Being multi-lingual can be very valuable in today’s job market. Today I wanted to share with you a few links that you might find useful if you are looking for a job and if you speak more than one language fluently.
1. USAJOBS
This is the link to finding a job with the federal government. There are always jobs listed here for translators and teachers. I did a simple search today for “French” and found a job at the United States Air Force Academy as an Assistant Professor of French. I also saw a job for a translator at a national
park.
2. CHRONICLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION
If you have a Master’s Degree or higher, this link could prove to be very useful. It lists the most current jobs around the world seeking jobs in the education industry. If you click on the faculty/research link, then go to the humanities section -- you’ll see a link for teachers of foreign languages. Most of the positions listed request that you have a Master’s Degree or higher in your foreign language. However, unlike specialized areas -- many colleges and universities will higher you to teach your foreign language even if you don’t have a degree in that language. Simply having a Master’s Degree sometimes is enough.
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3. CENTER FOR APPLIED LINGUISTICSTaken from CAL’s website: "As the world gets smaller, effective communication becomes even more important. The Center for Applied Linguistics is dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of research-based information, tools, and resources related to language and culture.
CAL is a private, nonprofit organization working to improve communication through better understanding of language and culture. Established in 1959, CAL is headquartered in Washington, DC.
CAL has earned a national and international reputation for its contributions to the fields of bilingual, English as a second language, literacy, and foreign language education; dialect studies; language policy; refugee orientation; and the education of linguistically and culturally diverse adults and children.
CAL's experienced staff of researchers and educators conduct research, design and develop instructional materials and language tests, provide technical assistance and professional development, conduct needs assessments and program evaluations, and disseminate information and resources related to language and culture.”
Listed on CAL’s website are a number of jobs and opportunities in the linguistics arena. Stopping by is a great start to your journey if you are looking a job to use your bilingual skills.
Learn to teach English Abroad. This can be one of the most rewarding experiences for an inspiring linguist. According to their website, "The world’s leading TEFL course provider, i-to-i TEFL has trained more than 127,000 people in the last 18 years. With more than 250 years of combined TEFL experience across our staff, tutors and TEFL academics, i-to-i TEFL offers you world renowned training that you can take in a style that suits you - either face-to-face training in the classroom, distance learning online or a combination of the two!”
This site is an example of a NY Court -- but explore the local court where you live. I once translated from French to English for a divorce proceeding in Mississippi. They are always looking for translators in court.
Just like courts, hospitals always need assistance with translation services. Sometimes it is as easy as getting your name placed on a waiting list -- where you can be called when needed. The above link is for a service that assists hospitals with finding translators, but sometimes just contacting the hospital’s HR department can be just as easy -- if not easier.
Whatever you decide to do, keep your options open. Finding a job that will use your linguistic skills is quite easy. Let me know if you need suggestions or more helpful hints. I’ve worked in a number of these areas and would be happy to help.
