Career Opportunities for Foreign Language Graduates

There are two major areas in which the knowledge of a foreign language is important: the foreign language specialist, and other professions in which knowledge of foreign languages is a useful asset.

The Foreign Language Specialist

For the foreign language specialist, thorough training in a foreign language is indispensable. He or she translates, interprets or teaches in one or more foreign languages. The specialist possesses and uses a knowledge of the literature, culture and history of the country or minority community in which the language is used, so he or she is aware of aspects such as sociolinguistics and the effect of culture on language that go beyond basic communication. Besides language teachers in educational institutions, language specialists are required in diplomatic and government service, the travel industry and international business, to mention a few.

Foreign Languages + Other Professions

In many professions, knowledge of one or more foreign languages greatly enhances job qualifications. Many employers actively seek potential employees with second language skills since their company or organization constantly needs to communicate with speakers of other languages. Social services, health and medical services, business and trade, the travel industry, the legal profession, and law enforcement are just a few examples of professions in which foreign language skills are actively sought out by employers. Many of our students have expressed their excitement at being able to use their language skills on the job.

What can I do with this degree pdf

Career Opportunities in Foreign Languages

Artist
International Art Dealer
International Art Historian
Musician
Recording Specialist in Multilingual Music
Singer - Multilingual

Missionary
Medical Missions (Doctors/Nurses)
Bible Translators (Wycliffe)
International Vocational Missionary
Vocational Missionary to U.S. Minority Groups

Advertising for Ethnic or Foreign Markets
Editors for University and Other Presses
Film Production and Entertainment Media
Filmmaker
Foreign Correspondent
Foreign News Photographer
International Communications
International Radio Correspondent
International Telephone Operator
International Teletype Operator
International TV Correspondent
Media Specialist
Newspaper Correspondent, Foreign Desk
Simultaneous Interpreter
Translator of Books and Articles
"Voice of America" Writer/Editors

EDUCATION

Bilingual Educator
Educators in Special Commercial Schools (e.g. Berlitz)
Elementary Teacher (Especially in Bilingual Programs)
Foreign Student Advisor
Overseas Teaching for Private Corporations
Overseas Teaching for Diplomats' Families
Professor
TESO/ESL Teacher
Textbook Authors or Editors
University Comparative Literature Departments
University Foreign Language Departments
University Foreign Study Offices
University Linguistics Departments
University Schools of Education
University Teaching of English as a Second Language

Accountant in Ethnic Communities
Bilingual Teller
Banking Correspondent
Bank Officer
International Banking Officer
International Finance Consultant

Bilingual Staff in Federal Agencies (e.g. Social Security, Red Cross, etc.)
Court Interpreter
Cultural Attaché
Cultural Officer
Customs Official
Customs/Immigration Officer
Diplomatic Corps
Foreign Consul
Foreign Diplomat
Foreign Exchange Trader
Foreign Service Officer
Foreign Service Peacekeeping
Foreign Service Specialist
Foreign Service Officer
Intelligence Officer
Intelligence Researcher
Intelligence Specialist
Interpreter
Linguist
National Security Agent
Negotiator
Peace Corps Volunteer
Peace Corps Worker
Representative
U.S. Customs Agent
U.S. Naturalization Service Agent
U.S. Postal Service
UNESCO Official
VISTA Volunteer

State Department and other government positions in general.

Classifiers of foreign documents
Copywriter
Editor
Librarian
Library Acquisition Specialist
Library Technician
Publishing Specialist
Research Librarian
Translator of Foreign Publications in Libraries

Botanical Medicine Specialist
Doctors Working with Minority Populations
Emergency Medicine
Health Services
Hospital Management
Hospital Admissions
Laboratory Technician
Nurses Working with Minority Populations
Nursing and Medicine in Ethnic Communities
Pharmaceutical
Studying or Practicing Medicine Overseas
Tropical Disease Specialist

Archaeologist
Museum Curator
Researcher
Scientific Interpreter
Scientific Linguist
Scientific Research and Translating
Scientific Translator
Technical liaison for U.S. Businesses Operating in a Foreign Country

Bilingual Police Officer
Bilingual Social Worker
Case Worker
Civil Service Employee
Court Interpreter
Fire Fighter
Foreign Social Worker
Human Resources Director
Immigration Counselor
International Police Officer
Law Enforcement Officer
Multilingual Defense Attorneys
Nursing in Ethnic Communities
Public Assistance Interviewer
Social Work Specialist

TRAVEL SERVICES

Airline Flight Attendants
Airport Personnel
Foreign Travel Advisor
Hotel and Resort Staff Manager
International Conference Planner
Restaurant Staff Manager
Tourist Guide
Travel Agent
Travel Writer