What kinds of jobs require foreign language skills?

There are worlds of opportunities that will open up for you should you decide to dedicate your time and attention to the study of a foreign language. An increasing number of U.S. businesses are working internationally and need employees who can both communicate in foreign languages and understand other cultures.

Senior executives have identified the lack of language skills as an enormous barrier to increasing American participation in overseas markets and have recognized language acquisition and cultural competence as critical assets for businesses.  

If you aspire to secure a government position, over 80 federal agencies rely on professionals with intermediate- to high-level competence in foreign languages.

Below are some of the careers you could explore:

• Business, Industry, and Commerce: Import-Export, Advertising, Banking and Finance, Engineering, Accounting, Research, and Technology
• Government: Foreign Service, Aid Agencies, Intelligence Agencies, and U.S. Armed Forces
• Interpreting and Translation: Freelance, Courtroom, Conference, Simultaneous, and Consecutive
• Law: Immigration Law, International Trade Law, and Corporate Law
• Media: Journalism, Radio, Television, Film, and Publishing
• Services: Health Professions, Social Work, Library Science, Service Organizations, Law Enforcement, Volunteer Agencies, and International Development
• Teaching: Elementary and Secondary Schools, Colleges and Universities, Commercial and Government-Operated Schools, and Overseas Dependents’ Schools
• Travel and Tourism: Transportation, Hotels, Restaurants, Excursions, and Tours

Your language skills may also make you a standout candidate for scholarships, fellowships, and graduate study. Many advanced degree programs require at least a reading knowledge in one foreign language.