There is strong potential for careers in foreign languages related to teaching, translating, and interpreting. Translators, foreign language teachers, and interpreters should be educated to a Bachelor’s degree level, usually followed by a postgraduate qualification in translation or in the foreign language.
Translators could work on a number of subjects and projects or specialize in a particular area, such as reports, manuals, and brochures (scientific, technical, or commercial material), legal documents, such as websites, film scripts, and subtitles for films and education resources, including textbooks and travel guides.
Interpreting could be simultaneous interpreting; consecutive interpreting; liaison (or public service) interpreting. Conference interpreters work at national and international conferences, lectures, and meetings. They interpret the speeches almost immediately into another language so that their audience can hear them. Consecutive interpreting is usually at smaller meetings between two or more people. The interpreter translates for speakers after each sentence or paragraph. The liaison interpreter translates into and out of each language after each person has spoken.
Teaching opportunities may be in educational institutions, where a foreign language is a part of the course curriculum or part of a professional program such as travel and tourism, hotel management and catering, etc or it could be personalized tutoring or conducting workshops on business/social communication.
Full-time job opportunities are limited and competition is strong. Most jobs are with international organizations and businesses that have a strong international presence. The background of a foreign language can be a valuable addition for all manner of professionals, including engineering, scientists, researcher, journalists, lawyers, teachers, copywriters, historians, geographers, filmmakers, and so on.
Interpreters and translators may work for language service bureaus. Freelancing is a typical option also. Progression for freelancers would involve increasing your number of clients and the frequency of engagements.
