Interested in studying a second language and opening up doors to national/international career opportunities, but unsure if studying languages at Flinders University is right for you? Fear not, we’re here to help.
From the classroom to the world – career opportunities galore
Studying the Bachelor of Languages is more than just learning a second language. Over three years, this degree will give you the knowledge and the skillset to take the world by storm. Whether working from within Australia, overseas, or from the comfort of their home, language graduates are set up with skills to transfer into a wide variety of careers.
Top 5 career opportunities in languages:
1. Teaching and education
Language graduates are well-placed to work as foreign language teachers, even if they are not native speakers. Their role is to assist students in learning a foreign language and not only teach the specific features and structures of a foreign language but also equip their students with cultural and contextual knowledge of their elected country. Given the growth of virtual classrooms, being multi-lingual is a highly valuable skill for teachers across all disciplines to possess.
2. Translating and interpreting
Translators and interpreters can find work in most job sectors, so there is no shortage of career opportunities. Translation skills are becoming ever more important and desirable, as today’s multicultural and multilingual society demands effective, engaging, and empathetic communication between people of different languages and cultures. Translation and interpreting control the transmission of knowledge, the communication of social and political messages, the expansion of international industries, and the development of intercultural understanding.
3. Foreign relations, immigration and national security
Foreign language graduates are sought-after by these government departments. Expertise in other languages and cultures is essential to the success of Australia’s diplomatic, trade and aid missions, and vital to the functions of customs and immigration, as well as defence, security and intelligence agencies.
4. International business and management
From large multinational businesses with established global profiles to local companies seeking to expand into international markets, language graduates are highly sought after. Language graduates can help businesses access untapped markets, gain a competitive edge over international rivals, and build cooperation and collegiality within workplaces. Language skills are especially important in fields like sales, human resource management, logistics, analysis and consultancy.
5. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Not-for-Profits
Non-governmental and not-for-profit organisations are always seeking multi-lingual humanitarian aid workers, dedicated to protecting human life and alleviating suffering, often in developing countries and amid challenging frontline situations (such as natural disasters and conflicts). They often perform medical, educational, or technical roles that require constant communication with the people they assist.
Top 5 booming niche career opportunities in languages:
1. Healthcare
Multi-lingual healthcare professionals have an essential role in communication with patients from non-English speaking backgrounds. Healthcare providers now routinely advertise the second languages spoken by their staff, in order to ensure consultations are mutually informative, efficient and respectful. Knowledge of a foreign language can help doctors, nurses, aged care workers and other healthcare service providers deliver reliable and reassuring care to patients and clients from diverse backgrounds.
2. Journalism
Journalists are required to understand quickly evolving international contexts and explain them clearly to large audiences. Knowledge of foreign languages is essential if journalists are to engage with the material, interact with people from non-English speaking countries, and deliver high-quality reporting.
3. International advertising and marketing
Given the global and viral nature of modern communications, international advertising and marketing require people who can communicate clearly and creatively, while also appreciating and respecting people of diverse cultural groups. Successful global communicators can create emotional connections with their worldwide audiences and offer incredible value to marketing and advertising teams.
4. Tourism and travel
With the reopening of national borders, tourism is going to become an increasingly popular job prospect. Tourism and hospitality professionals – such as tour organisers, tour guides, hotel managers and staff, travel agents, airline and cruise professionals, etc. – need to speak two or more languages to ensure international visitors are well looked after and enjoy their time.
5. Sport
Professional sport is an increasingly multinational affair also. Athletes, coaches, managers, support staff, therapists, sports scientists and executives all can work across multiple countries, or relocate overseas to pursue new opportunities. Knowledge of foreign languages multiplies career opportunities in the sports industry.
The world is your oyster with the Bachelor of Languages
There is a vast amount of career opportunities for someone who possesses a second (or more) language(s). Preparing you for a career in languages, Flinders University has the educational tools to help set you up with a job that can take you anywhere.
Whether you are interested in French, Indonesian, Italian, Modern Greek or Spanish – apply for the Bachelor of Languages today!