As children, we’re always encouraged to learn at least one foreign language because that’s supposed to help us succeed in life. Well, our parents weren’t kidding. Being fluent in a foreign language increases your chances of getting a job you apply for. What’s more, reasonable knowledge of foreign languages opens numerous job opportunities you couldn’t have otherwise hoped for. So what are they, exactly?
1. Hotel Industry
The hotel industry is huge, so we won’t bore you by listing off every possible job, but receptionist, waiter, maid, concierge are just the positions that come to mind at a moment’s notice. Since hotel workers are constantly coming into contact with foreign individuals, it’s vital that they can make themselves understood. Not only that, but being able to exchange a few pleasantries in the guest’s native tongue will make their experience that much more enjoyable.
2. Call Center
Call centers all over the world are constantly hiring workers since pretty much every company these days offers some sort of phone service or assistance. In Call Center work, knowledge of a foreign language might really make the difference and get you hired, since the main aim of these positions is to solve problems as pleasantly and efficiently as possible. Once again, being able to communicate with the caller in their native tongue will increase efficiency as well as your overall rating.
3. Private Tutoring
Or, of course, teacher, but tutoring is a job that offers more flexibility in terms of schedule and is something you can easily do on the side of your main job. Often, the rarer the language, the better the pay you can ask for, and the more in-demand your service will be. And with so much business happening in the online world this year, you might be able to offer private lessons from the comfort of your own home - isn’t that handy?
4. Translator
Skilled translators are never in short demand because there will always be a book, pamphlet, legal document, or Facebook Ad that needs translating. Once again, a job that offers great flexibility and can be done from pretty much anywhere in the world, from your home to the coffee shop next door, to a street-bench in the heart of Paris.
5. Interpreter
It’s pretty much the same as being a translator, but you’re doing this one in person. Sure, it offers less schedule (or location) flexibility, but can present you with lots of exciting opportunities. Many translators work with foreign officials, or even famous movie stars, top models, and so on. Yes, you’ll need to be able to think on the spot and the job will also require some attention to detail, but it comes with a considerable set of perks!
6. Tour Guide
Tour guide is such an exceptionally fun thing to be. Whether you’re doing it in your native town and showing tourists around, or whether you take up some exotic position in Athens or Rome, being a tour guide allows you to spend time in the open, see some great sights and get to know a never-ending flow of fun, new people. A great position for the more extroverted language learners out there!
7. Podcast Host
Podcasts are the thing to do in 2020. Why? Because they’re easy to listen to and allow more flexibility than traditional seminars or classes - you can listen to a podcast anywhere you go, and when you combine that with your language skills, you could easily host a language-learning podcast that might be the next big Spotify hit. Likewise, you could look for a career in language blogging or, if you’re not too camera-shy, as a YouTube star.
Honestly, the choices are endless, so dust off your textbook and get learning!