How Studying Languages in the U.S. Opens Global Career Doors
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only about can speak a second language. For those looking to study languages in the U.S., this percentage illustrates how much you can truly stand out by possessing multilingual skills. In today’s economy, companies are seeking employees who can communicate effectively across cultures, helping their businesses to expand globally. By honing your foreign language skills, you can make yourself an appealing candidate in the job market.
Why Study Translation in the U.S.?
Being able to speak a foreign language gives you a competitive advantage when pursuing a career. Many national and international companies want employees who can not only speak another language but can also genuinely connect with others, since that opens doors no matter where they’re located.
By choosing to study languages in the U.S., you’ll reap benefits like:
- Developing enhanced communication skills – Learning a new language teaches you how to listen and respond more effectively. It also helps you understand cultural cues, context, and body language.
- Increasing your earning potential – Speaking more than one language sets you apart from others, and employers often recognize that value with higher compensation.
- Expanding travel opportunities – The ability to speak multiple languages makes exploring other countries safer and easier. And since you’ll better understand the native language, you will have richer experiences, allowing you to become a more well-rounded individual.
- Strengthening networking skills – Learning a new language and immersing yourself in another culture helps you appreciate diverse perspectives. As a result, you’ll be able to connect with others more effectively and see the world from different viewpoints.
The list goes on, as there are countless skills you’ll refine or gain by choosing to study translation in the U.S.
Foreign Language Career Stats
The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages has compiled some great statistics on . Here are some key takeaways:
- 9 out of 10 U.S. companies rely on employees with language skills other than English
- 56% of employers believe their need for foreign language speakers will increase in the next five years
- The most in-demand foreign language for U.S. employers is Spanish, with 85% of respondents finding it desirable
- Other languages prized by employers include Chinese (34%), French (22%), Japanese (17%), German (17%), and Russian (12%)
- The top five departments with the greatest need for employees with foreign language skills include customer service, sales, marketing, management, and IT
- 47% of employers need foreign language speakers for domestic purposes, 25% for mostly domestic purposes, 18% for domestic and international purposes equally, 8% for mostly international purposes, and 3% for international purposes only
- U.S. employers require Spanish speakers for domestic and international purposes fairly equally, while most other languages are more in demand for international settings
- 1 in 3 U.S. employers who need foreign language speakers report a language skills gap
- 1 in 4 U.S. employers have lost business due to lacking foreign language speakers
How Studying Languages in the U.S. Can Unlock Careers
Choosing a language that genuinely interests you is the first step toward building a rewarding career. Regardless of the language you choose, developing strong skills can open doors in many career fields. Plus, diverse businesses benefit from hiring employees who can speak multiple languages, and some fields you could find yourself in include:
- Social services
- Government, law or international relations
- Technology and localization
- And more
How to Get Started
When you choose to study translation in the U.S., you’ll discover countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture while gaining career advantages. If you’re wondering how to get started studying in the U.S., you can begin by:
- Seeking out internships with organizations
- Joining language clubs
- Studying abroad or taking advantage of student exchange programs
Ultimately, if you’re looking to hone your foreign language skills, you should choose the programs at ÌìÌì³Ô¹Ï State. We offer many languages that you can study in depth including German, Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Hebrew, and Arabic.
In our programs, you’ll have numerous opportunities to build relationships with industry professionals and alumni while also strengthening your professional network. Additionally, by choosing our programs at ÌìÌì³Ô¹Ï State, you’ll gain benefits like:
- Unmatched support from our faculty and staff
- Access to workshops and events that aid professional and personal development
- Immersive study abroad experiences
- Vital skills in critical thinking, research, writing, problem solving and more
Begin Your Journey at ÌìÌì³Ô¹Ï State
By studying translation in the U.S. at ÌìÌì³Ô¹Ï State, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in another culture, make lifelong connections, and graduate as a professional ready to thrive in your future career. Reach out to our team to learn more about our programs today.