The study of a second language complements any career as it broadens a student's intercultural understanding, improves communication skills, facilitates international business and expands international work opportunities. Fluency in French and/or Spanish can give an applicant for any position a clear advantage over unilingual candidates. In Canada, proficiency in French is desirable in civil service positions and the study of French and/or Spanish can also lead to a career in foreign service. Specializing in French and/or Spanish can lead to a career in teaching or translation/interpretation, as well as open doors to graduate study, international business, international law and many other fields. Learning a second language helps one better understand one's native language, and helps to develop a student's analytical and critical reading skills. In the global economy where free trade within the Americas, Europe and Asia is constantly expanding, a foreign language is increasingly becoming an essential tool.
Graduates may also go on to professional studies (for example in fields such as law, business, education, etc.) or may continue to graduate studies (for a Master's or Doctoral program) in French or Spanish.
B.A. graduates generally have superior skills in conceptual analysis, evaluation and critical reasoning, leadership motivation, and interpersonal and communication skills.