University of New England

Careers in Latin American Studies

Latin American studies is an interdisciplinary program that combines subject matter from several academic disciplines to give students a broad background encompassing the historical, political, social, cultural, economic, and geographic aspects as well as languages of the region.

A degree in Latin American studies affords students a wide range of career opportunities in the United States and abroad. The continuing importance of Latin America for the U.S. and the growing Latin population in the U.S. have produced an increasing need for trained persons with a knowledge of the region to work in government, teaching, international banking, business and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as well as other fields such as medicine.

Opportunities abroad are available to graduates with a master's degree who are qualified to teach at the university level in Latin American educational institutions.

The following occupations represent some career opportunities available to Latin American studies students.  Some will require additional education. 

Admissions counselor
Anthropologist
Archivist
Attorney
Business manager
CIA/FBI agent
Civil service employee
College/university professor
Community affairs specialist
Conflict resolution specialist
Consultant
Coordinator of international students
Corporate trainer
Counselor
Cultural affairs officer
Cultural arts center coordinator
Customer relations representative
Customs/immigration officer
Drug enforcement agent
Economist
Editor/writer
Employee relations specialist
ESL teacher
Foreign language teacher
Foreign Service officer/specialist
Government agency administrator
Health and human resources director
Historian
Historic site administrator
Human resources specialist
Import/export specialist
International health care systems analyst
International airport visitors center director
International conference planner
International consultant
International education specialist
International marketing analyst
International relations specialist
International student office director/advisor
International trade specialist
Interpreter
Journalist
Librarian
Lobbyist
Lodging manager
Management consultant
Market research specialist
Missionary
Museum curator
National Security Agency linguist
Non-profit administrator
Passport examiner
Peace Corps/VISTA worker
Physician assistant
Politician
Public administrator
Public information officer
Public policy specialist
Radio announcer
Social worker
Technical writer
Tour guide
Translator
Travel consultant
Verbatim reporter (United Nations)