Why do people major in languages? What jobs can they get besides Spanish teachers?

Answer 1

My mom was a Spanish major/Spanish teacher, and she was a great one. I never thought that I wanted to be a teacher, because all I envisioned was  classroom teaching, and this didn't interest me. I got a Bachelor's degree in Spanish Language and Literature, and my original goal was to be a social worker with Spanish-speaking people. Then my emphasis shifted after college and I worked in international business for a couple of years. I actually switched careers after that, but always used Spanish for enjoyment (sociallly) and tutored part-time. 

 

Years later, I worked part-time for a counseling agency as an "inhome worker" with Hispanic families, assisting therapists with family therapy. I have also done some medical interpreting, which I really enjoy. And now I am a teacher!  I enjoy sharing my love of the language with adults who want to learn and with students who are struggling to crack the code of the language. 

 

In general, I would say that if you don't want to be a teacher, it is important to develop another profession, such as doctor, nurse, social worker, attorney, etc. In my job search experience, it seems that having a professional skill AND being bilingual make you more marketable. 

 

 

Answer 2

I have seen translating jobs where you get paid well.  Also anytime you are bilingual you have a better shot at getting hired.  I have known Spanish majors get jobs in international relations as well.

Answer 3

If you're interested in working outside the United States, or with Spanish-speaking populations in the United States, Spanish proficiency is a skill that will apply in just about any kind of work you can think of. For instance, I used it as an economist doing work and research in Latin America.

Answer 4

Hi, people are studlying Spanish for various reasons but the most important is the increasing Spanish speaking population in the US and in the world. Spanish follows mandarin which is the second most spoken language in the world. 21 countries speak Spanish and companies are aware of that. 

A Spanish speaking person can teach, tutor, be a case manager, work for insurance companies, administrative positions, and if you are into sales...as account manager the world is yours my friend! Hope this will help.

Answer 5

Great question! Being bilingual opens up so many more doors in the different career fields, traveling opportunities, and relationships with others. Besides teaching, you can pursue the career that you want and then discover how your career could also utilize you with Spanish speakers. Let's say you wanted to work in banking. As a bilingual person, you are much more sought after in areas of the country that have a high Spanish-speaking population. Or if you wanted to be a lawyer, you could represent those that speak English as well as those who speak Spanish.

Think of it as doubling your opportunities. You may even be the only person in the room when someone is in an emergency situation and a translator is not available. I have helped many people communicate better in public places, just by being a bilingual person that happened to be nearby.