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Bilingual Consultant
Bilingual consultants work with companies or organizations that need to communicate effectively and do business with other cultures. Bilingual consultants are becoming even more valuable because it is now quick and relatively easy to travel throughout the world.
Bilingual consultants work to bridge gaps in communication and culture. They usually have a second specialty that is complemented by their bilingual skills. For example, a banking and finance expert who has traveled extensively in Japan and is familiar with Japanese language and customs would have the marketable skills to become a bilingual consultant for American companies interested in doing business in Japan.
Bilingual consultants help their clients learn what they can do better to communicate with other cultures and countries while also identifying areas that they need to improve. Depending on their specialization, they may evaluate written communication, marketing materials, human resource practices, and business protocols.
Where You Work
Bilingual consultants are employed on a contract or project basis by businesses, associations, and educational institutions. Large global companies are the largest employers of bilingual consultants as they seek to serve the global populations.
Training
Fluency in two or more languages is a requirement and college courses in those languages are necessary. Courses such as world history, world geography, and sociology as well as business classes would be useful. Take advantage of opportunities to learn about the world, such as study abroad programs. Cultural sensitivity is the number one requirement for a bilingual consultant. Also, expertise in another area, such as business, education, law,or computers, is necessary. Most bilingual consultants do not begin this career right after college. Some real life experience is necessary to be qualified to fill the consulting role.
Salary
A recent salary survey listed a low hourly rate of $65 with a high of $265. The median pay of $100 per hour, billed at 100 hours per month, would equal an annual billing of $120,000. Business expenses are necessary, but the client generally pays many expenses such as travel, meals, and lodging.
Job Outlook
The field is expected to grow faster than average in the next decade, especially as trade barriers are overcome and U.S. companies do more global business. However, competition is keen, and those with graduate degrees and specific expertise will be the most successful.
Information Source:
50 Cutting-Edge Jobs. Chicago: Ferguson Publishing Company, p.23-26.