Monday, April 9, 2012

Best Jobs for Bilingual Workers

Bilingual workers are in high demand in just about every industry. Because the United States is becoming increasingly diverse, bilingual workers are needed to aid in translation, assist with customer service, and communicate with different ethnic groups.

Hispanic populations in the US are expected to triple over the next 50 years, according to population projections by the US Census Bureau. With the number of non-Hispanic whites dropping to one-half of the total population by 2050, the American demographic will change dramatically.

Bilingual workers jobs can be found in social work, customer service, sales, finance, business, government, tourism, and healthcare. From the East Coast to the South to the Midwest, bilingual workers can find jobs just about anywhere and are considered very valuable.

Bilingual workers may find many jobs in information technology. Typically these workers help Spanish-speaking clients in a tech support environment. They translate help files and user guides and create software applications for a diverse market.

In healthcare, bilingual workers can find jobs in hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices, and nursing homes. They can communicate with patients who do not speak English and help them file claims.

In social work, these workers can train as cross-cultural counselors and help those who do not speak English readily. They can help these clients receive aid and support when they need it most.

While the need for these professionals is widespread, there are geographical pockets where opportunities are skyrocketing. The demand for bilingual employees is most pronounced in the South and West, where the concentration of non-English speaking residents is high.

Bilingual workers can also find a very rewarding life in teaching. Many of these teachers instruct others on how to learn both Spanish and English. They also assist those who are learning to speak English as a second language.

They can also work as translators, where they translate written text from one language into another. The pay is relatively decent for this job, starting at $32,000 per year.

Interpreters are used in hospitals, schools, government agencies, and police departments. They help those who can't speak English understand what is being communicated to them.

Bilingual court reporters are also used during court proceedings such as trials. Here when witnesses take the stand that do not speak English, the court reporter can readily translate it on paper or to the jury.

In hotels, resorts, casinos, and restaurants, there is a definite need for bilingual hospitality workers. The tourist industry attracts guests from all over the world who may need assistance in another language, either during their stay or when they book reservations and make plans.

Jobs in the government that utilize bilingual workers include IRS agents, telephone interviewers, investigators, census workers, park guides, health specialists, and language assistants.

Bilingual customer service reps are always in need. Since companies service clients all over the world, those who can speak another language are valuable. They can place orders, handle customer issues, and translate instructions.

In the United States, opportunities abound for those who can speak different languages. Now is the time to begin your job search.