What jobs can you do if you know one or more foreign languages?
In an increasingly globalized world, opportunities to speak and work with languages are increasing. More and more young people are interested in learning English, not only to communicate, but also to be able to find more qualified jobs. In particular, some of these aspire to find a profession where they work with languages, which in addition to being very rewarding is also well paid.
In the past, knowing English was an additional qualification that offered the opportunity to apply for some professions, or to emerge and make a career. Today, however, it is considered a standard requirement, which everyone more or less has. This is due to the fact that schools have started integrating English teaching into their curricula. Often it is a basic training, necessary for a minimum knowledge, and sufficient to obtain a diploma or an equivalent qualification.
But to learn English well, you need to broaden these skills with extra-curricular courses, such as summer English courses. Or with immersive experiences, such as a stay in English.
However, the labor market is looking for young people who also know other languages. Not only English, but also Spanish, German, Chinese and Russian.
Which languages offer the most job opportunities?
Until a few years ago, knowing languages was a necessary requirement especially for those working in the tourism sector. But with the globalization of markets, other sectors have also begun to recruit staff capable of speaking one or more languages. Among these are the manufacturing sector, which has shifted its production bases from Europe to developing countries. The commercial sector has also moved in this direction. This is the case of companies that have relationships with China, Russia and Brazil, countries that today play a fundamental role in the world economy.
English is essential as always, but for those looking for work in some sectors it may not be enough. In fact, among the most sought-after European languages at the moment are Spanish, German and French. Among the non-European ones, there are Chinese and Russian.
Being fluent in any of these can offer interesting job opportunities, which can also lead to a successful career. This largely depends on the language you know. While it's easy for a European company to find someone who speaks Spanish, it's not easy when it comes to finding someone who knows Chinese or Arabic.
Some job opportunities for those who know a second language well
Young people today have many more opportunities than previous generations. From the earliest years of school, students can learn a second language, typically English. Furthermore, in the digital age we live in, the media make heavy use of foreign terms and it is much easier to find resources to expand one's knowledge. Just think of music, movies, TV series or video games.
But it is useful to clarify what is meant by "knowing a language well". Basically it is about being fluent, knowing how to speak fluently and communicating with foreign people without problems.
To get to these levels you can take different paths. You can enroll in some specialized schools or, alternatively, you can undertake a traditional training course and enroll in summer English courses.
Whatever the choice, it is always useful to take one or more holidays in English, preferably staying with a local family, to have a degree of total immersion.
After secondary school, some students go on to a university course with which they can complete their language training. However, in some cases, a degree is not strictly necessary, but it is still recommended to have another type of certification.
Once the qualification or certification has been acquired, it is possible to have work experiences abroad, which have the benefit, such as a stay in English, of completely immersing oneself in the local language. An experience abroad is important and can help you find a job more easily. But what jobs can you do? Here are some options.
Translator
Even though everyone now relies on Google Translator or another digital tool to translate texts, the translator's job has not disappeared.
An algorithm cannot replace a person's knowledge, especially when it comes to translating idiomatic expressions or nuances typical of spoken language. Another field in which translators are required is that of technical, scientific, medical or legal documents. In fact, many people specialize in these areas and acquire a specific vocabulary.
Similar to the translator is the figure of the interpreter, who however deals with translating speeches in real time. Both roles have different job opportunities, both in private companies and public bodies.
Receptionist and Help Desk
He is the person who takes care of welcoming guests, both in hotels and in large organizations. Receptionists need to know more than one foreign language in order to communicate with people arriving from all over the world.
It is a job that also requires excellent communication and relational skills, and the willingness to work shifts.
Flight and ground attendant
Airlines are always looking for staff who know multiple foreign languages at a professional level. Flight and ground attendants must interact with travelers from all corners of the world, providing assistance before and during the flight.
Flight attendant is a dynamic job. It requires maximum flexibility in schedules and complete preparation, also with regard to safety and medical rescue standards.
Entertainer
With less responsibility, but equally demanding, the tourist entertainer takes care of entertaining tourists in a village, or on board a cruise ship.
It is a job that does not require a specific educational qualification, but it is certainly not for everyone.
You must have excellent communication skills, an engaging personality and the ability to always be available and kind to all tourists. Being an entertainer also means being almost always on the go, so maximum flexibility in travel and in private life is required.
Head of foreign trade
It is a job that typically takes place in a private company and requires knowledge of a particular language. The foreign trade manager must be able to communicate on a daily basis with suppliers or customers in one or more foreign countries.
They must also have a specialized vocabulary on terms that pertain to a specific sector. It's not necessarily an office job. In many cases the availability to travel or even travel abroad is required.