Professionals who can speak, write and understand another language or several languages fluently, are more in demand today than ever before. The global economy and multiethnic populations in many countries are creating an increasing need for those who are able to communicate proficiently in other languages. The career outlook for people who are bilingual or multilingual is excellent.
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook issued by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the profession of Interpreter was projected to grow by 42 percent between 2010 and 2020. Other occupations requiring the working knowledge of another language are expected to see future growth as well.
The Best Careers for Multilinguals
Individuals who are multilingual find that they are able to earn up to 20 percent more than those who speak one language, especially when language skills are used extensively in their occupation. People who earn professional certifications showing mastery of other languages can earn considerably more. Multilingual professionals work in a variety of interesting occupations. A small sampling of these are:
- Bilingual Translators And Interpreters
- Bilingual Human Resources Professionals
- Marketing Directors
- Medical Professionals – Including Nurses, Physicians, Physician Assistants and office staff
- Journalists
- Teachers and Language Teachers
- Ambassadors, Diplomats and staff
Being Proficient in Other Languages Opens Career Doors
English is the primary language of many countries, but being bilingual in the world today opens up many new and exciting career opportunities. Those who can successfully use two or more languages find that interesting career opportunities are just the beginning. People who can communicate in other languages find that their potential to have a positive influence on companies and on people all over the world is the most rewarding aspect of being bilingual or multilingual.
Some of the most popular languages that people become proficient in include Spanish, German, Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Russian, Burmese, Arabic and Afrikaans. Once a person is able to speak fluently, write fluently and completely understand another language, they also find that they have a valuable, additional skill that can give them a competitive edge over other job applicants.
Consider the Job Expectations
Those who speak other languages fluently need to think about whether the expectations of jobs that demand their unique skill fit their personality. People who love to be in groups, enjoy sharing knowledge and who are able to excel at public speaking tend do well as teachers or as language teachers. Those who excel in writing their chosen language and who love to work independently can do well in settings as a written translator.
Professionals who enjoy working in small groups and who love variety and challenges in their work surroundings may find they enjoy working as an interpreter. Government jobs as diplomats and as ambassadors are fascinating and offer excellent job satisfaction for those who thrive while working in challenging settings.
Many Careers to Choose From
Bilingual and multilingual professionals find that more careers are open to them today, due to the constantly changing global business atmosphere. Jobs can now be found in management, manufacturing, web design and web businesses, administrative positions, hospitality industry careers, legal professions non-profit agency careers and child care, along with more traditional multilingual careers in translating, interpretation and teaching.
With so many new and exciting opportunities for those who are fluent in other languages, many are finding that it pays to learn another language when possible. Being able to work in an exciting career field that is very much in demand is one of the best benefits of being bilingual in a global economy. Many countries today have populations that speak more than one language. Learning another language and becoming proficient in that language can pay off in many ways.
