The most direct way for graduates in language and literature studies to use their specialist knowledge is in teaching and research within their own specialist discipline. There are opportunities in these fields at specialist colleges as well as at universities. Graduates in language and literature studies may work at colleges and universities as assistants, research associates, lecturers or professors.
The usual way to start an academic career is to take up an assistant's post at a
university. Assistants are usually employed on a temporary contract and complete a dissertation during this period. A doctorate is an academic qualification which is recognized in the private sector as well as by universities and specialist colleges. It is a prerequisite for progressing in an academic career. A post-doctoral position (postdoc) is a temporary, independent research post with no junior staff attached and usually with no teaching obligations. Post-doctoral research is an indispensable prerequisite for a university career. However, the earnings potential is lower in the universities than in the Swiss industry so there is a lack of young academics with a Swiss background.
Mobility is very important for an academic career. For research careers,
at least part of the person's higher education is spent abroad. Other countries, both near and far, must also be considered as potential job markets. It pays to forge links with other countries during a study visit.