Careers & Internships

Multilingual professionals are in high demand across nearly every industry. A degree in Languages, Literatures & Cultures builds more than language fluency — it builds cross-cultural communication, analytical thinking, and global awareness that employers consistently rank among their most sought-after skills. Whether you're interested in diplomacy, international business, education, journalism, or public service, your path starts here.

What LL&C Graduates Go On to Do

LL&C graduates are prepared for careers in a wide range of industries that require intercultural competence and multilingual skills. Our alumni go on to become:

 
  • International Business & Relations Professionals
  • Diplomats & Foreign Service Officers
  • Policy Analysts & Intelligence Analysts
  • Journalists & Foreign Correspondents
  • NGO & Humanitarian Workers
  • Translators & Interpreters
  • K–12 and University Educators
  • Global Marketing Specialists & Market Research Analysts

Regardless of the field you enter, your LL&C education equips you with capabilities that set you apart. Graduates demonstrate:

 
  • Cross-cultural communication
  • Multilingual proficiency
  • Analytical and interpretive skills
  • Research and writing excellence
  • Adaptability and global awareness
Career fair

Internships for Course Credit

CLTR 3980: Career Readiness in LL&C is the department's signature internship course, designed to bridge your academic work and your professional future. Part of the CAHSS 4D Career Fridays initiative, the course pairs an 8–10 week community internship with structured reflection, career development workshops, and a professional portfolio — all grounded in both English and your target language of study.

Students enroll for 2 or 4 credits and are matched with a community partner whose mission aligns with their professional aspirations. Partners span a variety of disciplines and sectors across the Greater Denver Metro area.

What You'll Gain

Career Readiness

Articulate how your internship and your broader LL&C studies have developed the competencies employers are looking for, including intercultural communication, critical thinking, and cross-cultural collaboration.

Real Connections

Build a professional network beyond DU by working directly with community partners and establishing relationships that can lead to opportunities after graduation.

Reflective Growth

Develop self-awareness about your own professional direction through structured reflection on your linguistic, cultural, and personal growth throughout the experience.

What You'll Study and Practice

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    Interlingual & Intercultural Communication

    Develop expertise in communicating across languages and cultures in a professional context

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    Critical & Analytical Thinking

    Apply interpretive and analytical skills when engaging with diverse literary, cultural, and professional materials

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    Empathy & Equity

    Engage thoughtfully with a variety of human experiences, including questions of diversity, equity, and inclusion

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    Community Contribution

    Apply your multilingual and multicultural competencies to function in and collaboratively contribute to local and global communities

FAQs

  • Who is this course for?

    CLTR 3980 is open to students majoring in Languages, Literatures & Cultures who are ready to apply their skills in a professional community setting. Speak with your faculty advisor to confirm readiness and fit with your plan of study.

  • How many credits can I earn?

    Students may register for 2 or 4 credits, depending on their schedule and goals.

  • Where are the internship placements?

    You'll be matched with a community partner from a variety of disciplines across the Greater Denver Metro area, chosen based on alignment with your professional aspirations and language concentration.

  • Does it have to be a language-specific internship?

    Not necessarily. LL&C skills are broadly applicable — what matters is that your placement offers meaningful opportunities to engage your intercultural and multilingual competencies in a real professional context.

  • What does the coursework look like?

    Alongside your internship hours, you'll engage with readings, workshops, and reflective assignments — and build a professional portfolio that showcases your community-facing work. Reflection components are conducted in both English and your target language of study. 

  • How do I participate?

    We recommend connecting with your language advisor. Reach out to Rachel Walsh to get started. 

Professional Development in Languages, Literatures & Cultures

Explore Career Pathways

From diplomacy and foreign service to global marketing and translation, an LL&C degree prepares you for a wide range of careers. LL&C also pairs well with high-demand fields like business, computer science, psychology, health sciences, and public policy.

Learn More

Study Abroad

Immersive study abroad experience is a standout part of the LL&C journey — building confidence, intercultural competence, and a compelling story to tell in internships and interviews.

Learn More