Where Foreign Language Skills Shine In the United States

If we look at things at their most basic levels, there's always some sort of cost-benefit analysis that goes on when deciding whether to invest something, be it time or money, into a new skill. In this first of a few articles about language and careers, we're going to examine the types of jobs in the United States that would utilize bilingual skills as part of the job. This article is written from the perspective of a recent college graduate who has been out a few years in a typical American city, not necessarily known for its vibrant population, who wishes to tell you a bit more about the reality of certain jobs in the field, especially for others who are right out of college. This is of course, not an exhaustive list, but some honest thoughts about different fields. Each section has a description of the job, an "experience threshold" of how likely you are to land the job straight out of college, and a stability score of 1-3 which tells you at a glance how "stable" the job is, meaning it has a livable salary, full-time work, and how much of a strain it might be on a typical family's life.

Federal/Military Intelligence

These could be considered the "cushy" jobs. Typically, these individuals are trained by native speakers in the target language to work on translating a variety of material as deemed necessary by the federal government. This could involve anything from routine report and intelligence about a situation in a foreign country, working on an international crimial case, or even doing cool "secret agent" type things. The exact needs vary from year to year, and jobs are often contingent on funding and work to do, so they aren't always available. Even if you go the military route, you're not necessarily guaranteed the job for life, although many love the travel, routine, and care provided by the Department of Defense. Not surprisingly, these jobs are highly sought after by most recent graduates in fields like international studies as well. The competition is fierce to even be considered, and even more intense to actually get the necessary security clearance. If you don't know, that process is very thorough and invasive into your personal life, and easily takes over a year from application to job. It also typically requires signing an agreement to move WHEREVER the military or federal agencies want to put you, so it may not be the best option for everyone.

Experience Threshold: In terms of experience, the military can make a great "first job", as they're easier on their requirements than the federal government and will train you well, in exchange for your service to your country. If you're eyeing the more prestigious federal jobs, you're realistically not going to get it on the first go right out of college. This is because the federal government is much more picky, requires more "up front" from you, and also subjects everyone to thorough background investigations as part of the security clearance process, which many people don't pass on their first go. This is usually because the high school and college years, which are covered in that investigation may not necessarily reflect the best character and best decisions of your life. All things considered, it's definitely an option you'll have with some language experience and getting a bit older and wiser in years, but don't go in thinking you'll have the job in a few months after applying. This route is more of a "career" than a "job".

Stability Score: 1/3 at first, 2/3 once settled: This job is horrible at first about stability: you aren't even guaranteed the job until about a year in, after they have weeded out 998 other of the 1,000 applicants. And then, you have training to go through, and then again, you're at the mercy of your employer. Additionally, because of the nature of the job, you have to be much more careful about your own life, the safety of your family, and who you spend your time with. Most places make you sign at least an agreement to move anywhere (and we do mean ANYWHERE) in the continental US, and some even require postings abroad. So, say you graduate this year in 2016. In context, that means you might not see your first official day at work until 2018, and that could be in some random city halfway across the country! Now of course, once you are settled, you will have very interesting work and a great salary. But remember, it also requires a lifestyle change, and may not be best if you wanted a "normal" family. This is the kind of career that effects not only you, but your own family and extended family as well.

Teaching

The field of teaching can appeal to many people. The career offers many perks: a stable and predictable schedule, decent salary, decent benefits, and even summers off! But of course, as many teachers would tell you, it's not just any old 9-5 job, it becomes a true part of your life. People who are typically interested in foreign languages will find plenty of cohorts in social studies, ESL, and foreign languages of course. And for many people, the social aspect of getting to work with a group of young minds, and watch them mold and become smarter gives one of the best feelings in the world. With so much digitization going on, the field is ripe with opportunities, and now more than ever, you are able to break the mold and teach in a unqiue and interesting way. But of course, it's not without its drawbacks. Still though, you may find it to be one of the most stable careers available in the country.

Experience Threshold: Most typically, you can't just walk into any old teaching job straight out of college. Every state has its own standards, and in addition, many local school boards and ISDs implement rigorous standards which typically go hand-in-hand with forman university training as well as additional testing and certifications. While substitute teaching is one avenue, most teachers also have to spend a decent chunk of college taking teaching courses, then spend a couple of years in student teaching and a few more getting into their element on their own. If you already have a foreign language major in hand, it's not too much more of an investment.Those interested in higher education opportunities also have to sit through years of grad school and deal with academia and reserach. The field of education is constantly evolving, and it's not unknown for focuses and content to shift every five years. Even now, online education and a huge charter school movement are changing how parents and students expect education to be delivered. As such, a modern teaching candidate should be well versed in technology alongside the more traditional mediums. Nonetheless, there are always openings for teachers, and you can count on a stable career at a decent salary.

Stability Score: 2/3 at first, 3/3 when settled: In terms of being a stable job in the U.S., teaching is by far a stable job, especially compared to most other options here. However, don't mistake that for easy: the entry into the profession is still grinding and most teachers feel the salary at times isn't worth the stress of the job. And most typically, you don't have the luxury of starting at the perfect school in the perfect suburb: some entry-level openings require time at under-performing schools or are not necessarily in the best locations. Also, teaching is not a job you can just leave at work: besides the obvious grading, events that transpire at school can sometimes seep over into your personal or family life. In that sense, we have to dock a point for stability: it's not perfect at first, but once you've been in about five years and have your groove, you can become a truly great teacher. Not only that, but you'll also become somewhat of a local celebrity, often being stopped at stores years later and seeing what kind of people your former students turned out to be.

Interpreters and Translators

Interpreter is the title given to people who act as third parties in spoken language, translating thoughts back and forth between two parties, whereas translators specialize in translating documents or media from one language to another (written language). Most typically, prospective interpreters spend about a decade polishing their language skills to feel comfortable working between the two languages (college is a part of that), and then they'll specalize in one field, such as law or medicine. Then, as they become more confident in one area, they can more easily adjust to other fields. A few of the select best of the very best can even go on to become U.N. interpreters, who work directly in shaping world politics!

Experience Threshold: We're sorry to say, but this most typically isn't an option right out of college, unless you grew up speaking the language or have been working with it for a decade and have dedicated time to developing that capacity professionally. Simply being the ace in Spanish class or studying it for three years in a traditional class is simply not enough. To be totally honest, even a semester abroad barely scratches the surface. The reason is that you have to learn a lot in the real world as well, and this also usually involved picking up a few professional certifications along the way and becoming familar with translation software out on the market. You might qualify if you fast-tracked your studies by taking relevant courses abroad for two or three years that had a bent towards interpreting or translating. Most interpreters/translators, once developing a professional feel for the language, typically specialize in an area like medicine, journalism, or law/law enforcement. It's also noting that of the two, being an interpreter is a bit harder than being a translator, but that's not to say that either of them are walks in the park. All in all, this likely won't be your first job. But of course, never say never!

Stability Score: 1/3 at first, 2/3 once settled: At first, it's really hard to get started in interpreting and translation. There are many factors as to why: it can be very serious (life-altering) work, the majority of opportunities in the U.S. are concentrated in large urban areas where speakers are clustered, and you really need a lot of experience to feel comfortable enough in both languages, which, as we say here, takes time. Your employers will demand the same, so you'll also have to invest time in travelling between two countries that speak the languages involved and building up your certification levels. Then, in addition, there's also the lack of stable and consistent work, especially at first when you don't have many connection, as jobs are always temporary and contingent on many factors out of your control. In fact, many professional interpreters even moonlight as interpreters, having another prmiary job they can do to pay the bills, and interpreting on the side when they can. Typically, the key to achieving a more "stable" career involve moving to a major city where both languages are used, networking well with social organizations there, and padding your resume with certifications and more experiences using the languages day-to-day. As you do so, the likelihood of being picked up by a professional company, as a court or medical interpreter, or finding stable work full-time will increase. However, there's still no guarantees, so we can't award this career choice a 3/3 for stability. It is our sincere advice that a career like interpretation or translation should be something you aim for as a "I'll get there in ten years" that you slowly work your way towards piece by piece over a few jobs rather than a quick and lucrative job straight out of college.

Civil/Customer Service in Large Cities

Not to be overlooked in our discussion, bilingual skills are in hot demand in cities with higher populations, so you might also want to consider expanding your search to civil-service type jobs from local government agencies, or even customer service jobs which likely pay a bit better. These are jobs can vary widely, from administrative assistant to 911 operator. But they have a common thread of facing the public, which usually entails busting down language barriers along the way. Usually, as we'll discuss a bit more below, these jobs use language skills as a "secondary" skill, more so than a "primary" one, so you would juggle a normal workload, and then switch into your second language when necessary. Technology/mobile sales, travel/taxi companies, insurance, and finance industries are normally more than willing to accomodate a bilingual staff member well, and can also provide the stability you may want. Typically, in a full-time setting, especially when you're sharing major expenses like rent with a couple of friends or a sweetheart, these jobs make for a viable and steady career, though not necessarily a super high-paying one.

Experience Threshold: These jobs are typically good "out of college" type jobs that can get you into a normal salary and relatively stable career while still allowing you to use your foreign langauge skills, especially if you aim your search strategically to areas where your language is in high-demand. The bilingual ability typically allows you to negotiate upwards in salary as well from the initial offer. It's also easier to learn the necessary language to perform your job, without necessarily having to make the commitment that an interpreter would, so you can rise to success fairly easily. The wide variety of industries involved also mean that you can probably find one that suits your lifestyle and your strengths outside of languages.

Stability Score: 3/3, typically, these jobs are not the most highly coveted but pay the bills. As we said, when you view language less as a "primary", and more a "secondary" skill, then more options open up that can put you into a stable job with a stable salary that will inch you closer to a more "normal" lifestyle. And, as with all jobs, the ability for you to feel like you're putting your language skills to use also depends on you relocating to an area where there is demand: California and New York are the big two, obviously, but don't overlook regional states like Florida, Texas, or Illinois either! This is a very broad category, and can mean everything from a technology sales assistant to an airline ground crew to a taxi driver! We'd highly consider you to read up on contemporary career literature (What Color Is Your Parachute? certainly comes to mind) and think more broadly about yourself as not just a bilingual person, but bilingualism being part of your career strengths.

International Business/Logistics Jobs

You might not initially conceive of a logistics company like UPS and a great environment for a college graduate, but getting your foot in the door with a logistics company is one of the smartest moves you can make for developing business skills. Unlike other jobs that involve languages, you're working directly with factories, finance, and travel on a daily basis, which is golden material to most business HR contacts. Working in this industry also provides a relatively stable job and gives you the chance to learn about customs and the reality of international business, which can lead to more financial success later on as you acquire a good business acumen. This is our recommendation for recent graduates who want the stable job in America with a good financial outlook. After all, with globalization, this industry isn't going anywhere.

Experience Threshold: Most companies like to see some experience prior to starting, so if you're considering this route, it's a great idea to get your hands on an internship or get your foot in the door with the companies somewhere to start learning the systems in place. Even somewhere as banal as your local big-bex store's logistics department could be a great start. Again, this is a job that is readily accessible right out of college, especially if you have some abroad experience. It also allows you to stay in the United States, and in a sense, brings the other countries to you, but you'll most likely be working out of one of the major logistics hubs of the country, and it also means odd work hours and very busy holidays. But overall, we'd say that this is a good choice for a first job, especially if you're interested in international business (or more accurately, good money down the line). These kinds of candidates make a natural fit for business consultant roles as well, the kinds of people companies contact when they're looking to expand overseas.

Stability Score:2/3 at first, 3/3 once settled. We've sort of touched upon the pros and cons above, but most typically the first few years are a bit rough as you'll be doing low-man-on-the-totem-pole type grunt work. It's also very repetitive and not necessarily the most stimulating, but with an interest in a language or country, you'll inevitably become a one-stop shop for your colleagues and develop expertise about everything from proper forms to the best day to send something. And of course, being on the front lines of logistics usually means a rough schedule. You can pretty much guarantee that you'll be working overtime during many peak holidays, and it wouldn't be unknown to see hours fluctuate a bit, but nowhere near an unstable as certain careers. Online commerce and global shipments sure are not going anywhere anytime soon. Again, by moving to the right place, you can make better use of your skills. Also, be sure to keep in mind you could likely be going cross-country or even across the world every now and then, so this might not be the best choice if you and your spouse can't agree on that. However, once you know what to expect, you'll have a great career that many find exciting, and you'll undoubtedly be one of your community's go-to people for all those international business questions!

International/Immigrant Law

This is a dream job to many, and can make for some of the best money there is in some of these jobs. But of course, law isn't for everyone, and these jobs basically fall into international/business affairs for more money, or working with recent immigrants to iron out and make sense of the length and complicated system of coming to America, which typically may not pay as much. It requires a lot of grit, a commitment and loans to go to law school. Of course, it's also worth noting that it requires a certain tempermant as well, and, like any job, some can get burnt out by the reality of the legal system.

Experience Threshold:There's not much to say that isn't already said in other similar law school type places. Remember that law is a serious commitment that involves a huge investment in time and money. The availablity of paralegal jobs and internships allows some experience along the way as well, so be sure to get your hands on one of these while you still have time. Certificiations in interpreting are also important. Not much more can be said here that isn't said elsewhere: if this is an area that interest you, be sure to read up on your state's licensing process and other materials on whether or not law is for you. With the high stress and complicated system, it really does take a certain type of person to succeed.

Stability Score: 2/3. We have to admit that it's hard to give this particular profession a stability score partially because our network isn't that big, but also just because of so many factors. While the field is admirable, it's no secret that law is a very high-stress job (and also among the careers with the highest divorce rate). In addition, when you have immigration law thrown into the mix, you have variables like deportation, crime, and working with people overseas involved that complicate the job. So, we'll leave it at this: it's a 2/3 because it will allow you to live a nice life, but it comes with equal amounts of stress, and just by nature of the international implications, it might not necessarily be the best choice for a simple, average, family life.

Theme: The "Thing" About Foreign Language Skills

As you can see from these jobs, there is kind of a "theme" here, that an ability in a foreign language isn't necessarily a "primary" job skill. There aren't too many out there (that we're aware of) aside from these that earnestly use your abilities in both languages every day. And even when there are, there's a lot of competition and the work is necessarily chiefly relegated to certain areas where the speakers are. This is perhaps a product of our insularity and the fact that many immigrants do come and do integrate and learn English. But don't let that discourage you, there is still a great need for Americans who can speak other languages all the same. Now, while this is of course, not true for every single thing, it's generally true in regards to living what we would consider a "decent" life in your average city in your average state in the U.S.A.

So, as you think of your career, remember to think of it both now and realistically, as well as where you want to be in ten years. What motivates you with langauges? Is it the sheer love of language? Do you like teaching them? Do you like traveling and doing business more than writing a dictionary? Do you like finding deals across the globe, or do you prefer data-processing that you can leave behind on your weekends to binge watch your favorite foreign series? These questions and sincere thoughts should help guide you. The fact is that most employers will consider bilingualism a secondary skill that makes you a better hire, but at the same time, they won't necessarily hire you just because of it.

And also, don't make the mistake of thinking you absolutely HAVE to move to California or New York, or even abroad. Every town has its Chinese restaurants, as we like to say, so there are niches and times your skills may come in handy, even if not every day, no matter where you are. It's just good to know the reality out there ahead of time, especially when you still have time to change course. And of course, there are whole realms of other career options we haven't touched, like looking abroad for work. But ultimately, this article is only meant to be sincere honest perspectives from a couple of recent graduates, and our perspectives have their own limits. Everyone's situation is different: some couples want to travel the world in their 20s. Other couple prefer compromise and want to stay here if they can. Some people would love to be single and free to do as they please. Others want to live a stable life in a stable city and have the 2.5 kids and a dog.

In view of everything said so far, the best piece of advice we could give any student going into college, especially now in this economy, and this is the big if--if you want the stable American dream while still using your language skills: is don't put all your eggs in one basket, and double-major in something else. Again, it's not that foreign language majors are unemployable: those skills have their time and their place. It's just that, we write this out of a place of reality. If you are looking for the stable American job and want to get going shortly after graduating, you really should have knowledge or experience in another field. This is only because it will take you a few years to find your footing, settle down with a college sweetheart, and come into your element as a language professional. It also takes into consideration that most American cities simply don't have large foreign populations.