Campus Connection

Russian Studies helps student sharpen soft skills for career in mental health 

Emily Riley, a student UW-La Crosse student, may not work with Russian speakers in her current job, but the skills she developed through studying the language have proven invaluable in her field. 

As a youth mental health technician at Innovative Services, a local nonprofit that supports individuals with disabilities, Riley regularly draws on the soft skills she honed during her time as a Russian language student. These skills — such as patience, active listening, and providing constructive feedback — are essential to her work in mental health. 

Throughout her academic career at UWL, Riley practiced Russian with conversation partners every week for a year. In subsequent years, she continued her language involvement by volunteering to mentor students just beginning to learn Russian. This experience helped her strengthen skills that directly translate into her professional life. 

“Every day at work is different, so I find that my ability to adapt and change my perspective to better understand my clients is incredibly helpful and is something that I have been able to work on through being a conversation partner at UWL,” explains Riley.  "The Russian Studies program has taught me so much about how to communicate effectively both in another language, as well as just in my day-to-day life.” 

Natalia Roberts, UWL teaching professor of Russian, says one of her primary goals as an instructor is to empower students to become confident and proficient communicators.  

“This involves not only honing their language skills but also encouraging them to be active listeners and tactful negotiators,” says Roberts. 

Riley’s skills in communication, problem solving and collaboration, cultivated through both her language studies and job experience, are essential for her future aspirations of becoming a school psychologist.  

“A majority of my current and future professional responsibilities rely on these skills,” she says. “I will need to work with care teams, other staff members, and families to provide clients or children with the supports that best fit their needs.” 

Not only has the Russian Studies program given Riley soft skills, but she has also learned a lot about the Russian language and grammar. After five semesters in the program, Riley earned the prestigious Global Seal of Biliteracy Certificate by taking a nationally-recognized proficiency exam and demonstrating 'intermediate mid' proficiency in Russian. She joins several of her peers in UWL’s Russian Program who have earned this distinguished certification. 

Over the past 20 years, Roberts has seen Russian Studies program graduates venture into diverse fields such as cybersecurity, diplomacy, biochemistry, physics, engineering, history, psychology, law and teaching English in the Russian-speaking countries.

“One of the greatest joys for an instructor is receiving updates from alumni, sharing that the skills they gained in the language program have proven useful in their careers,” she says. 

Learn more about UWL's Russian Studies Certificate program.