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EURES (EURopean Employment Services)
  • News article
  • 14 July 2022
  • European Labour Authority, Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion
  • 2 min read

Five careers that bilingual and multilingual people excel in

Technological development is bringing us closer together than ever, allowing people to communicate across borders. As a result, language skills are in high demand. But which careers value them the most? Read on to find out.

Five careers that bilingual and multilingual people excel in

1. Translator

Translators don’t translate everything. Instead, they specialise in one or several areas of expertise (e.g. law, tourism, health). To become a successful translator, it can be useful to build your experience or academic background in the field(s) you intend to translate, as well as your linguistic skills as a writer and translator.

2. Interpreter

Interpreters work in settings such as schools, hospitals, courtrooms, meeting rooms and conference centres. Some work for interpretation companies, while others work for individual organisations, or freelance for private clients. Although interpreters typically need a bachelor’s degree, the most important requirement is to have native-level spoken proficiency in more than one language. This includes the ability to accurately understand the language when it is spoken spontaneously and colloquially.

3. Teacher

To become a classroom language teacher, you will need a degree in the language you want to teach, alongside teaching certifications to act as proof that you have the knowledge and skills required for the work.

If you feel you have the ability to teach a language to others, but lack the formal qualifications required to become a classroom teacher, you could consider becoming a private tutor. Private tutors often work on a one-on-one basis, with sessions taking place after regular classes or work. This means it is also a good option for people who want to fit their teaching work in around other commitments (such as another part time job, caring responsibilities, or travel), as well as those who want to work remotely (online). If you choose to tutor online, an additional benefit is that you’re not limited by time or geography. This opens up your services to a much wider customer base.

4. Hospitality

The three industries that rely almost entirely on tourism (accommodation, travel agencies/tour operators, air transport) employ 3.3 million people in the EU, and are experiencing a boom in demand post-COVID-19. Hotels, resorts and tourist attractions need bilingual speakers to communicate with visitors from all over the world. This includes in roles such as hotel receptionists, waitstaff and bar staff, cabin crew, tour guides and outdoor sports instructors.

5. Human resources/recruitment

Multilingual human resource specialists allow companies much more scope when it comes to hiring, as they are able to interview and hire candidates from other countries and cultures. This is particularly useful for globally expanding companies. Multilingual recruiters also tend to be more culturally aware, which is important for avoiding discrimination and encouraging a diverse workplace.

In partnership with EURES, the European Job Mobility Portal.

 

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