subject: Possible Language Career Paths [print this page] Possible Language Career Paths Possible Language Career Paths
There are many interesting careers open to those who study languages, drawing on the specific skills learned throughout their language course and often combining them with other skills taught in the early stages of the available jobs. As the following list will highlight, being a native English speaker with one or more languages can open up a world of opportunities.
Translator
Translation can take many forms and can be an extremely interesting career. Many jump at the chance to combine their language skills with their personal interests, choosing to translate anything from literature, films (creating subtitling), teaching aids, corporate strategies and all manner of different texts the list truly is endless. For example, a colleague of mine who works freelance as a translator recently worked creating audio-guides to a major museum for Spanish visitors. Translation can be a great career and a viable option for anybody wishing to use their language skills to break down barriers between nations.
Interpreting
Another great career option for people who have a second language is to become an interpreter. An interpreter can work at conferences, corporate meetings, court trials and even Government negotiations. One particularly lucrative, but very high pressure, kind of interpreting is known as simultaneous interpreting, in which the interpreter sits in a booth and translates the speech into the required language for a section of the delegates. There is also consecutive interpreting, which entails the interpreter translating after the speech has taken place. Interpreters usually specialise in a particular subject area they are knowledgeable in.
Teaching languages
Why not pass on the knowledge you have acquired through your language studies to another generation of students? Naturally, you can teach the language you learned in the UK to foreign language students, but you can also travel to the country of your language and teach English to foreign students. There is a wealth of opportunities for different languages, for example if you can speak Spanish you can of course teach English in Spain, but also many of the South American countries.
Ski instructors
If you have a passion for skiing and are interested in leisure and hospitality, then using your language skills as a ski instructor is an interesting career possibility. There are coaching schemes available for people to develop their skiing abilities and teaching skills. Depending on your language you can go to any number of countries and enjoy working at some of the most beautiful resorts in the world. Imagine combining your language skills and your favourite pastime in your vocation!
Event organiser
Becoming an international event organiser is another great career option. Using your language skills, you will be in charge of organising the logistics of the event, overseeing the marketing materials, liaising with the venue and generally overseeing the smooth running of operations. On the day of the event you will be in charge of welcoming the delegates or customers and keeping strong channels of communication open at all times to ensure the event is a resounding success.
Studying a foreign language opens up many career routes and the above examples are just some of the interesting options available.
