The Power of Language and Culture: Graduate Career Paths
A degree in Hispanic Studies and Latino Studies is a powerful asset that transcends industries, serving as a direct path to meaningful work and cultural connection.
Whether you pursue a career in education as a dual language teacher, enter the field of healthcare or social work to provide vital linguistic access, or work in legal and public service as an attorney or first responder, your degree will open doors.
Graduates consistently report that their studies not only provide crucial Spanish fluency and cultural competence but also foster compassion, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for diverse histories, making them more effective professionals and global citizens.
Education
Azeneth Velázquez Gutiérrez (2025)
Dual Language Teacher: Celebrating Diversity in the Classroom
“Getting my Hispanic Studies minor helped me achieve my goal of becoming a teacher who represents and celebrates diversity in the classroom. My minor helped me reach my dream job as a dual language teacher in Spanish and English. I’m truly grateful for the Hispanic Studies program, it deepened my love for the Spanish language and strengthened my appreciation for the stories and histories of Spanish speaking communities.”
Bayley Gochanour (2022)
High School Spanish Teacher: The Major that Changed My Career Choice
“Adding a Hispanic Studies major alongside my Global Studies major truly changed the course of my life and career. Studying Spanish and Hispanic Studies opened the door to a career teaching Spanish at Clover Park High School. After graduating in 2022, I spent a year teaching English in Sevilla, Spain. Speaking Spanish has also allowed me to connect deeply with the Spanish-speaking community at my school and to serve as a bridge for students and families. The Hispanic Studies program shaped me through countless empathy-building and eye-opening experiences.”
Jackal Tanelorn (2009)
Living and Working Abroad: A Consistent Advantage in Life
“Getting a BA in Spanish was one of the best decision I ever made. It gave this gringo the opportunity to live and work in Mexico City for 10 years and it has helped me relate to people in a way that I would not have had access to.”
Michele Hegg González (2009)
Language Analyst & Entrepreneur: The Degree that Changed My Life
“Getting a degree in Spanish at PLU literally changed the trajectory of my life. Over the years, I have made so many deep connections with people in Spanish…I can’t imagine what my life would be like if I had decided not to pursue a minor in Spanish at PLU. Learning another language opens so many doors of opportunity. One thing that has always been a consistent advantage for me is knowing Spanish.”
Healthcare & Social Work
Teal Flanagan (2010)
Therapist: Using Spanish to Start the Healing Process
“In every job since college I have used my Spanish in my work with Spanish speaking patients and clients. It was crucial to be able to communicate with them in their native language, not only for understanding but to help them feel more comfortable to share their stories and begin their healing. My clients have always been grateful I could communicate with them!”
Jordan Jasorka (2019)
Burn Center Nurse: Providing Peace and Comfort in High-Acuity Care
“As a nurse working in quite intense situations, understanding and speaking another language can be immensely beneficial. I’ve been able to leverage the linguistic ability I gained through PLU’s Hispanic Studies program to provide peace, comfort, and be more in tune with pain for the patients I serve. The knowledgeable and supportive faculty emphasize the importance of immersion and cultural understanding.”
Maylen Anthony (2016)
Public Health: Became a More Curious and Compassionate Person
“Majoring in Hispanic Studies made me a much more curious and compassionate person, and changed my life in ways I could not have expected! After graduating in 2016, I spent a year living on a farm in Uruguay, got a master’s in public health, and started a career in health communication and research. In such a tumultuous world, this department is so necessary!”
Legal & Public Service
Joanna Morales (2019)
Youth Attorney: Opening Doors and Fighting for My Community
“As a fluent Spanish speaker, learning about my culture, history, and traditions has been monumental in the way I show up for myself and for my clients! I have been able to use my degree to work with survivors of domestic violence and now as a youth attorney! This degree has truly opened so many doors and opportunities.”
Riley Dolan (2019)
Firefighter & First Responder: Practical Language and Cultural Competence
“I’ve had a couple different jobs since graduating from PLU. Teaching abroad in Guatemala, working for several political nonprofits, and now most recently joining the Seattle Fire Department. In each job my Hispanic Studies degree helped me, both in a practical sense of being able to speak Spanish, and also in a cultural competence sense.”
Christina Easley (2019)
Public Service: Critical Cultural and Language Competency
“The cultural and language competency are the most important takeaways for me and are certainly critical in today’s climate. I have an eye out for my community in ways I probably wouldn’t have – in terms of having more framework for peoples’ lived experiences and being able to actually speak to folks in their native language with more fluency.”