A degree in Italian strengthens your credentials and offers unique career paths in International Business, Law, International Affairs, Education, Diplomacy, Translation, Security, Retail, Design, Fashion, Apparel Merchandizing, Public Relations, Communication Arts, Telecommunications, Historian, Management, Arts Administration, Public or Environmental Affairs.
Our graduates acquire and develop versatile world-readiness skills and competences that can be applied in a variety of different careers:
- intercultural knowledge and competence;
- public speaking;
- leadership;
- creative and critical thinking and writing;
- communication;
- analysis and interpretation;
- collaboration;
- conflict management;
- self-expression.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers confirms that a degree in foreign languages assures the highest salary among the liberal arts majors. Read more here and here.
Many Italian companies do business in the US: Fiat Chrysler, Armani, Bulgari, Dolce&Gabbana, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Peroni, Bianchi Bicycle, Lavazza, Illy, Edison G&E, Ferrero, Vespa, Telecom, EXOR, Unicredit, Enel, etc.
Many US companies do business in Italy: Cisco, Eli Lilly, Microsoft, Mars, Tetra Pak, PepsiCo, Fedex, S.C Johnson, Kraft, Unilever, McDonalds, Kellog, Starcom Mediavest, etc.
From Steve Jobs to Wall Street Journal to Forbes, everyone agrees that a degree in liberal arts gives you an edge in the ever-changing job market: “technology alone isn’t enough” and therefore “software companies are discovering that liberal arts thinking makes them stronger.” Read more here and here.
Studies have shown that a degree in a less-commonly taught language adds significant amount to your salary, with Italian being at the top of the list. Read more here.
Studies have shown that knowing a second language provides a significant advantage over competitors in job market.
What can you do with a major in Italian?
UW-Madison Letters and Sciences SuccessWorks provides career advising.
Handshake connects students and employers.
UW-Madison Language Institute offers career advising.
The Institute for Regional and International Studies Advising Office offers advising in the area of international opportunities and helps students navigate international resources at the UW-Madison.
If you are interested in international internships, visit the International Internship Program’s advising service.
Seek and Gain Experience (outside the classroom)
Morgridge Center for Public Service
Center for Leadership and Involvement
Study Abroad with UW International Academic Programs
Study Abroad with the School of Business
Study Abroad with International Engineering Studies and Programs
Consider taking INTER-LS 210: L&S Career Development: Taking Initiative – This one-credit course helps students develop critical skills and knowledge for making future career-related decisions. Designed specifically for L&S students, or those exploring an L&S major, course discussion focuses on leveraging and articulating the value of the liberal arts and science degree. Our goal is to enforce students’ capacity to become leaders, innnovators, and entrepreneueurs in the 21st-centrury workforce. Students are encouraged to take the courese in their second-year of college.
Career Exploration (online tools)
Bureau of Labor and Statistics
Join Badger Bridge: This professional network is an exclusive place where UW-Madison alumni and students can come together to offer support in achieving career goals and exploring professional opportunities.