Languages and Careers

If you think that language careers are reserved solely for translators, interpreters and teachers then you couldn't be more wrong. There are opportunities in almost any industry for people with all levels of language skills and experience.

In today’s globalised society, businesses are increasingly finding that they must speak their customer’s language if they are to trade successfully in international markets. When competition for products or services is fierce, the customer is more likely to opt for the company who can communicate with them in their own tongue - it saves time and complication in the long run. Hence, demand for language skills in the workplace is on the up.

Career options

Careers options can revolve around specialist professions such as translation or interpreting or can be based in another work area such as marketing or engineering and demand language skills because the company trades overseas. In the public sector you may need languages to speak to people from different communities in the UK. You do not need to be fluent in a language to make effective use of it at work. Organisations have been frequently shown to lack even basic language skills to greet customers at reception or to make basic introductions at meetings. Basic, conversational knowledge of a language can be a great way to start your journey in a multilingual, or international company.

To get an idea of just some of the career paths language skills can lead you down, take a look at our individual case studies. These are profiles of people whose jobs involve using their language skills and we are sure you'll find them inspirational! Read our individual case studies now...

Work experience

A great way to gain experience in a language related career or to help you decide which career best suits you is to undertake some work experience.

If you want to use languages in your career then the Languages Work website can provide you with further useful information and contacts.

 

back Back to Individuals