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First, some facts. Of the Spanish graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 120 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 51%, Spanish graduates have a much lower likelihood (-16%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 50% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Spanish graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 47% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2015 from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor's degree in Spanish. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONTeacher Assistant Concept Schools Mar 2016 - Jun 2018 Cyber Security Student  Northwestern University Jun 2022 - Dec 2022 Substitute Teacher Laureate Day School Aug 2018 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGCertificateNorthwestern University 2022 - 2022 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After analyzing several LinkedIn profiles of individuals who have graduated with degrees in Spanish, a clear pattern emerges regarding the types of jobs they have pursued and the relevance of those positions to their academic background. Many graduates have found themselves in a variety of roles, spanning from education to customer service, healthcare, and administrative positions. However, one of the most prominent sectors where these graduates have carved out a niche is education, particularly as Spanish teachers in various settings, including public schools and adult education programs.
It’s notable that several people have taken on teaching positions, which harness directly the skills and knowledge acquired during their studies—like creating lesson plans, immersing students in the Spanish language, and facilitating cross-cultural understanding. These teaching roles are highly aligned with their academic backgrounds, making them significant examples of relevant employment. On the other hand, many individuals ended up in other fields, such as physical therapy, management, sales, or administrative support, where the connection to a Spanish degree can be somewhat tenuous. Positions like case managers, sales associates, and administrative assistants often do not require the extensive use of Spanish language skills, leading to a mismatch between their degree and job responsibilities.
The overall trend indicates that while many graduates do find roles where they can utilize their Spanish skills, a considerable number may work in positions that do not directly leverage their language expertise, suggesting a broader employment landscape where skills acquired during their degree can be beneficial but not explicitly necessary. Thus, while education-related jobs are the most relevant to a Spanish degree, the variety of roles entered by graduates demonstrates a common challenge—balancing passion for their field of study with the realities of the job market. Overall, the relevance of their degrees can vary greatly depending on the role, with teaching positions standing out as the strongest connection in this analysis.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Spanish graduates:
When we take a look at the career paths of recent Spanish graduates, we can see a mix of both fulfilling roles that relate directly to their education and other positions that seem a bit far removed from what they likely trained for. For many graduates, their first job after college tends to be in educational roles like being a high school Spanish teacher or working as an ESL instructor. This makes sense, considering that Spanish degrees often provide a solid foundation for teaching both the language and its cultural context. Notably, this trend is evidenced by several graduates landing teaching positions right away, which shows that there is indeed a demand for Spanish educators.
However, looking further down the timeline—five, even ten years after graduation—we notice a noticeable shift; many graduates find themselves in roles that feel less relevant to their major. While some do manage to stay within language-related or teaching positions, a good number veer off into areas like sales, customer service, or even administrative roles that don't utilize their Spanish skills. This divergence indicates that while a degree in Spanish can initially open doors to teaching and language-focused jobs, the reality is that many graduates end up in careers that may not seem directly tied to their studies. It can be a reminder to those considering a Spanish degree that while there are opportunities in education and translation, there’s also a chance you might find yourself in a completely different field down the line. So, if you’re passionate about using your Spanish skills, be proactive in seeking out those opportunities rather than settling for a job that may not fulfill that desire!
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish can be a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty. For some students, especially those who have a knack for languages or have been exposed to Spanish from a young age, it might feel pretty manageable and even a bit fun. You get to dive into literature, culture, and maybe even some cool history, which can make it interesting. But for others, particularly if they struggle with language acquisition or are taking heavy grammar and linguistics courses, it can definitely be challenging. Overall, I'd say it's about on par with many other liberal arts degrees — not the easiest, but not the hardest either. It really depends on your personal strengths and interests!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Spanish.
It seems like most of these graduates have had a mix of experiences in their careers, with some definitely making decent money while others might be earning a bit less. For instance, the grad from Howard University who climbed up to Operations Manager likely has been making a comfortable income, given the progression through managerial roles. On the other hand, many teachers and assistant positions, like those at various educational institutions, probably earn modest salaries, especially starting out. So, while some are in roles that seem to be up the salary ladder, others are definitely in fields where the pay may not be the best.
In fields such as education or social services, salaries can vary widely but often don't match the cost of living in many areas. The grads who've landed more corporate or specialized roles, especially in tech or management, are likely seeing better paychecks. It's all about the industry and level of experience—they can really make a difference in how much money people are bringing in after graduation. Overall, it’s a mixed bag, with some doing well and others having to work harder to make ends meet.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Spanish. This may or may not be useful:
