Bilingual abilities are highly sought after in a job market that is becoming increasingly competitive. Many professions need communication or some form of Spanish language interaction with local and international Spanish-speaking groups. Being fluent in Spanish can expand your employment opportunities. As the need for Spanish-speaking workers across numerous industries increases, native Spanish speakers needed jobs are on the rise across various professions such as the medical sector, government departments, the justice system, social services, business and education, tourism, the media, etc.
For those wanting to utilize their Spanish professionally, we teamed up with experts from job aggregator Jooble to look closely at several excellent employment opportunities and career choices that need bilingual language skills.
Can speaking Spanish help you get a job?
Because the number of Americans who speak Spanish as a first language is steadily increasing, fluency in Spanish has become a plus in many professions. More businesses and organizations are employing bilingual workers with some level of bilingual English/Spanish fluency. However, when applying for a bilingual position, be ready to prove it in the interview. Some employers may switch to Spanish during the interview to test your language proficiency and gauge whether your abilities meet their needs. By passing a Spanish proficiency test, such as the Diploma de Espaol Como Lengua Extranjera (DELE) exam, you will increase the confidence of potential employers regarding your Spanish speaking skills.
Here are some of the job opportunities requiring bilingual fluency in Spanish/English in the US:
- Spanish/English linguist
When considering the career options for fluent Spanish speakers, becoming a linguist is typically among the first professions that spring to mind. Here are some of the jobs available to Spanish/English linguists:
Translator
Translators translate written content from the original language to the required target language, preserving the original text and meaning as closely as possible.
Interpreter
Interpreters translate spoken languages in real-time and immediately relay the words in the target language. For example, interpreters are extensively used by the United Nations.
Localization specialist
The duties of a language localization specialist include translations that prioritize the cultural phrases, idiosyncrasies, and terminology of the original language to ensure that it is culturally correct for the intended audience.
Transcreation specialist
Specialists in transcreation have more creative latitude in their translation, enabling messages to be modified to ensure that it is appropriate for the target audience. You will need to be highly fluent in Spanish to be successful in any of these roles.
- Spanish teacher
Another popular job option for bilingual Spanish speakers is teaching Spanish. Teaching will enable you to use your passion for the Spanish language daily and impart your knowledge to others. Any foreign language can be taught in a variety of ways, such as:
- Personal language tutor
- Spanish teacher online
- Spanish teacher for adults
- Spanish teacher at school or college level
- Spanish-speaking careers in the medical field
A career in any of the many medical professions is the perfect opportunity to put your Spanish to practical use. When it comes to healthcare needs, communication is essential. Medical personnel who speak Spanish are especially needed in regions with large Hispanic populations. Being fluently bilingual in Spanish and English can be extremely helpful in medical facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and emergency healthcare environments.
Here are some of the healthcare occupations where your Spanish would be an advantage:
- Emergency healthcare providers (EMTs, paramedics)
- Nurses and doctors
- Pharmacists
- Dental professionals
- Phlebotomists
- Medical receptionists
- A career in Law enforcement/justice system
In law enforcement, as in healthcare, effective communication and quick comprehension can make all the difference in how a crisis unfolds. Spanish-speaking victims can be better assisted and calmed by police officers who speak their language. Additionally, officers who speak Spanish will be better equipped to deal with witnesses at a crime scene and defuse dangerous situations involving Spanish speakers.
Many legal positions require Spanish speakers to interpret or assist Spanish-speaking individuals in overcoming linguistic barriers when communicating or seeking justice.
Suppose you’re interested in applying your Spanish skills in the legal or law enforcement system. In that case, you might want to consider the following careers:
- Policeman/woman
- Lawyer
- Paralegal assistant
- Legal researcher
- Case manager
- Legal transcriber
- Receptionist for a law office
- Careers in government for Spanish speakers
There are several positions open to Spanish speakers in various government departments. Working for the government offers a wide range of advantages and will typically position you for a long-term, secure career.
Here are some government occupations where proficiency in Spanish is advantageous.
- Military translator/linguist
- Diplomat
- Officer in the foreign services
- Liaison in foreign languages
- Adviser for foreign languages
- Foreign language analyst
Most government roles requiring Spanish will expect you to demonstrate high proficiency in the language.
Conclusion
As can be seen, numerous jobs are available to bilingual Spanish speakers to suit any skill set or level of experience. No matter what your career goals are, being fluent in Spanish will be to your advantage and help you stand out in the job market.
