FROM STUDY TO SKILLS
All academic programs offered at the UM help students develop valuable transferable skills. The University of Michigan Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (CREES) is dedicated to advancing and disseminating interdisciplinary knowledge about the peoples, nations, and cultures of Russia, Central and Eastern Europe, and Eurasia, past and present. In our increasingly global world, the breadth offered by a CREES concentration makes it an ideal liberal arts major.
As an REES concentrator you will develop a broad range of skills, from competence in at least one foreign language, to analytic abilities, awareness of other cultures, and interpersonal skills that can be applied to a wide range of careers.
Related fields include Anthropology, Economics, Business, History, Political Science, Public Policy, Screen Arts and Cultures, Slavic Languages and Literatures, Near Eastern Studies, and Sociology.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Research / Project Development Skills
Integrating different approaches
Working with original sources
Identifying areas for research
Planning long-term projects
Proposing hypotheses
Applying methodologies from many disciplines
Analytical Skills
Reading critically
Reading for content and tone
Comparing different translations
Perceiving patterns
Synthesizing information
Identifying and questioning assumptions
Cross-Cultural Skills
Sensitivity to issues of ethnicity and nationalism
Working with people from different cultures
Acknowledging value systems
Understanding historical origins of present societies
Applying interdisciplinary knowledge to a region
Interpreting cultural norms
Communication Skills
Advanced language training
Translating and interpreting
Writing clearly
Conveying complex ideas
Making oral presentations
BUILDING YOUR SKILLS OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Employers seek out individuals who can demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, teamwork and interpersonal skills, initiative, and a strong work ethic. Student organizations and campus employment offer valuable opportunities to add to the skills you are developing in your classes. Study abroad experiences are particularly helpful to improve language proficiency and gain intercultural skills. Other options include off-campus employment, volunteering in the community, or working abroad. Finally, a summer internship may be the best way of all to test out a career field and develop marketable skills.
FROM SKILLS TO CAREER
REES concentrators develop both general and technical skills applicable to a wide range of careers. For example, cross-cultural communication skills may be equally useful whether working as a foundation project manager, a corporate recruiter, or a freelance journalist. Many concentrators go on to graduate or professional school. The list below is a sample of careers undertaken by Russian, East European and Eurasian graduates.
Research / Project Development Skills
Legislative researcher
Intelligence agency researcher 
Population policy researcher
Marketing services manager
Professional association director
Archivist
Manuscript curator
Museum curator
Folklorist
Analytical Skills
State Department area specialist
Investment analyst
Foreign acquisitions lawyer
International affairs lawyer
Commercial loan investigator
Political risk consultant
International banker
Development officer
College professor
Interpersonal / Cross-Cultural Skills
Anthropologist
Sister city program coordinator
Foreign service officer
Customs/immigration officer
Ombudsperson
Insurance salesperson
Relocation coordinator
Corporate trainer
Relief agency worker
International foundation programs officer
Diversity trainer
Study abroad advisor
International volunteer
Communication Skills
K-12 teacher
Language school operator
Legislator
Translator
Acquisitions editor
Journalist
Foreign correspondent (all media)
Newsletter writer
= Further Study Required
For more career information, see O*Net at http://online.onetcenter.org/
CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS
REES offers several options for undergraduates, all of which provide great flexibility in choosing an interdisciplinary course of study. Undergraduate courses in anthropology, economics, history, political science, screen arts and cultures, Slavic languages and literatures, and sociology provide many options for focusing on Russia, Eastern Europe, and/or Eurasia as an undergraduate concentrator or minor. Concentrators need to gain proficiency in a regional language. REES offers 15-credit minors in Russian Studies and Eastern European Studies.
In addition, CREES is one of only a few U-M units that offers a Concurrent Undergraduate-Graduate Study Program that allows students to earn a B.A. or B.S. and REES M.A. in five years. Study abroad in a relevant country is highly encouraged, but not required. Refer to the LSA Bulletin or the Center website for further information on prerequisites and requirements.
Center for Russian, East European, & Eurasian Studies
International Institute
1080 South University Ave., Suite 3668
734-764-0351
www.ii.umich.edu/crees
Newnan Advising Center
1255 Angell Hall
734-764-0332
www.lsa.umich.edu/advising
NEXT STEPS / RESOURCES
To begin exploring opportunities for overseas study and work, go to: http://lsa.umich.edu/cgis/ or
http://global.umich.edu/going-abroad/study-abroad/
To begin connecting to professionals in fields that interest you, create your own LinkedIn account:
www.careercenter.umich.edu/article/getting-started-linkedin
To identify internships or job opportunities, visit Handshake: https://careercenter.umich.edu/article/handshake
On-campus jobs (work-study and non work-study jobs) are listed at: https://studentemployment.umich.edu/JobX_Home.aspx
Maize Pages list hundreds of organizations for students to get involved in: http://studentorgs.umich.edu/maize
The Career Center
3200 Student Activities Building
734-764-7460
www.careercenter.umich.edu
www.facebook.com/careercenter.umich
http://twitter.com/careercenter
The Career Guide series was developed by the University of Michigan Career Center, Division of Student Affairs, in cooperation with the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. ©2013 Regents of the University of Michigan