Translator/Interpreter is the Hottest Job skill.

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Koolcypher, Oct 30, 2013.

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  1. Koolcypher

    Koolcypher Member

    Koolcypher, Oct 30, 2013
    #1
  2. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    Shhh!!!! The more people learn about it, the less jobs there will be for me!!!

    The article fails to mention Sign Languages, which are sought after in the CIA, the court system and a K-12 school near you. They also pay in the same ballpark as the exotic languages mentioned above.

    There is always work to be found in Spanish translating, but it's a rather rough game where qualified interpreters are often underbid for jobs by unqualified interpreters. The same issue exists in the sign languages, but the ADA and subsequent state policies have a strong influence in hiring practices, making it increasingly difficult to find an employer that doesn't require certification. Also, in many cities Spanish fluency is not considered a boon, but an entry level requirement for even basic jobs. You can be fluent in Spanish and a great worker but only take home $12/hr working in an office where you are expected to interpret on a day-to-day basis as if it were about as mundane a task as returning files to their cabinets.

    OR, you can work for the UN (which requires fluency in at least one more of its official languages above just English before they will even CONSIDER hiring a Spanish interpreter) and take home several hundreds of dollars for a day's work.

    For personal growth, I'm most interested in learning Portugese and Kiswahili beyond the ones I already know/am working on learning. For work, however, the MONEY, LEBOWSKI, is most definitely in Arabic and persian languages.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 30, 2013
    Maniac Craniac, Oct 30, 2013
    #2
  3. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    In some cases, having language skills can be sort of like playing harmonica in a blues band - as I've done, eons ago. "OK, he can play harp, but can he sing/play keyboard/bass/guitar?" It's a musical skill most in demand when coupled with other skills. Languages are somewhat like that. For example, if you can do electrical work -- and use your language skills to communicate with/supervise other electricians, then you get the job.

    My own experience: Most companies in my area that require bi - or multi-lingual people, require them for a specific job. Those hired to do that job, do it in the language needed. Most often, no extra pay is involved. The language skills may get/keep you working, as opposed to not working.

    Over the years, I've been to school - to some extent or other - for 8 or 9 languages. I only used one (other than English) on the job. The company I worked for had its pick of bilingual workers and didn't need to pay them extra. What I learned, I did out of interest alone. I think that was a good thing for me, as (my take) language skills don't always lead to money quite as easily as people might think.

    Just my thoughts. Your mileage may vary. Likely, it already has. :smile:

    Johann
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 31, 2013
    Johann, Oct 31, 2013
    #3
  4. Koolcypher

    Koolcypher Member

    Cool info, if you don't mind me asking. What languages do you speak? Saludos!:cool:
     
    Koolcypher, Oct 31, 2013
    #4
  5. taylor

    taylor New Member

    I was in China again recently on business and hired a translator for a day for close to 200 bucks for 8 hours. She was really good at speaking and understanding Mandarin but she wasn't good at the most important part of her job translating it into ENGLISH. I was contemplating spending another 200 bucks to hire another translator to translate the first translator.
     
    taylor, Oct 31, 2013
    #5
  6. mcjon77

    mcjon77 Member

    +1

    I see this a lot. Foreign language skills can really amplify your marketability in certain job areas. For example, nurses who are fluent in Spanish are in VERY high demand. Even in my field (freelance software development), Spanish proficiency has helped me land contracts with US and Canadian companies operating in Latin America.
     
    mcjon77, Oct 31, 2013
    #6
  7. Graves

    Graves Member

    I really hope if I reach my goals of becoming a therapist (psychologist or social worker) that I am able to dual qualify in Spanish near the end. I lost my fluency when I entered the military five years. I really need to get back into it.
     
    Graves, Oct 31, 2013
    #7

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