships. An impressive number of corporations and agencies operate branches worldwide as China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and Korea have become more important in international trade. East Asian Languages and Area Studies as a major is versatile and helps develop skills useful anywhere. Your major is only one of many variables to be considered when developing your career plans. Many careers do not require a specific major, but rather a wide range of demonstrated skills and accomplishments. Regardless of your career choices, increase your marketability to employers through internships, responsible work experience, good grades and involvement in college activities.
A Sample of Related Occupations| Admissions Counselor | Editor/Writer | Lobbyist |
| Advertising Account Exec. | Employee Relations Specialist | Market Research Specialist |
| Archivist | FBI/CIA Agent | Museum Curator |
| Attorney | Foreign Service Officer | Nonprofit Administrator |
| Business Manager | Foreign Student Advisor | Peace Corps/VISTA Worker |
| CIA/FBI Agent | Government Agency Admin. | Politician |
| Community Action Specialist | Historic Preservation Specialist | Professor/Educator |
| Community Affairs Specialist | Historic Site Administrator | Psychologist |
| Conflict Resolution Specialist | Human Resources Specialist | Public Administrator |
| Consultant | Import/Export Specialist | Public Information Officer |
| Consumer Advocate | Int'l. Banker | Public Policy Specialist |
| Copy Writer | Int'l. Consultant | Public Relations Specialist |
| Corporate Trainer | Int'l. Relations Specialist | Publications Specialist |
| Counselor | Int'l. Trade Specialist | Translator |
| Cultural Affairs Officer | Interpreter | Travel Consultant |
| Customer Relations Rep. | Int'l. Conference Planner | Writer/Author |
| Customs/Immigration Officer | Journalist | |
Types of Employers| Private and Nonprofit Organizations |
| Advertising Agencies | Cultural Organizations | Project Hope |
| Airlines/Airports | Entertainment Firms | Public Interest Groups |
| American Friends Service | Foundations | Public Relations Firms |
| American Schools Abroad | Historic Sites / Historical Societies | Red Cross Int'l. |
| Amnesty Int'l. | Hospitals/Clinics | Retail Stores |
| Archives | Hotels/Restaurants/Resorts | School Systems |
| Banks | Int'l. Exchange Programs | Social Service Agencies |
| Book Publishers | Law Firms | Television/Radio Stations |
| CARE, Inc | Libraries | Travel Agencies |
| Civic Organizations | Manufacturing Firms | United Nations |
| Clinics | Museums | World Health Organization |
| Colleges & Universities | Newspapers/Magazines | YMCA/YWCA |
| Consulting Firms | Pan American Health Org. | |
| Consumer Organizations | Professional Associations | |
| Government Agencies |
| Agency for Int'l. Development | Immigration & Naturalization Service | Office of Int'l. Policy & Programs |
| Bureau of Export Admin. | Int'l. Trade Admin. | Office of Int'l. Affairs |
| Bureau of Intelligence & Research | Library of Congress | Office of Int'l. Coop. & Development |
| Bureau of Int'l. Labor Affairs | National Endowment for the Humanities | Peace Corps/VISTA |
| CIA/FBI | National Security Agency | Smithsonian Institution |
| Civil Rights Commission | NJ Governor's Commission on Int'l. Trade | Telecommunications Satellite Organization |
| Consumer Affairs Office | NJ Int'l. Trade Division | US Customs Service |
| Department of Commerce | NJ Travel & Tourism Division | US Department of State |
| Foreign Commercial Service | Office of Int'l. Education | US Information Agency |
Jobs Obtained by Rutgers GraduatesInformation is not available at this time on graduates from East Asian Studies.
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