{"id":1910,"date":"2014-06-11T08:00:07","date_gmt":"2014-06-11T12:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/language-news\/?p=1910"},"modified":"2020-10-02T13:23:09","modified_gmt":"2020-10-02T17:23:09","slug":"5-interesting-careers-for-language-lovers-beyond-translator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/language-news\/2014\/06\/11\/5-interesting-careers-for-language-lovers-beyond-translator\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Interesting Careers for Language Lovers (Beyond Translators and Interpreters)"},"content":{"rendered":"

When thinking of foreign language-related careers, the first options that come to mind are probably translator, interpreter, and foreign language teacher. Surely, none of those are bad options for a language lover. But linguaphiles aren\u2019t limited to such narrow career paths, and often have interests beyond language learning (blasphemy, I know!) In fact, studying languages develops core competencies sought after by practically every field.<\/p>\n

Language lovers are better communicators. They think can express and understand difference perspectives, present information clearly, and speak, read, and write effectively and fluidly. Multilinguals understand cultural differences and show sensitivity toward cultural issues. They can adjust quickly to new environments. Experiences language learners can analyze complex problems and compare and contrast different interpretations and solutions. They offer diversity to a team, can weigh alternatives wisely, and generate creative solutions.<\/p>\n

With a skillset of that caliber, where else can a language lover contribute? Here are 5 career paths for the linguistically inclined:<\/p>\n

1. Foreign Service Officer<\/b>\u2014If you\u2019ve never heard of a Foreign Service Officer (FSO), they are the kind folks we refer to as diplomats. They staff our Embassies worldwide, managing government property, providing consular services, promoting international trade, resolving international conflicts, and generally serving at the face of America to the rest of the world. Where do languages come in to play? Officers receive unparalleled language training at the Foreign Service Institute\u2014a mecca of language learning\u2014prior to departing for overseas posts. In fact, all<\/i> FSOs must achieve fluency in a second language to receive tenure. Want to represent America abroad, move to a new country every few years, and be paid<\/i> to learn new languages in preparation? This may be the career for you. (And for non-Americans, every country has diplomats, so surely there are similar opportunities for public service in your country of origin.)<\/p>\n

2.<\/strong>\u00a0Flight Attendant<\/b>\u2014Chances are, if you like languages, you like traveling. What better way to see than world than as a flight attendant (i.e. for FREE). Yes, though the pay may not be overwhelming, if your passion is travel, free flight benefits certainly make up for it. Aside from seeing the sights on your shift, you have the chance to interact with different people from different backgrounds on a daily basis. Sure, some of them will be a pain in your you-know-what, but you\u2019ll also get to speak with businessmen, international volunteers, musicians, military members, and all kinds of kinds. Not to mention you\u2019ll get to put your language skills to use when speaking with them. It\u2019s not all \u201cWould you like ice in that?\u201d for flight attendants.<\/p>\n

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3.\u00a0<\/strong>Peace Corps Volunteer<\/b>\u2014This isn\u2019t quite a career<\/i> so much as a stop along the way, but it\u2019s one heck of a way to serve your country, make an impact, join a powerful network, and really learn a language along the way to your career goals, especially if those goals involve an international career. Peace Corps inductees receive several weeks of language training to prepare them for their designated sites, but as a language lover you know a matter of weeks is not long enough to master a language. That\u2019s why being a PCV is a language learner\u2019s dream: you get dropped off in a new country to learn a language\u2014usually a less-commonly taught language, to boot\u2014full immersion style. On top of that, you get two years<\/i> at your site to perfect your language skills and see how far they can take you. If you don\u2019t have an affinity for luxuries like electricity and running water, consider the Peace Corps as your next language adventure.<\/p>\n

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4.\u00a0<\/strong>Sports Recruiter<\/b>\u2014Just because you\u2019re passionate about languages does not mean you don\u2019t have other interests. For the sports fanatics among us, this could be a rewarding career path that taps into your language skills. Sports recruiters are hired by teams, universities, and agencies to scout out the best talent. For highly-internationalized sports\u2014think soccer (futbol)\u2014recruiters are literally scouring the entire world for the cream of the athletic crop, so there\u2019s opportunities for travel and foreign language use. Strong communication skills are paramount to success in this field, considering the amount of negotiating and persuading you must do. We all know that communication is the wheelhouse of language lovers, so even if you\u2019re dealing with an English-speaking athlete, you\u2019ve got a leg up.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0<\/strong>Copywriter<\/b><\/p>\n

For the marketers among us, there\u2019s a role for foreign languages in your field as well. Copywriters write copy, all of that compelling messaging you read on websites, in e-mails campaigns, and beyond. Every company can benefit from excellent writers, but multinational companies need individuals with excellent writing skills in multiple languages. Not sure what I mean? Check out http:\/\/www.nike.com\/language_tunnel<\/a> and see the dozens of languages supported by Nike\u2019s website. Having an in-house writer to create copy for your website is crucial, as the very message you\u2019re trying to convey may be lost when sending copy to an external translation agency. If you love putting the figurative pen to paper, this could be the career for you.<\/p>\n

Bonus: Translating and Interpreting! <\/strong><\/p>\n

We said we wouldn’t include these, but there’s always a place for freelance translating and interpreting. Don’t think it has to be either mundane translation work or white knuckle simultaneous interpreting for the United Nations. Consider finding a niche like health care interpreting<\/a>\u00a0or subtitling Netflix shows<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\"\"

When thinking of foreign language-related careers, the first options that come to mind are probably translator, interpreter, and foreign language teacher. Surely, none of those are bad options for a language lover. But linguaphiles aren\u2019t limited to such narrow career paths, and often have interests beyond language learning (blasphemy, I know!) In fact, studying languages…<\/p>\n

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