I was a pupil of Sonja Karsen, who was also my Spanish advisor, and I graduated in 1984. So briefly, since my graduation, this is what has happened:
1984-1985 worked for Cortefiel, S.A., a big clothing manufacturer and retailer, in their export department, coordinating their exports to the USA
1985-1987 worked for Kenning Atlantic, a real estate firm, as a secretary
1987-1988 worked for Conurban, S.A., a construction company, as secretary
1988-1992 worked for Fortuny Abogados, law firm, as private secretary for one of the partners of the firm
1993-1996 worked for Santa Ana 1, S.L., a fiscal office, as secretary and handling foreigners matters
To be honest, I was hired in most cases because of my English capabilities, in order to deal with foreign clients, mostly British. Nonetheless my Spanish was a must just to be able to understand my boss, get along with co-workers and deal with the Notary, Tax Office, etc. Where it has been most helpful however is in my everyday life. I married a Spaniard in 1995 and have a small boy, who is bilingual. I am currently on the school board, I am the secretary of the Parents Association at school and also a Platform (association) to go against gravel pits. Furthermore I am the head of a company, soon to be operational, of what we call here rural tourism (turismo rural), comprised of a rental villa in the country and taking people on excursions – hiking, biking, climbing, etc.