Career Opportunities

Classics: What Can I Do With This Major? (PDF)

"One of the many things I learned at the end of that Classics corridor down which I ventured at the age of 18, in search of something I could not then define, was this, written by the Greek author Plutarch: What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.

"That is an astonishing statement and yet proven a thousand times every day of our lives. It expresses, in part, our inescapable connection with the outside world, the fact that we touch other people’s lives simply by existing."

--J. K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series.

 

TODAY'S CHALLENGES demonstrate the need for leaders and managers who take words and ideas seriously, who are capable of looking outside of their own cultural and historical assumptions and approaching problems from every angle, and whose choices are informed by long-term perspectives and a concern for the judgment of posterity.

The study of Classics has long been recognized as among the most demanding academic programs and an excellent preparation for a wide range of professions and careers.

 

"Classical Studies are excellent preparation for a student who wishes to study law.  I would have no hesitation in recommending that a student pursue Classical Studies in preparation for law school."

--L. Ray Patterson, former Dean,
Emory University School of Law

Click here for a conversation with a GVSU Classics alumna about her experiences in law school.

 

Classics graduates have careers in fields as varied as writing or publishing, teaching at the university or secondary level, law, business, medicine, communications, the ministry, library or museum work, government service, and anywhere else where a strong and solid liberal arts education is valued.

 

"Classical languages on a transcript indicate seriousness of purpose and true devotion to a rigorous program of study."

 --Fred Zuker, Vice President and Dean of Student Services, University of Dallas

 

A degree in Classics does not limit a student to a single career track. Instead, it opens doors to many wide and exciting possibilities. Our students have the opportunity for internships in a variety of fields, which will offer them significant career experience even as they continue their undergraduate study.

 

"Latin trains abstract thinking, provides a key to all modern Romance languages, is a model for interdisciplinary study (language, history, culture), and can be a lot of fun."

--Michael C. Behnke, Vice President for Enrollment, University of Chicago

 

 

Career Spotlights

Latin Teacher Spotlight

Latin Teacher

"Beckwith's passion led him to a good job market, as there continues to be a national shortage of qualified Latin teachers."

Actor/ Clown/ Theatrical Director Spotlight

Actor/ Clown/ Theatrical Director

Hannah Gaff, Class of 2008, is the recipient of a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award to Egypt. Hannah will lecture at the Egyptian Academy of Arts as part of a project entitled: Devised Theatre as a Tool for Community Transformation.

Software Designer Spotlight

Software Designer

"[T]he skills I built while studying ancient languages, philosophy and rhetoric have been invaluable in my career as a software designer..."

Federal Ethics Official Spotlight

Federal Ethics Official

Brigette Frantz '03 is Associate General Counsel for Ethics in the Office of the General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration Review.

View More Career Spotlights



Page last modified July 28, 2023