Being multilingual is usually considered as the key to landing more attractive and well-paid jobs than the ones that people that speak only one language can aim at. However, when people think about what positions multilingual people can look for, in general they limit themselves to teaching a foreign language or translating, without taking into account there are many other interesting jobs available in the market. Let’s explore some career opportunities you should consider if you speak more than one language.
Free image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net
National Defense
National defense programs depend on maintaining a fluent communication between countries; and this would be impossible without the collaboration of multilingual individuals who work in military, economic, environmental, cultural or national security. Everywhere across the world, the Departments of Defense offer multiple career alternatives that are both challenging, rewarding and allow you as well to contribute to the world order and be in constant relation with people from different nations.
Embassies
Working at an embassy is also a wonderful opportunity for multilingual people. It is challenging and glamorous and encourages you to speak, write and think in your second language almost the whole time you are working. Embassies are also a great place for those speakers of more than one language who are fond of travelling as there are many times commercial missions organized abroad to which you can be invited.
Tourism and Hospitality
Hotels and resorts are always in need of individuals who speak at least a foreign language in order to be able to provide a top notch service to their international guests and keep them happy. Career opportunities in this area are almost unlimited and you can find positions in marketing, catering or hotel management at a global level as you move forward in your career.
International and Non-Government Organizations
From the Red Cross to UNICEF or UNESCO, there are hundreds of international and non-government organizations where multilingual people can find challenging career opportunities. In these places, people skillful in more than one language are greatly appreciated because of their ability to communicate and establish strong relationships with the locals, which translates into a better reach of the programs that need to be enforced. They also offer a great environment where you learn first-hand from other cultures and feel helpful.
Banking and Finance
With companies and individuals doing business across the globe, it is really advantageous to speak more than one language in the banking and finance niche. From helping customers overseas solve their bank account or commercial problems to being able to translate a financial document so that everybody in a meeting can understand it, there are multiple areas where multilingual people can develop a successful career.
Law Enforcement
People skillful in more than one language are important as they can make sure people coming to live to a new country or tourists understand the local law and comply with it. In other occasions, multilingual people are required to make sure anybody that has committed a crime in a foreign country understands what he’s been accused of, understands what the lawyers and prosecutors are telling him, has access to documents translated into his own language and has the right to a due process.
