Whether you’ve just started your degree in modern languages, or you undergraduate career is coming to a close, you may be thinking ‘What next?’.
The truth is, many modern languages students will go into a grad job that isn’t directly linked to languages at all. But employers are drawn to these students given the transferable skills that they often have. For example, the majority of universities make a year abroad compulsory for language students,. Therefore, by the time you’ve finished university you are going to have experience living abroad, being independent, finding your way in an unfamiliar and often daunting situation, and coming out the other side as a better, more open minded and well-rounded person.
Here are a few (out of the extensive list) career options that may be suitable for you:
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Translator/interpreter
The obvious one. Workers on this field will often specialise in a specific field such as legal, political, medical or business. This way, they become experts of the subject specific terms and can effectively translate scenarios without losing meaning. -
Language Teacher
If you have solid leadership skills, patience, and the ability to explain things well, this one could be for you. Equally, there is a high demand for native English speakers/teachers all over the world. If you’ve studied languages at university, this would be a great asset and make you more employable. -
Journalist/content writer/reporter
Language students are heavily desired to fill roles such as these, because if you are a great writer and have several languages under your belt, you can perform a mixture of roles such as writer, translator, editor and cultural specialist, all in one go! -
Recruitment
Your language skills would be greatly valued in the HR sector, especially in big international companies who hire all across the globe and in many different languages. You will also have excellent communication skills which is a plus.
These are just a few from a long list of career opportunities. The most important advice of all is: remember to sell yourself. Use your experience wisely and explain how this would make you suitable for the role in hand. Your skillset can be applied to a whole range of careers so long as you explain why you’re right for the job!