More and more people are learning to speak second, and even a third, language. Not only is this great for a person who loves to travel, it also opens up the door to some great job opportunities.
Companies who have international business dealings are always looking for employees who are bilingual. In the United States, there is a growing population that speaks Spanish as a first language, and companies need employees who can help these customers.
Though there may be a bigger need for bilingual employees in certain parts of the country, these jobs can be found almost anywhere. If you are looking for work though a temp agency or a job center, be sure to note that you can speak two languages. If you don’t have this information on your resume, put it there!
Government Jobs
Many government offices look to hire people who are bilingual. At times, they are only looking for people who can speak two languages fluently. Offices such as Social Security and Department of Welfare/Social Services are two big ones that need bilingual and multilingual employees. Positions might include, (but are not limited to) counselors, social workers, and caseworkers.
Finance
Money is money no matter what language you speak, and almost everyone uses a bank for one reason or another. A bank will welcome a bilingual person to work in almost any position. You must be, of course, otherwise qualified for the position, but the ability to speak two languages will give you an advantage.
Marketing
Most cold-call marketing centers are looking for bilingual speakers so that they might reach a wider audience. If this type of work doesn’t bother you, the salaries for a bilingual speaker can be really good.
Call Centers/Customer Service
Many companies look for customer service representatives who can speak two languages. They may receive calls from anywhere in the United State and around the world. Many US companies are specifically looking for people who can speak English and Spanish, though other languages are needed as well.
These positions are in just about every avenue you can name. Customer service for utilities, retail, food, and hotel, and airline reservations all need bilingual employees.
Nurses and Aides
The medical profession is known for its shortage of nurses. Registered nurses are always in short supply and are greatly needed. A registered nurse or nurse’s aide who can speak two languages is in even more demand.
Receptionist
A receptionist is often the first contact a new customer has with a particular business. They should be presentable, knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. All of these traits are wonderful, but being bilingual will add to the position.
Teachers
This is not limited to foreign language teachers. Any teacher who knows a second language will be seen as an asset by the school system. Bilingual teachers are in more demand in large cities but are needed everywhere.
Journalism and Broadcasting
There are select jobs in broadcasting that need bilingual employees. These jobs may require travel, but are a great way to break into the business. Journalists are needed in areas that have a heavy population of non-English speaking people.
Web Design/Writer
More and more corporate Websites offer content in different languages. Designers and writers are needed for these positions.
Everywhere Else
The jobs listed above are good examples of job opportunities, but almost any profession will need bilingual employees. If you don’t know a second language, it’s never to late to learn. Encourage your children to take classes for a second language in high school to give them a head start in the job market.
