Find The Right Job

Language Jobs

Prepare students, individuals, and companies for our global world by providing language training in a variety of settings. Or work as a languages expert, by providing translation and interpretation for the government, businesses, the travel industry, or other job sectors.

You may not even need to leave your town to find one of the growing numbers of language jobs available. Job opportunities for translators and interpreters are as overwhelming as the scenario for visitors to a foreign country who dont know how to speak the language.

Language jobs are expected to spike by 42 percent from 2010 to 2020, due to the growth of non-English speaking individuals in the U.S. and greater international ties, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. You can translate the written word or interpret what an individual is saying or signing.

By focusing on languages, you also can find careers in the arts, music, business, religious organizations, non-profit organizations, communications, finance, information services, medicine, science, social services, and government agencies such as the U.S. Department of State. Public and private schools are seeking teachers, especially in languages such as Mandarin Chinese. Pay depends on education, skills, experience, and the type of employer, but the median annual pay for interpreters and translators, for example, was $43,300 in May 2010, according to the Bureau.

Preparing for a language job can start in high school, by taking as many foreign language classes as possible. Traveling to foreign countries also can enable you to become more fluent in the language, so that you can teach others how to speak that language. Another type of language job is in the area of literacy, helping children and adults learn how to read.

Language jobs require strong listening, speaking, and writing skills, as well as understanding and being sensitive to cultural differences, according to the Bureau. Some individuals in language jobs hold bachelors and masters degrees. Certification in languages such as Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and Arabic is offered by some industry groups, such as organizations in the legal and medical fields.

Saying hello in multiple languages can open multiple doors for you.