Knowing a foreign language is an asset in traditional careers within the United States, especially with the increasing diversity of our population. But the effect of globalization has accelerated the need for people with multiple language skills. The economy is now international, and different cultures are interconnected by telephone, satellite, and computer terminal.

The added value of speaking a foreign language can open doors of opportunity. But even more, it can make you more valuable once you’ve walked through that door. “Now, more than ever, a second language can help you in ways you never imagined, even if you don’t major in a language,” says Suzanne Murray, foreign language teacher at Northville High School. “A second language complements almost any major.”

Murray adds, “I’ve heard of people being sought out because of their language skills. For instance, if an American corporation needs an accountant in the German office, and you speak German, they will send you, then teach you the specific accounting skills for that job.”

A second language can also be your ticket to travel opportunities. After all, where better to use a foreign language than in a foreign country? Jerry Fronczak, vice president account director for BBDODetroit, travels extensively, overseeingDaimlerChrysler advertising and marketing in South America.

“My degree is in marketing, and I am fluent in Spanish,” says Fronczak. “Knowing the language helps me be certain our advertising is appropriate and effective in the different societies in South America.” He adds, “It also helps me  build rapport with my clients.”

What fields offer the best opportunities where a second language might give you an edge? The numbers are countless, but the following is an overview of a few.

The demand for bilingual secretaries and typists is so constant, some employment agencies maintain permanent advertisements for these positions. A bilingual secretary has been described as a stenographer, translator, and correspondent, a range of duties beyond that of a person without a second language. Which is also why bilingual personnel enjoy a salary premium.

The traditional clerical positions -– typists, stenographers, receptionists, and administrative secretaries – are constantly in need of bilingual people. But there’s more. Recently a Washington, D.C. company needed a person fluent in Spanish and English to conduct telephone interviews. Collection workers, switchboard operators, and bookkeepers with language ability are also needed.

Knowledge of a foreign language is an asset in the field of journalism. Many newspapers and magazines have indicated that foreign language skills are needed in the profession, and, specifically, knowledge of languages spoken by local ethnic groups enhances a reporter’s effectiveness. Even advertising and circulation personnel find knowledge of foreign languages useful in dealing with advertisers and readers.

The demand for bilingual employees in these fields comes from two different directions. American companies need help in overseas offices, and foreign-based companies need help in this country. Both segments need technical and engineering personnel with language proficiency.

In the United States, approximately one out of every six manufacturing jobs is related to international commerce, and about 20 percent of U.S. industrial output is geared to foreign trade. Michigan is a huge manufacturing state, and many companies have overseas plants.

Who is the largest employer of Americans with foreign language skills? The Federal Government. Both in this country and abroad, numerous governmental agencies and departments need employees with strong language skills. The Department of State alone employs 15,000 Americans around the world. In the field of foreign affairs, the Department has stated that it is placing more emphasis on the language capability of the Foreign Service Officers who staff the Washington D.C. office, as well as 300 U.S. diplomatic and consular offices around the world.

According to the official Department of State Web site, “There is no foreign language requirement to join the Foreign Service. However, the State Department welcomes applicants who are proficient in one or more foreign languages. Those who pass the Oral Assessment can raise their ranking on the List of Eligible Hires by passing a language test in any foreign language used by the State Department.”

In a global market place, it’s not only what you know; often times, it’s what language you know that makes the difference. For more information on foreign language careers via the Internet, here are a few useful Web Sites:

www.ub-careers.buffalo.edu/cdo/clanguage
www.gasou.edu/gsufl/careers
www.asu.edu/clas/asian/cascareer
www.careers.state.gov/officer