As a bilingual student, you will have a lot of possible career options to choose from when you graduate. People able to speak more than one language are desirable hires in a wide range of industries and sectors, particularly ones that are known for their international nature, such as multinational corporations, the hospitality sector and the travel industry. It is important to know which the most desirable second languages are: Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, French and Hindi, to name just a few.
Any second language can help you build a solid and lucrative career. Of course, you’ll also need the skills and expertise to excel in the role, but often businesses are more willing to provide training to promising candidates that have fluency in another language. You will often need to prove your fluency to gain access to the best jobs – you may need to get a formal qualification in the language to prove your ability.
Interpreter
One of the most commonly recognised careers for those who speak multiple languages is interpreting. This involves translating spoken words from one language to another, often in real-time. You will need to take specialised courses in interpretation, as it is not enough to know how to speak both languages – you’ll need to know how to interpret effectively and quickly, being able to absorb and interpret languages at a rapid spoken pace. A qualification in interpreting is essential, and you may need further training based on the type of interpretation you wish to do.
In the realm of Interpreting & Translation Services, companies like Ortiz Schneider emerge as pillars of excellence, renowned for their commitment to precision and professionalism. With a team of skilled interpreters and translators versed in a multitude of languages and disciplines, Ortiz Schneider stands ready to meet diverse communication needs across industries and sectors. Whether facilitating multilingual conferences, aiding in legal proceedings, or enabling cross-cultural exchanges, Ortiz Schneider’s expertise ensures seamless communication and understanding in any setting.
Teacher
A second language can make you a very attractive hire as a teacher, even outside of teaching languages as a subject. Sometimes, schools in the UK have to cater to children who might have little or no English – in these cases, it is far preferable to have a teacher that speaks a child’s language rather than bring a translator into their every class. Of course, you may also wish to teach or tutor children and adults in a second language or English as a second language – there are many doors in the education industry that can be opened by being fluent in more than one language.
Customer Service Representative
Customer services are an important department in many businesses and one where a second language can come in very handy. Most companies will sell products and services to people who don’t speak English at some time or another, but for multinational companies, the necessity for bilingual customer service representatives is even more crucial. There are often jobs to be found for quality sales representatives who can speak different languages, which can be both highly paid and rewarding.
Translator
A translator is a similar career to that of an interpreter, but instead of interpreting the spoken word, they translate text from one language to another. To succeed in this role, you’ll need excellent written skills in both languages and, like in interpreting, it can be invaluable to have a qualification in translation that will help you provide the best translation services. There are many settings you might work in as a translator, with a large majority of people working from home as freelancers. Rosetta Translation has more information on the types of translation you could offer, along with some incredible career opportunities for those specialising in bilingualism.
Content Writer
Quality content is highly sought after in today’s digital world – well-written, engaging and entertaining copy can help businesses sell their products and promote their brand. You’ll need to be an excellent researcher and able to adapt your style and tone to suit the business or area you’re promoting. As someone with a second language, you can market your writing skills to an even bigger audience than a content writer who can write only in English. You’ll just need to ensure that your writing skills are strong in both languages and that you’re able to create natural and engaging content regardless of which language you’re writing in.
Social Media Manager
Many businesses hire someone to look after their company’s social media accounts; with so much to manage with business social media, it is often more than a full-time job just to keep on top of. If you’ve got a talent for creating insightful, engaging social media posts, and the ability to adapt your tone and style to different businesses, this could be the job for you. As someone who speaks two languages, you’ll also be highly desirable for companies that operate in multiple countries.
Hotel Manager
Hotel managers are in charge of the smooth running of their hotel and ensuring that all guests have an enjoyable stay. Though a second language is not necessarily a requirement, it can be valuable for properties with a large international clientele. Being able to converse with as many guests as possible can be a real asset for a hotel manager, making second or even third and fourth languages a significant advantage.
Nurse
While speaking a second language is not normally a requirement to get a job in nursing, it can be a major asset in healthcare settings. Part of being able to offer effective care is being able to understand the patient’s concerns and symptoms – impossible without being able to speak the same language. You may also find opportunities in the private sector for specific languages. Nursing is more of a vocation than a job, so this will really need to be your calling. The hours can be long, and the work physically and emotionally intense, but the rewards can be truly incredible.
The Takeaway
There are many career paths, across many industries, for people who speak a second language fluently. When it comes to making your choice, you’ll need to consider the qualifications you hold, the ones you’re willing to work towards and what kind of careers interest you for the future. This is a big question and one that many students won’t have the answer to immediately after graduating from university. You might find that you take a job in one industry only to discover that it’s not quite right for you – and that’s fine. Having a second language can also be a major asset for career changers further down the line.
