Career Resources

Employees with language skills are valued in every field, because language proficiency has both economic and social value to businesses, non-profits, and industry. The Center for Urban Language Teaching and Research aims to connect this talented workforce with the appropriate resources for a fulfilling career. Please explore the marketable skills, job landscape, and career resources tied to language and cultural competencies.

Job Landscape

Language skills are important to businesses as evidenced by the data across the state and country.

National Security

The U.S. Department of Defense is the largest employer of language professionals. Language skills translate into internships, scholarships, and bonuses for maintaining language skills.

Healthcare

Bilingual medical professionals and medical interpreters are in high demand to meet the needs of a diverse population.

Technology

Globalization and localization of technology products and software, as well as international digital security concerns, have resulted in rapidly increasing demand for language skills.

Travel & Tourism

Ideal for second language speakers and high-energy individuals. Employees with language skills are more likely to hold upper management positions.

Education

Teacher. Counselor. Administrator . Not only is the demand for language instructors on the rise, but a multicultural student population means every area of education seeks bilingual individuals.

International Development

Language skills paired with tech skills, financial skills and social services put candidates in demand as program officers or field workers in nonprofit and humanitarian organizations.

Emergency Services

Public safety agencies seek people who can handle stressful situations in multicultural areas. Speakers of high-need languages are sought as EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, and police officers.

Business

Candidates who display strong global skills and language proficiency have an employment advantage with international and U.S. companies.

Translation & Interpretation

The fastest growing field for language specialists, translators and interpreters work for state and federal government officers as well as private clients.

Diplomacy

Fostering positive international relations and advancing the interests of the U.S. globally requires the ability to learn a language. Candidates with proficiency in one or more languages, coupled with intercultural competence will have an advantage.

Manufacturing

One of the most lucrative and diverse sectors of the economy. Due to migration patterns, language and cultural diversity are becoming a theme in the majority of the workplaces.

Arts & Cultures

From international music and cinema festival directors to nonprofit arts administrators and museum curators. Language and culture are inseparable. A multitude of career options await bilingual and bicultural candidates.

10% of students in the United States study another language

Only 10% of U.S. students speak a second language

To stand out among job applicants, become proficient in a world language other than English. Language proficiency and intercultural communication skills set you apart in the 21st century global marketplace.

Multicultural Clientele

33% of U.S. mid and large-sized companies have international operations and/or serve multicultural communities

Proficiency Pays

Georgia companies exported more than $38 billion in goods and services to 217 countries and territories in 2015, with more than 3,000 international facilities representing over 60 countries

Diversity in the Workforce

A multicultural workplace and globalized teams make language proficiency more critical than ever before

Did you know Atlanta…

• is home to hundreds of German, French and Japanese Companies?

• is home to nearly 100 international consulates or trade offices?

• is one of the most internationally diverse communities in the U.S.?

• is the U.S. base for numerous businesses that ties to Spain and Latin America?

Marketable Skills

In today’s global marketplace, language skills or participating in study abroad remains a very marketable point with potential employers. Take stock of the various language courses, activities, and experiences you have had and how those have contributed to your abilities in the following areas — you may well be surprised at how well-rounded your involvement with languages has made you, even in subtle ways. This content is from Vistawide.

Cultural Competencies

• cross-cultural communication
• understanding of cultural differences
• knowledge of culturally specific behavior, customs, and values
• language competence for speaking, writing, reading and listening
• understanding of target culture, history, literature, music, and folklore
• appreciation of diversity
• sensitivity to cultural issues
• awareness of differences in cultural perspectives
• global experience
• ability to adjust to new environments
• ability to interact effectively with peoples of different backgrounds

Analytical Skills

• critical thinking
• analyzing and comparing cultures
• creating and clarifying ideas
• gathering and analyzing information
• defining and analyzing complex problems
• weighing values and assessing needs
• ability to conduct research

Communication Skills

• clear and concise writing
• understanding of audience needs
• ability to persuade / influence
• effective use of language
• listen and clarify well
• oral presentation and public speaking

Practical / Organizational Skills

• oral and written comprehension
• following oral and written instructions
• attention to detail and good observation skills
• ability to instruct / motivate
• computer skills
• generating innovative ideas and solutions
• identifying resources
• evaluating / assessing processes and products
• ability to work cooperatively and to coordinate work with others
• flexibility in learning and thinking
• ability to take risks
• overcoming obstacles and barriers
• independent thinking