Careers using languages

What opportunities are there for
language students?

There are many opportunities open to graduates with foreign language skills in the South West. Many think the only opportunities available for language graduates are in translation, interpreting and teaching-this is simply not true. Language skills are seen as invaluable by many employers, and open up doors to careers in many fields in the region, and beyond, from business to media to international relations.

Why not visit Languages Work at www.languageswork.org.uk to find more about using languages in your career. If you are
a teacher or a careers advisor, the Languages Work site has
all the resources guidance and languages professionals need
to teach and promote languages and careers. If you want to use languages in your career, visit the Languages Work website for useful advice and contacts.

The website contains inspiration, advice, activities and links that help to show the true value of learning languages. Visit Languages Work

What other skills might I need?

Whatever the field, employers are looking for candidates with a good range of skills applicable to their business, and while language skills are particularly desirable it is also important to develop relevant practical experience. In business this might mean communication and networking, IT or marketing skills. Your first job on graduating might not even require you to use languages, but you should look for a position which offers the personal development you might need to successfully apply for future positions where you can bring in your international experience as well as your solid grounding in your chosen sector. A good way to get experience is through a student or graduate placement (see below).

Can a little language make a lot of difference?

There is room for all levels of ability, and opportunities from the switchboard to the boardroom. Although fluency gives students more options, students with basic language abilities are also in demand as employers seek people who are able to communicate with foreign customers, even if this is just to exchange a few phrases or common courtesies to break the ice.

Are there real job prospects for language graduates?

Research consistently shows graduates with language skills possess an edge in today's employment market: they have higher employability (94.2%) than graduates of other disciplines, and they earn, on average, 8% more than graduates with no knowledge of foreign languages.

If you have language skills, there are job opportunities for you in the South West.

The Gradsouthwest website maintains listings of South West vacancies specifically for graduates. You can sign up to their email service and have vacancies emailed to you. The site also offers useful careers advice and links to
other regional organisations who can help with job searches.
Visit the Gradsouthwest website.

Get the experience you need with an employer placement

It can be a vicious circle when you leave university - you can't get work without experience and you can't get experience without getting work. The STEP Programme for undergraduates and Graduate Business Partnership programme for recent graduates are two examples of ways you can get valuable, fully paid work experience. You don't have to be studying at the university running the programme in order to qualify, so it could be worth trying the university in your home town. Find out more information from the University of Exeter and University of Plymouth pages.

What about translating and interpreting?

These are highly specialised careers, and difficult to break into at graduate level. If you are serious about a career as a translator or interpreter then you should consider postgraduate study. The Institute of Translation and Interpreting and Institute of Linguists have more information.

What else can I do?

Jobs are very often found through word of mouth. Contact businesses direct, or look out for international export events (eg those hosted by Business Link ) and tourism events as these will enable you to make useful contacts.