Russian

WHY STUDY RUSSIAN?

The reasons for studying a Slavic language and culture are as unique and diverse as you are. As regions of the former Soviet Union spread their political and economic wings, the number and variety of career paths available to students of Slavic languages and cultures is constantly expanding. On any given day, in fact, you can find dozens of nurses, farmers, business professionals, artists, teachers, construction workers, funeral parlor owners, adoption workers, missionaries, entertainment entourages, athletes and school children traveling between the US and the countries of the former Soviet Union.

Each year, thousands of US citizens find satisfying and profitable work for which knowledge of a Slavic language and culture is critical. Hundreds of law firms, consulting agencies and accounting groups have opened offices in these countries, including such big names as Ernst and Young and Andersen Consulting. High-tech computer, energy, and communications suppliers such as Cray Research, Apple Computer, AT&T and Mobil are well-established in these areas, as well. The United States Embassy, Peace Corps, and scores of city governments and Sister City programs offer exciting and profitable opportunities to people of all ages and backgrounds, from teaching English as a Second language, to organizing and participating in small business and academic exchanges. Food and other service industries–including Ben and Jerry’s, Pizza Hut, M&M Mars, Phillip Morris, and nearly every other nationally dominant chain from US and Europe — are now well established in these countries. Similarly, the number of charitable, religious, academic, and political organizations with ties to these regions has grown beyond enumeration. All of these companies, institutions, and organizations need individuals whose lists of talents include familiarity with at least one Slavic language and culture.

Career Opportunities for Russian Majors

Public Sector

NASA
FBI
Coast Guard
USAID
Energy Dept.
Broadcasting Board of Governors
NSA / CIA
Commerce Dept.
State Dept.
Dept. of Defense
Nuclear Reg. Commission
Dept. of Agriculture
Export Import Bank
Intl. Trade Com.

Private Sector

Morgan Stanley
Microsoft
General Motors
Otis Elevator
Reebok
Hewlett Packard
Delta Airlines
Price Waterhouse
Citibank
3M
Ford
AT&T
Honeywell
Gillette
Avon
Exxon / Mobil

NGO’s

Peace Corps
AA
Amnesty International
Citizens Watch
Nonviolence International
Green Cross
International Resettlement Agencies
IREX
ACTR / ACCELS
Mother & Child
Church Missions
Women’s Crisis Center of St. Pbg .