Careers in Foreign Languages
Put your language to work
Jim Rowland is the Director of International Sales for Wright Tool Co. in Barberton, Ohio. Jim uses his Spanish every day in his career to communicate with his customers.
Careers
Successful global citizens combine professional skills in their chosen field with advanced-proficiency language skills and a thorough knowledge of the target culture to extend the boundaries of their career search area. The following fields offer limitless possibilities for global application:
-
Business, Industry, and Commerce
As global communication increases, opportunities for foreign language speakers in the business world continue to grow. Business, industry, and commerce need employees who can negotiate business in their clients' native cultures.
-
Education
Education institutions, from elementary schools to colleges and universities, are always looking for a foreign language teachers. There is also a growing need for foreign language teachers to aid bi-lingual students and non-native English speakers in U.S. classrooms.
-
Law
More and more lawyers, paralegals, clerks, and legal secretaries are discovering the advantages of having foreign language skills. Lawyers should speak and understand the language of their clients in order to adives them appropriately.
-
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
A major or minor in the fields of science, technology, engineering or mathematics combined with a major or minor in a foreign language or languages can prove essential in the emerging global marketplace.
-
Social Services
Social services professionals and those in the medical field need to understand the language of thier clientele and patients in order to provide them with the best possible care.
-
Travel
The travel industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. Travel bureaus, tourist agencies, airlines, hotels, and travel guide publishers are seeking individuals with foreign language skills to accomodate the many travelers heading to all corners of the globe.
-
Government
The U.S. government is one of the nation's largest employers and has exciting job opportunities for candidates with foreign language skills. Federal jobs offer competitive salaries to professionals who specialize in foreign languages and are knowledgeable in foreign cultures.
-
Media
Professionals in broadcasting and journalism often need knowledge of foreign languages in order to perform their jobs. Interviewing individuals and reporting from foreign countries can be difficult or impossible if the reporter does not speak the local language.
