Beyond the Degree

Notes by Emilie Hensel - 2/12/2025

Linguistics Related Internships/Fellowships/Institutes and other programs

• The Language Conservancy, language revitalization organization
  • Career and internship opportunities in language revitalization
• CoLang is a summer program that runs every other year
  • Summer program at rotating universities that works with language documentation/revitalization
  • 2 weeks of classes and 3-week practicum (optional)
• Linguistic Institute summer program
  • Run by LSA
• Lots of options for funding for all these programs, especially for undergrads, talk to department for funding help
• Fellowships available for recent graduates for grad programs/English language teaching/studying languages/etc.

Grad School Notes

• Prestige of schools not necessarily tell of good grad linguistics program
• There are few linguistics programs, so they are very competitive
  • Programs often may provide stipends/funding for PhDs
• Master’s programs are usually more specialized, more like pre-professional programs
• Master’s and BA in linguistics can result in similar career opportunities
• Can get into PhD program straight from a BA program
  • Master’s might be good to have for specific PhD programs but not necessary
  • Personal statements can be tricky, but faculty is happy to help with them
• Having a gap between undergrad and grad school is normal
  • Keep in touch with professors during that gap period
  • If you know you might want to go to grad school while an undergrad talk to professors now about it even if there is a gap (Helpful for them to remember you)
• Reach out to professors AND grad students in prospective grad programs you want to apply to for more information on what the program is like
  • Grad students may be less busy and more likely to give candid answers

Linguistics Related Careers (not grad school)

• Explaining what linguistics is can be tricky, but it will set you apart to future employers
• 3 career pathways that could happen after graduation

1. Get a job that requires skills from the degree directly
2. Get a job that requires a BA specifically
3. Get a job that has nothing to really do with your degree

• Major employers for linguistics majors tend to be things in language teaching, positions in tech, legal or marketing
• Networking can be pivotal, reach out to previous WWU ling grads
• Lots of resources on the Linguistics department website
• Utilize career services!
  • Have their help for life!
• LingList post a lot of job opportunities and internships
  • Predominantly PhD opportunities but there are others too (might need to search around a little more to find them)