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Department ofModern Languages and Literatures

Students share why they studied languages

Erin Odell, French Major, Class of 2010
Customer Marketing at Zendesk

My language major has supported my professional life significantly. Zendesk was founded by three Danes and we have offices all over the world. As a global company, many of my co-workers have an international background. Having spent time overseas, living with a French family, I believe I have a better understanding of the intricacies of different cultures. I am able to appreciate my co-workers and their work style better because of my immersion experience. Further, our French Marketing Manager will occasionally approach me with a translation question as I am familiar with the colloquialisms of both the United States and France. I am pleased that I am able to help a colleague as a result of my language education. I am extremely proud of my choice to major in French and I encourage current students to explore the idea of majoring or minoring in a foreign language.