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Career Preparation

Why study Chinese?

Chinese is one of the U.S. government's top 13 critical need languages for U.S. students in higher education. As a language that will increasingly define the 21st century, Chinese is crucial for careers in business, government, the arts, nonprofits, and other sectors.

Over a billion people speak Chinese, giving Americans who learn the language a distinct advantage. Knowledge of the Chinese language is invaluable for understanding emerging business markets, contemporary politics, and the history of world cultures.

They stand out on the job market as leaders, go-getters, and global professionals. Chinese Flagship students graduate with Superior level Chinese and international internship experience.

Want to learn more about how Flagship prepares you for a career?

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Professional language proficiency

When you study Mandarin Chinese through the Chinese Flagship Program, you are able to accelerate your language learning and become professionally proficient by graduation. Our innovative program goes beyond basic communication, giving you the opportunity to reach Superior level proficiency and learn vocabulary specific to your field. You also have the opportunity to use Chinese in a professional setting while interning with an organization in Taiwan.

Stand out as a global professional

Distinguishing yourself as a Chinese Flagship student adds considerable value to your degree, demonstrating to future employers your commitment to international engagement. You will have many options to choose from whether working for a multinational corporation, pursuing a career in national security, or exploring another of the countless opportunities requiring Chinese.

By pairing your studies with the Chinese Flagship Program, you set yourself up for success after graduation, standing out on the job market as a leader, innovator, subject matter expert, and global professional.

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Flagship is a great opportunity to add another skill to your professional portfolio before you graduate.

Tyler Bennett, Flagship student

The Walter Center for Career Achievement is here to help

Dedicated to students majoring in the College of Arts and Sciences, of which the School of Global and International Studies is a part, the Walter Center will help you navigate the path to your future with focused career community programming, one-on-one advising services, information on career events and career courses, an extensive online resource library, and internships and job postings. Get advice about how to write your resume and prepare for job interviews, too.

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Desk Lounge area of internship
Student standing in front of Indiana University sign

Zachary Ignoffo, Class of 2016

IU Major: Economic Consulting/Technology Management, Minor in Chinese Capstone
Internship: PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Risk Assurance associate intern
Current Job: PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Cybersecurity Advisory associate

A photo of Zachary Ignoffo

“I joined the Chinese Flagship because it is the only way to learn Mandarin and increase your fluency to a professional level. The extra classes, one-on-one tutoring sessions, extracurriculars, and the study abroad programs all help students immerse themselves in the language and reach a level of Chinese far beyond that of regular classes.

The Flagship Program has been a positive experience for me in many ways, including the opportunity to study in China and experience another culture. Flagship offers a huge support network and Chen Laoshi is with you every step of the way.

Being in the Kelley School with a rigorous course load, I wasn’t sure I could keep up with the language classes and requirements, but the Flagship staff helped me manage my classes and complete my double major in Kelley, along with the Chinese Minor.

I would recommend this program to anyone who is serious about learning Chinese. Putting in the time and effort opens you up to a new understanding of Chinese culture and language, through unparalleled experiences.”