U.S. Government
Areas
- Translation/interpretation
- Teaching
- Journalism/Broadcasting
- Linguistics
- Diplomacy
- Civil Service
- Foreign Service
- INS/Customs
- Armed Forces
Employers
- Overseas dependents’ school
- Overseas aid agencies
- Foreign Service
- Armed Forces
- Library of Congress
- United Nations
- Voice of America
- National Park Services
Strategies
- Learn federal, state, and local job application procedures.
- Plan to attend a specialized school that teaches foreign languages
- Join armed forces as a way to get experience. Shadow an employee.
Arts, Media, and Entertainment
Areas
- Advertising
- Translation/Interpretation
- Journalism/Broadcasting
- Publishing/Editing
Employers
- Museums
- Foreign news agencies
- Book publishers
- Motels, hotels, restaurants
- TV Networks/Radio Stations
- Film
Strategies
- Learn about the customs and culture of the country in which your language of study is primarily spoken, possibly by spending time in that country
- Read international newspapers to keep up with developments overseas.
Industry and Commerce
Areas
- Translation/Interpretation
- Customs
- Banking
- Secretarial Services
- Sales/Customer Services
- Manufacturing
- Market Research Consulting
- Imports/Exports
Employers
- Banks, finance-related institutions
- Import/Export companies
- Foreign firms operating in the US
- American firms operating in foreign countries
- Manufacturers
- Retails/Department stores
Strategies
- Find out which companies do business with the countries in which you language of study is spoken.
- Consult resources such as the Directory of Foreign Firms Operating in the US, Directory of American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries, and American Register of Exporters and Importers.
- Supplement coursework with business classes.
Travel and Tourism
Areas
- Translation/interpretation
- Airline Services
- Hospitality Industry
Employers
- Tour companies
- Travel agencies
- Hotels, motels, restaurants
- Airlines/Airports
- Cruise lines
Strategies
- Take courses in hotel/restaurant administration
- Get a part-time job in a hotel or restaurant to gain experience.
- Spend some time abroad to learn the traditions of fine dining, wines, etc.
- Brush up on your knowledge of geography. Contact airline headquarters or call the Future Aviation Professionals of American to find employment opportunities; plan to attend a travel school.
- Read international newspapers.
Scientific and Professional
Areas
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Law
- Library Science/Information Management
Employers
- Corporations
- Foreign firms operating in US
- US firms operating abroad; multi-nationals
- Corporate libraries; School and public libraries
Strategies
- Develop good oral and written communication skills
- Work on technical skills, specialized vocabulary
- Train as a paralegal
- Look into MLS, advanced degrees in Library Science
Service and Education
Areas
- Translation/Interpretation
- Teaching
- Educational Administration
- Linguistics
- Civil and Social Service
- Work Library
- Science and Health Services
Employers
- Hospitals
- Religious and volunteer organizations
- International organizations
- Law enforcement agencies
- Social service agencies
- Universities/Colleges
- Preschools and k-12 schools
- Professional language schools
- English language institutes
Strategies
- Learn state certification process for teaching
- Develop superior written and oral skills in English Language
- Notify local hospitals, schools, and chambers of commerce of your availability to translate or interpret
- Minor or double major in another subject that you could teach.
- Investigate teaching English in another country
General Information
- Choose an additional academic area of study to supplement the foreign language, preferably one that requires a high degree or technical skill. Many people with foreign language ability use the ability to assist them in a different career field.
- Related courses to study include geography, history, civilization, IGS, international law, social justice, and world economics
- Decide and choose which language is necessary for your career. Decide the level of language ability you will need to acquire for success in your career.
- Travel to a foreign country or study abroad in international exchange programs to learn different cultures
- Join UNCG Global Village, participate in cultural activities
- Study and practice your foreign language skills by reading foreign newspapers, magazines, and books.
- Watch foreign movies and listen to foreign broadcasts to keep up your fluency
- Volunteer your language skills to churches, community organizations and programs that work with people who speak your target language
- Volunteer with the Center for New North Carolinians and their efforts.
- Participate in summer programs, co-ops, and internships to improve your skills.
- Pen Pal with a correspondent from a foreign country
- Contact professional associations and read their publications to find out about job opportunities
- Look through newspaper want-ads to get an idea of jobs in which knowledge of a language is useful
- Watch the news in other languages online.
Adapted from the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville by UNCG Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
