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Job outlook for language translators in the United States
Are language translator jobs in demand?
Language translator job and salary trends over time
Language translator jobs over time
Language translator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 272 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 297 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 307 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 298 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 278 | 0.00% |
Average language translator salary over time
Language translator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $45,490 | $21.87 | +1.0% |
| 2024 | $45,056 | $21.66 | +3.8% |
| 2023 | $43,404 | $20.87 | +5.8% |
| 2022 | $41,022 | $19.72 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | $40,092 | $19.27 | +4.4% |
Language translator jobs by state
Most common states for language translators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 234 | 17% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 109 | 17% |
| 3 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 206 | 11% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 83 | 9% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 542 | 8% |
| 6 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 56 | 8% |
| 7 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 528 | 6% |
| 8 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 207 | 6% |
| 9 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 167 | 6% |
| 10 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 117 | 6% |
| 11 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 965 | 5% |
| 12 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 355 | 5% |
| 13 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 329 | 5% |
| 14 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 229 | 5% |
| 15 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 154 | 5% |
| 16 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 103 | 5% |
| 17 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 51 | 5% |
| 18 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 49 | 5% |
| 19 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 41 | 5% |
| 20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 37 | 5% |
Most common cities for language translators
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ames | 1 | 2% | $44,230 |
| 2 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $49,573 |
| 3 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $54,433 |
Language Translator job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of language translator experts
University of California - Davis
The University of Texas at Arlington
Kent State University
Ohio State University
University of Kentucky
Ohio State University
Ohio State University
Washington and Lee University
La Sierra University
Rowan University
Cedar Crest College
Marian University
University of Arizona
University of Redlands
Chestnut Hill College
The Ohio State University
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Furman University
Victoria Juharyan
University of California - Davis
Slavic, Baltic And Albanian Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
What general advice would you give to a Language Translator?
Victoria Juharyan: Another field that needs professionals with a good command of Russian is the medical field. Translators are in high demand for serving patients who do not speak English. Russian-speakers can also help Ukrainian refugees in the US.
What Language Translator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Victoria Juharyan: The UN has some fantastic internships and volunteer opportunities for students of Russian in their Global Communications and many other departments. I strongly recommend recent graduates beginning their career in the field to apply to those and to also explore and participate in their Young Professionals Programme and the competitive examinations (CELPs), which create rosters to fill language positions at multiple locations.
What will help Language Translators increase their earning potential?
Victoria Juharyan: A degree in Russian Studies opens many doors — be it in arts, music, literature, and languages or international relations, business, politics, and diplomacy. 20% of the Earth’s population speaks Russian. It’s one of the critical languages of the United Nations as well as a highly demanded language for jobs at the CIA and the FBI.
What will help Language Translators increase their earning potential?
Dr. Lisalee Egbert: In working with any Deaf or Hard of Hearing (D in Deaf should always be capitalized), someone graduating in the field should be fluent in ASL and deeply award of Deaf Culture. From that point, graduates should ensure to secure certification/license/certificates in the given field (ASL interpreting, Deaf Education, etc).
What general advice would you give to a Language Translator?
Tanya Bystrova-McIntyre Ph.D.: Assess your current language abilities and identify your strengths and interests. Do you enjoy working from home? Become a Russian freelance translator and a phone interpreter. Enjoy helping others? Join a humanitarian organization, help refugees, or volunteer in a Russian-speaking community (and we have so many in the U.S.). Enjoy politics? Choose a career with a political twist—Russia is a limitless source of political interest. Love teaching? There are also opportunities there. Looking for a career in business? Offer your services as a cultural consultant. Would like to strengthen your language abilities and your resume? Go to live abroad for a year, in the Baltics or Kazakhstan, for instance—you will not regret learning about people and cultures first-hand.
What Language Translator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tanya Bystrova-McIntyre Ph.D.: Definitely AI. It has been developing with the speed of lightning. Keep up with the developments and learn as much as possible on how language professionals can integrate AI in their work. Treat AI as an assistant in your chosen career and not as an enemy. Look for aspects that only a human language professional can do.
What will help Language Translators increase their earning potential?
Tanya Bystrova-McIntyre Ph.D.: Find a mentor to help you narrow down jobs and help you negotiate a better starting salary. Join professional organizations. Maintain professional online presence. Consider getting certified. For instance, if you plan to be a translator, look into getting an ATA certification (American Translators Association). Remember that it takes about 10 years of deliberate practice and getting professional feedback on your work to become an expert in a field, so, if it is possible, try to treat every job as a step forward. And quit if it is not.
What general advice would you give to a Language Translator?
Angela Brintlinger: When starting a career, I would not aim to maximize salary potential. Certain fields have salary scales, and you can see what you will be earning as you move up the ladder. In general of course non-profits pay less well than government or private sector jobs, but they also may bring work that is more rewarding, and that is an important consideration. It may be that an M.A. degree will enhance earning potential, but I would not recommend going into debt to get a graduate degree unless it is a professional degree with clear job outcomes or a degree that will enhance your current skills. The advantage of studying a foreign language is that there are federally funded fellowships to help you reach greater fluency; I recommend looking at institutions that have access to so-called FLAS (Foreign Language and Area Studies) fellowship funding to help pursue an MA, MPA, or other graduate degree.
What will help Language Translators increase their earning potential?
Angela Brintlinger: In terms of Russia, the current significant population shifts across the globe mean that there are Russophone people everywhere and in every field. I see ads for Russian-speaking real estate jobs, for example! Russian majors will find work in non-profits, including people-facing roles in social service agencies, legal assistance outfits, micro-credit bureaus. The key skills remain communication—oral and written, online and face-to-face—and analysis of digital, numerical, visual and other texts
What general advice would you give to a Language Translator?
Kyle Shernuk: Many employers take for granted that someone can speak, read, and/or write a language, so it is important to remind them...
What Language Translator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kyle Shernuk: In general, I would encourage EALC graduates to think broadly about the possibilities of their degree...
Nels Rogers Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Director Max Kade German House and Cultural CenterUniversity of Kentucky
Germanic Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
What general advice would you give to a Language Translator?
Nels Rogers Ph.D.: Look for opportunities with international companies and government. Global corporations and governments need highly skilled workers and tend to reward those that are flexible thinkers and can contribute to their missions.
What Language Translator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Nels Rogers Ph.D.: Using language at a high level to work between cultures. Being sensitive to different groups and their interests. Increased cultural awareness and professionalism. Skills that can't be replicated by AI.
What will help Language Translators increase their earning potential?
Nels Rogers Ph.D.: Using language at a high level to work between cultures. Being sensitive to different groups and their interests. Increased cultural awareness and professionalism. Skills that can't be replicated by AI.
Janice Aski
Professor of Italian and Director of the Center for Languages Literatures and CulturesOhio State University
Romance Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
What general advice would you give to a Language Translator?
Janice Aski: As working environments diversity, graduates will need to have the skills associated with intercultural competence. Interculturally competent people are able to shift their cultural perspective so that their own culture is not the center of their reality; they are able to understand, respect and take into consideration other cultures and cultural perspectives; they are flexible, adaptable, and tolerate ambiguity as they work to understand interactions. They use these skills to communicate appropriately and effectively. Those who have learned another language have worked toward mastering these skills by having to navigate complex contexts in another language, in which they are not as confident and cannot express themselves as they can in their native language. World language learners overcome obstacles in communication and cultural misunderstanding that people who have not studied a language have not, and therefore enter their professional life with a unique set of skills.
What Language Translator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Janice Aski: By knowing how to talk about the skills you have developed through your work at university. There are skills that do not translate directly from the name of a major/minor or certificate. Learn to communicate these skills.
Zhiguo Xie
Associate Professor of Chinese LinguisticsOhio State University
Linguistic, Comparative, And Related Language Studies And Services
What general advice would you give to a Language Translator?
Zhiguo Xie: Language majors need to explore ways to translate their linguistic skills into more actionable skills.
What will help Language Translators increase their earning potential?
Zhiguo Xie: a. Inter-cultural competency
b. practical problem solving
c. effective communication
Mark Rush
Prof. of Politics and LawWashington and Lee University
Political Science And Government
What general advice would you give to a Language Translator?
Mark Rush: Good, clear writing is critical. But, it requires practice and regular reading to maintain a sense of clarity to be able to express your ideas succinctly. I'd recommend acquiring and maintaining skill in at least one other language. This is a means of empowerment as well as ensuring real cultural understanding-not just cultural understanding translated into English.
What Language Translator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mark Rush: Be patient and flexible. Sometimes things may not go exactly the way you'd like them to. A career is a long game. You are just starting out. Take the time to think about what you want to do. You will probably alter your career path numerous times. Each time you do that, it's as if you were starting out fresh.
What will help Language Translators increase their earning potential?
Mark Rush: Good, clear writing is critical. But, it requires practice and regular reading to maintain a sense of clarity to be able to express your ideas succinctly.
I'd recommend acquiring and maintaining skill in at least one other language. This is a means of empowerment as well as ensuring real cultural understanding-not just cultural understanding translated into English.
Joanna Stimmel Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Teaching and German Studies Program Coordinator, Pepperdine universityWhat general advice would you give to a Language Translator?
Joanna Stimmel Ph.D.: Don't limit yourself to, and instead think beyond, traditional careers such as second language teaching or translation. Understand that one is at a distinct advantage in the global market if one is as close to being bilingual as possible.
When preparing your resume, do emphasize specific skills acquired while completing the German degree: communication skills, analytical and problem-solving skills, dealing with abstract concepts, and enhanced understanding of the interrelation of language and human nature.
Look for opportunities in government, business, law, technology, military, industry, marketing, and other fields where a degree in German can provide a competitive edge because one can communicate in a second language. Even in the globalized world where English is the lingua Franca of business and technology, knowing another language allows one to participate more effectively and responsibly in a multicultural world. Foreign languages expand one's worldview and open the door to all aspects of cultures in other parts of the world.
What Language Translator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joanna Stimmel Ph.D.: Don't limit yourself to, and instead think beyond, traditional careers such as second language teaching or translation. Understand that one is at a distinct advantage in the global market if one is as close to being bilingual as possible. When preparing your resume, do emphasize specific skills acquired while completing the German degree: communication skills, analytical and problem-solving skills, dealing with abstract concepts, and enhanced understanding of the interrelation of language and human nature. Look for opportunities in government, business, law, technology, military, industry, marketing, and other fields where a degree in German can provide a competitive edge because one can communicate in a second language. Even in the globalized world where English is the lingua Franca of business and technology, knowing another language allows one to participate more effectively and responsibly in a multicultural world. Foreign languages expand one's worldview and open the door to all aspects of cultures in other parts of the world.
What will help Language Translators increase their earning potential?
Joanna Stimmel Ph.D.: As markets expand and the trend toward globalization continues, the demand for bilingual and multilingual speakers will likely increase. Studying a modern language degree helps one develop good oral and written communication skills, and will also enable one to improve their effectiveness in gathering, assessing, and interpreting information. Even as access to AI-based translation and interpretation is increasing, being able to lead and participate in discussions conducted in foreign languages is a tremendous asset. Many language degrees, including the German Studies Program at Pepperdine, offer a year of studying (and sometimes) working abroad. Such experience not only offers the promise to increase the student's proficiency in the language, but it also literally opens new worlds for them. Spending a year abroad while working toward the German degree helps the students adapt to new surroundings and in the process makes them more culturally aware and sensitive to the minutiae of intercultural understanding. In an increasingly global jobs market, these skills are highly valued by employers.
Carlos Parra
Chair, Department of World Languages Director, ESL Program Coordinator, ACA Study Abroad Member, ACA Board of DirectorsLa Sierra University
Romance Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
What general advice would you give to a Language Translator?
Carlos Parra: In the next 3-5 years, the field of Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics is poised to undergo significant transformations, influenced by technological advancements and the increasing importance of global communication. Digital literacy will become indispensable, as the demand for online content and digital media in multiple languages rises. Graduates will need to be proficient in using digital tools for translation, content creation, and language teaching. Additionally, skills in SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and SEM (Search Engine Marketing) will be highly valuable for those aiming to increase the visibility of multilingual content on the web. Another area of growing importance is computational linguistics, which combines language studies with computer science; understanding the basics of this field can open up opportunities in tech companies developing language processing tools and applications. Equally important will be the emphasis on intercultural communications skills. As businesses and organizations become more global, the ability to not only communicate but also effectively negotiate and collaborate across cultural boundaries will be extremely important. This includes a deep understanding of cultural sensitivities, practices, and non-verbal communication style to diverse audiences will be key in fostering successful international relationships. Sustainability and social responsibility are also becoming central to global discourse, requiring professionals to integrate these values into their work. Graduates should be prepared to contribute to projects and initiatives that address global challenges, leveraging their language skills and cultural insights to make a meaningful impact.
What Language Translator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Carlos Parra: My primary piece of advice is to leverage the unique set of skills you've developed throughout your studies. Your proficiency in multiple languages, deep understanding of cultural nuances, and analytical abilities in interpreting texts are invaluable assets in today's globalized world. Consider careers not just in education or translation, which are traditional paths, but also in international business, diplomacy, and digital content creation, where your skills can provide a competitive edge. Remember, networking is key; connect with alumni, join professional associations related to your field of interest, and don't hesitate to reach out to professionals for informational interviews. These connections can open doors to opportunities that align with your passion and expertise. In addition, in an ever-evolving job market, continuous learning and adaptability are crucial. Keep enhancing your language proficiency and cultural competence by engaging with contemporary literature, media, and online communities in the languages you've studied. This not only keeps your skills sharp but also deepens your understanding and appreciation of cultures. Additionally, consider acquiring complementary skills, such as digital marketing or data analysis, which are highly sought after in many fields. Again, remember your degree has equipped you with the ability to communicate across cultures, analyze complex texts, and think critically--skills that are highly valuable in numerous career paths. Embrace the journey with an open mind, stay curious, and be prepared to take calculated risks. The world is rich with opportunities for those who can navigate its complexities with empathy and insight.
What will help Language Translators increase their earning potential?
Carlos Parra:
Maximizing your salary potential at the start of your career, especially within the field of Romance Languages, Literatures and Linguistics, involves strategic positioning and continuous skill development. Initially, it's essential to research and target sectors that highly value multilingual and cultural competencies and are known for offering competitive salaries. Fields such as international law, global finance, tech, and consulting are increasingly seeking professionals who can navigate multicultural environments effectively. Tailoring your job applications to highlight how your language skills can solve specific problems or meet the needs of potential employers in these industries can set you apart. Additionally, acquiring certifications in your language of expertise, such as the DELE for Spanish or the DALF for French, can provide tangible proof of your proficiency levels and make you a more attractive candidate.
Beyond just the job search strategy, negotiating your starting salary and benefits package is crucial. Arm yourself with the information on industry salary standards using resources like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Salary insights, or professional associations related to your field. This knowledge will empower you to negotiate more confidently. Don't shy away from discussing salary early in the interview process to ensure alignment between your expectations and potential employer's budget. Consider the entire compensation package, including bonuses, benefits, and opportunities for professional development. Investing in further education, such as obtaining a master's degree in a specialized area or certification in project management, digital marketing, or another complementary skill, can also significantly enhance your salary potential over time. Continuous learning and adapting to market needs will not only increase your value but also provide leverage for salary increases and promotions as you progress in your career.
Marilyn Manley Ph.D.
Full Professor of Spanish, Department ChairRowan University
Department of World Languages
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Language Translator job market given the pandemic?
Marilyn Manley Ph.D.: One silver lining that has resulted from the Coronavirus pandemic is an increased familiarity for most job sectors with the technological tools needed to hold virtual meetings. These remote collaborations have bridged vast geographical distances and brought together speakers of various languages and cultural backgrounds on a more frequent basis than might otherwise have occurred by this point in time. Thus, while most of us have experienced increased physical isolation due to the pandemic, our virtual worlds have expanded considerably.
With the possibility for increased communication across physical boundaries, students with a background in the study of world languages and cultures will find that their skills are in even higher demand than before. Those equipped with world language proficiency and intercultural competence will find that they are well-prepared for a wide variety of career opportunities available to them as well as further study. Some examples include within the fields of interpretation and translation, health care (for example, in speech-language pathology and the study and treatment of dyslexia and aphasia), business and advertising (for example, in marketing to non-English speakers), education (for example, in language teaching, teaching English to speakers of other languages, training teachers, and designing assessments), communications, publishing, acting or training actors (as while learning the pronunciation and intonation of different languages and dialects), computer science (including applications to speech recognition, text-to-speech synthesis, artificial intelligence and robotics), journalism, law (such as studying the language of legal texts, linguistic aspects of evidence and issues of voice identification), public relations, work for the government (including for the Federal Bureau of Intelligence (FBI), the National Security Agency (NSA), the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Department of Defense, etc.) and many others in the public and private sectors that require critical thinking, analytical reasoning, argumentation, and communicative ability.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Language Translators?
Marilyn Manley Ph.D.: Students of languages and cultures are already competitive job candidates; however, those who customize their academic careers with a double major, minor, or certificate will be even better prepared to enter the job market. Other strategies are to travel abroad or complete one or more internships to gain additional experience.
For example, those language students interested in a career as a speech-language pathologist may pursue a double major or minor in Biology or Biological Sciences. Speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders in patients. According to the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), while most speech-language pathologists work in schools, others often work in the offices of physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and audiologists, as well as in hospitals (state, local and private), nursing care facilities, and home health care services. According to the BLS, the standard level of education for speech-language pathologists is a master's degree.
What's a good job out of college for Language Translators?
Marilyn Manley Ph.D.: According to the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), high growth rates are projected for the field of Interpretation/Translation. Interpreters and translators convert information form one language to another. While interpreters convert information from one spoken language to another, translators convert written materials from one language into another. Interpreters and translators may be self-employed or work for such industries as professional, scientific, and technical services, educational services (state, local, and private), health care and social assistance, and government.
Those interested in interpreting/translating within a specific environment, for example within health care, may become more competitive by pursuing additional, related study, for example by adding a Biology major or minor in Biological Sciences. Similarly, for example, those interested in a career as a government interpreter may follow the strategy of pursuing additional study in the form a major or minor in Political Science in order to broaden their employment options.
According to the BLS, the entry-level education needed to work as an interpreter or translator is a Bachelor's degree; however, many prospective interpreters and translators may also seek professional certification. While there is no universal certification required of interpreters and translators in the United States, a number of organizations provide certification, including the American Translators Association, the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (for court interpreting), the International Association of Conference Interpreters, the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters, and the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Language Translator job market given the pandemic?
Dr. LuAnn McCracken Fletcher: In general, I think the pandemic, and the flight to online platforms as a result, have increased our appreciation for good communication skills--oral communication skills, but also the ability to bring adaptability, creativity, and critical thinking to one's job, since we're all dealing with technology in new ways and having to adjust to technology challenges on a daily basis. While we will hopefully return to in-person work, post-pandemic, I think it highly likely that some aspects of our online life, such as meetings and collaborations, will continue to take place online, with the result that those who possess not only the technical skills or knowledge base required by their profession, but also the "soft skills" listed above, will be more successful in the post-pandemic workplace and more likely to get promoted. Fortunately, humanities graduates get a lot of practice with these so-called "soft skills," including the ability to listen carefully and to tell powerful stories.
As far as trends in the job market most likely to affect English majors and humanities graduates in general, we will continue to see expansion of digital and social media platforms, including interactive content. Whether in the publishing industry, in educational and governmental institutions, in public-facing offices within businesses and non-profits, or in museums and other community-based organizations, there will be an increased focus on creating or retooling positions to accommodate an increased awareness of the value of digital connectivity.
What's a good job out of college for Language Translators?
Dr. LuAnn McCracken Fletcher: Any job out of college--one's first job--is worthwhile. Do not look only for your ideal job, or you may be disappointed. Rather, cast a broad net and think creatively about employment. The challenge of being a humanities major is that you do not have a specific career set out for you--but that's also the benefit of being a humanities major. Especially if you have complimented your major with other courses and experiences, you are qualified for careers in business, science, education, technology, government, philanthropy, to offer just a few examples. For English and writing majors, good first jobs may include writing and editing digital content, or providing social media support, for companies and organizations. New humanities graduates are also appealing to nonprofits, to colleges and universities, to libraries and museums, and to other public and governmental agencies.
Most importantly, seek a position that will serve as a springboard to your NEXT job. Your first job is not your destiny, but it should be something that gives you experience that you can point to as qualifying you for your next job, when you apply for it. One method to determine what a good first job might be: look at ads for the kind of job you really want and note what qualifications are listed for that job. Which ones do you have, and which do you need to develop? Seek a first job that will give you an opportunity to develop those attributes that are crucial to your ideal job. It also doesn't hurt to take a first job that will provide you with a network of contacts who might help you to discover your next job.
Mark Latta
Assistant Professor of English, Writing Center DirectorMarian University
English Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Language Translator job market given the pandemic?
Mark Latta: The pandemic seems to be accelerating already existing or emerging trends. One trend I believe will accelerate is the decoupling of work from a central office location. More people will be able to work from home or work closely with team members who are spread across geographies. Because of this, effective communication, especially written communication, will take on even more importance. I believe employers will seek out applicants who are not only able to write clearly and effectively but who are also able to use writing to distill and summarize complex, abstract ideas.
Another trend I see taking shape is the increased reliance on critical thinking and empathic problem-solving. On one hand, applicants who demonstrate an ability to navigate fluid, complicated (and sometimes) chaotic ideas and events while still meeting the goals and objectives of their workplace will set themselves apart. Employers are looking for steady, critical minds.
But if there's one thing the pandemic has taught us, it's the importance of kindness and looking out for one another. It's becoming more common for employers to speak openly about their civic identity and their commitment to racial and social equality. Yes, employers want applicants who can communication clearly, engage in critical thinking, anticipate problems before they arise, and navigate difficult situations. But, increasingly, they also want people who can do all of this while thinking about social impact, who are willing to ask tough questions about how certain actions might support or disrupt inequality, and whether or not employees can inspire others to be kind to others.
Luckily, an English degree prepares applicants to meet these challenges. Learning to think critically and consider the perspectives of others are central features of an English degree. Additionally, English majors are regularly looked to for their abilities to write convincingly and effectively.
What Language Translator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mark Latta: Listen, if anyone wants to take a "gap year," do it. After the year we've all had (and are still having), you deserve a gap year. There's nothing wrong with stepping back and using this moment to reflect upon your experiences and to discern next steps. I encourage everyone to resist this tendency to think you are somehow falling behind if you don't have a job lined up immediately after graduation. Of course, it's great if you do, if that's your thing, but remember that everyone needs to work on their own timetable.
If you are taking some time, one "skill" I suggest focusing on is that of discernment. Merriam-Webster defines discernment as, "the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure." Discernment is becoming increasingly rare in a world that insists on rapid turnarounds, which makes the ability to grasp the obscure all the more valuable.
Thankfully, discernment isn't impossible to learn, but it does require us to slow down and begin to see the complications, the connections, and the beauty that surrounds us. Methods of developing a discerning mind include journaling daily (the science on journaling and its cognitive and socio-emotional benefits is pretty clear: it helps tremendously), inviting and pursuing opportunities that showcase different perspectives (even a visit to the art museum or a walk in a different part of the city will help), and participating in a book club.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Language Translators?
Joela Jacobs Ph.D.: We have seen an enduring impact of the 2008 recession on higher education and the job market, and given that covid's effect on these sectors has already been much more grave than back then, I expect its impact to be with us for quite some time. We have also seen a demand in some areas, however, one of them teaching at the K-12 level (be it in smaller groups or through technology), and some of these effects are certainly also here to stay.
What type of skills will young Language Translators need?
Joela Jacobs Ph.D.: I think graduates have acquired great flexibility and adaptability in this pandemic, and I think this will serve them well. Being able to work remotely will likely not go out of style, and the technological literacy that is required for that will be important to have.
What experience really stands out on Language Translator resumes?
Joela Jacobs Ph.D.: Transcultural abilities are an asset to any workplace in this global world. While it is much more difficult for students to study abroad at the moment, universities have come up with creative alternatives. In some ways, it has never been easier to connect with people in far-away places, and at the same time, it's important to remember that intercultural competence can also be practiced right around the corner.
Joseph Magedanz Ph.D.
Professor of GermanUniversity of Redlands
Department of Modern Literatures and Languages
What skills stand out on Language Translator resumes?
Joseph Magedanz Ph.D.: A wide variety of experience in many areas of academic inquiry, not just job-related training; evidence of both leadership and teamwork ability
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Language Translator job market given the pandemic?
Suzanne Del Gizzo Ph.D.: I believe we'll see what I've heard called the "Fauci-effect", meaning more people will go into health-related work. However, that doesn't necessarily mean majoring in science. Fauci was a classical studies major, and he has repeatedly discussed the inestimable value of his liberal arts education for his current work, which requires communicating empathetically and clearly the complicated information about science to the general public.
Gregory Jusdanis Ph.D.
Humanities Distinguished ProfessorThe Ohio State University
Department of Classics
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Language Translators to find work opportunities?
Gregory Jusdanis Ph.D.: Law, medicine, shipping, entertainment, government, State Department - these are where our students have ended up recently.
Artemis Leontis Ph.D.
C. P. Cavafy Professor of Modern Greek and Comparative Literature, ChaiUniversity of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Department of Classical Studies
What experience really stands out on Language Translator resumes?
Artemis Leontis Ph.D.: Any student who completed a major research, creative, instructional, service, or internship project under these challenging circumstances in a safe, effective way and was able to draw insights on the shift in the circumstances of their work will stand out.
What general advice would you give to a Language Translator?
Christopher Blackwell: The next thing you do does not have to be the last thing you do. Show up and say "yes" whenever possible. Don't be distracted by the existence of millionaires and billionaires; aim for having "enough," and a good definition of "enough" is "you can invite a friend to lunch and not worry about paying the bill for both of you." Beyond "enough" additional wealth generally just means having marginally nicer versions of the stuff you already have. Don't sacrifice your happiness just so your car can have a heated steering wheel.