International Job Titles

So you'd like an international career but aren't sure what's out there?

Here are some sample industries and job titles to get you started.

Keep in mind:

• Language skills alone will not always get you an international job.
• Plan to combine your language ability with a skill valued in your field of interest.

Translation/Interpretation Careers

• Translating and interpretation careers require the strongest language skills.
• Your personality is an important factor when considering a translation or interpretation career.
  • If you enjoy working alone, appreciate careful semantic phrasing, have a good eye for detail and precision, you may want to consider translation.
  • If you're a "people person", think quickly and respond immediately to changes in your environment you should consider interpreting.
• People with strong translating/interpreting skills can be self-employed as consultants, or may work for:
  Commercial language schools
  Publishers
  Hospitals
  Foreign firms located in the US
  Government Agencies
  Export/Import companies
  Translation agencies

Education Sector

Many students studying foreign languages think about teaching or working in an educational setting. If you're considering a career in education, consider the following jobs:

Sample Teaching Position Titles

• Foreign Language Teacher in a public school (certificate required)
• Foreign Language Teacher in a private school (usually no certificate required)
• Bilingual elementary school teacher
• College or University Professor
• ESL Teacher
• Teacher in professional language institute such as Berlitz
• Teacher in American-sponsored private schools abroad
• Professor in American college programs abroad
• Foreign study exchange programs

Sample Administrative Titles in Education

• Immigration Specialist for college or university
• International Hiring Specialist for college or university
• Foreign Student Advisor
• Foreign Faculty Advisor
• International Admissions/Credentials Officer
• Program Coordinator
• Counselor of International Students
• International Center Administrator
• Study Abroad Coordinator

If you'd like to teach abroad, and you have a teaching certificate these sites may be able to help you:

• International Schools Service
• US Department of State
• Department of Defense
• Iteachnet.org
• The International Educator
• World Teach
• Peace Corps

Nonprofit Sector

Sample Nonprofit Job Titles include:

• Community organization worker
• Social Worker
• Librarian
• Museum Guide
• Program Coordinator
• Social Worker
• Development Director
• Public Relations Director
• Human Services Worker
• Volunteer Coordinator
• Fund-raiser
• Publications Director
• Media Relations Coordinator

Government Sector

Look at local, state government opportunities as well as federal resources to find foreign-language based jobs. See the Government Career Section for more information.

Sample government job titles:

• Border Patrol Agent
• Customs Officer
• Foreign Affairs Specialist
• Foreign Service officer
• Immigration Inspector
• Import-export Agent
• Intelligence Specialist
• International Relations Specialist
• Peace Corps Volunteer
• Research Assistant
• Scientific Linguist

Business Sector

In general, you will need to supplement your language skills with specialized business skills to be valued in this area. The types of positions are virtually unlimited. See the International Business Section for more information.

Some of the more common fields within business where foreign language skills might be appreciated include:

• Sales positions
• Environmental firms
• Sports organizations
• Advertising/Marketing departments
• Computer services-- hardware and software
• Travel Industry: Airlines/ RR/Cruises, hotel, motel, and hospitality
• Hospital/Health Care
• Publishing
• Banking and Finance
• Public Relations

Sample business job titles which might involve using foreign language skills include:

• Airline Customer Service Agent
• Computer programmer
• Copywriter (advertising)
• Flight attendant
• Banking Loan Officer
• Lawyer
• Management Consultant
• Manufacturer's Representative
• Market Analyst
• Public Relations Specialist
• Travel Agent
• Tour Guide
• Technical Writer