Career Opportunities for Majors in
East Asian Studies


Introduction

The 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
Non-profit 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
International Banker
Public Policy Specialist
Copy Writer
International Consultant
Public Relations Specialist
Corporate Trainer
Int'l. Relations Specialist
Publications Specialist
Counselor
International 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 Non-profit Organizations
Advertising Agencies Consumer Organizations Pan American Health Org.
Airlines/Airports Cultural Organizations Professional Associations
American Friends Service Entertainment Firms Project Hope
American Schools Abroad Foundations Public Interest Groups
Amnesty International Historic Sites / Historical Societies Public Relations Firms
Archives Hospitals/Clinics Red Cross International
Banks Hotels/Restaurants/Resorts Retail Stores
Book Publishers Int'l. Exchange Programs School Systems
CARE, Inc Law Firms Social Service Agencies
Civic Organizations Libraries Television/Radio Stations
Clinics Manufacturing Firms Travel Agencies
Colleges & Universities Museums United Nations
Consulting Firms Newspapers/Magazines World Health Organization
YMCA/YWCA

 

Government Agencies
Agency for Int'l. Development Immigration & Naturalization Service Office of Int'l. Policy & Programs
Bureau of Export Admin. International 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 International 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 International Education US Information Agency

Jobs Obtained by Rutgers Graduates

Information is not available at this time on graduates from East Asian Studies


 


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Explore Rutgers University academic department information related to this major.

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Created by the Rutgers University, New Brunswick Career Services staff

 

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Updated 2/6/05

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