Being fluent in more than one language can be a great thing. It opens your eyes to new cultures and gives you greater appreciation for the world around you. It can also make you a very attractive job candidate, especially for certain positions.
Here are some of the top jobs to pursue if you’re bilingual or are thinking of adding another language to your repertoire.
#1 – Interpreter
Many institutions and organizations rely on the skills of an interpreter/translator. From hospitals and schools to courts and immigration centers, the list is long. And according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for interpreters keeps growing at an above-average rate. By 2020, demand is expected to increase by a whopping 42%.
#2 – Teacher
In 2015, the U.S. had the second-largest Spanish speaking population in the world. It’s just one of the reasons that demand for bilingual teachers continues to grow. Another reason is that more schools are teaching foreign languages to younger students, creating heightened demand for bilingual teachers.
#3 – Social Worker
When individuals or families are struggling with personal matters, a social worker can often provide valuable support. It’s important that communication happens in the language that everyone is most comfortable with. That’s why communities with a large Spanish-speaking population, for example, will recruit social workers who are fluent in Spanish.
#4 – HR Professional
Workplace diversity has become a top priority for many employers. As employees with different language backgrounds are brought on board, there’s a need for HR professionals who are fluent in more than one language. This ensures that effective communication in recruiting, interviewing and hiring is taking place.
#5 – Customer Service Rep
Multilingual customer service call centers are becoming more common, whether it’s for a bank, hospital or some other service-oriented company. Employing customer service reps who are bilingual is a good way for companies to grow their customer base and foster strong relationships with everyone, not just English-speaking individuals.
#6 – Emergency Services
Hospitals, police departments, fire companies and other emergency service providers are always looking to recruit bilingual employees. Having the ability to communicate with someone in their native language during a time of crisis can be the difference between life and death.
#7 – Hospitality
If you plan to pursue a career in the hospitality industry, it’s advantageous to speak more than one language. Hotels, restaurants, museums and other popular tourist destinations rely on the skills of their bilingual staff to communicate with their clientele and deliver a positive customer experience.
If you’re looking to put your bilingual skills to work in a new job, visit our new Office/Professional and Manufacturing/Wholesale/Distribution job boards. We often work with CT employers that are looking for bilingual candidates.
Sources:
https://www.livelingua.com/blog/top-10-careers-if-you-are-bilingual/