Best industries to work in if you want to use your languages
Monday, 17th August 2009
A good reason to learn languages is to improve your employment prospects. Language skills are useful and in demand in many fields of employment, especially those which involve regular contact with speakers of other languages.
There are a number of jobs for which a knowledge of foreign languages is essential, especially translating and interpreting. Translating mainly involves translating documents, reports, manuals and other written material from foreign languages into your mother tongue. Interpreting involves translating between two spoken languages and may take place at conferences, meetings or other events. Many translators and interpreters are self-employed, others work in large international organisations such as the UN.
In the UK there is a shortage of foreign language teachers, especially at primary level, and those who train to teach languages can receive extra funding from the government. There is also a significant demand for those who can teach other subjects through languages such as Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, Irish and Manx. Teachers, lecturers and other staff can also find their languages useful when communicating with foreign students, parents and institutions, and can take advantage of opportunities to work in other countries.
There is a great demand for language skills in the IT industry, especially in customer service and technical support. The ability to explain how to computer and other IT problems in a number of languages is very useful here. There is also a significant demand for people who can translate computer programs, games and other material between different languages.
Languages are useful in the travel and tourism industry, especially in hotels and other places which attract many foreign visitors, or which are in foreign countries. It is useful for all members of staff who have regular contact with the public to have some knowledge of foreign languages. For example, it’s very helpful if receptionists can handle bookings and enquiries in several languages.
There are plenty of jobs in the fields of sales, marketing, finance and banking that require a knowledge of foreign languages. Some may involve making regular trips to foreign parts and/or regular contact with foreign customers and clients, others are based abroad where language skills are useful not just for the job, but also for everyday life.
Doctors, nurses and other health professionals can find it useful to know other languages as they are likely to have foreign patients, especially in large cities. With languages they can also take opportunities to work abroad.
Whichever industry you work in, foreign language skills can be useful. Especially if your company has overseas branches, partners, clients or customers.
Tags: interpreting, translation, language, languages, tailor-made, italian, german, french, spanish, english
Posted by Simon Ager 2009-08 under Passion for language,
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