A major in linguistics can lead you toward a diverse career path. So, it is best to identify your interests and skill set before graduation day arrives. In order to successfully prepare for the linguistic job of your choice, get acquainted with your career options early on. Keep in mind that some jobs for linguists may require you to have a graduate degree.
Translator or Interpreter
Linguists who are fluent in two or more languages can choose either translation or interpreting (or both) as a profession. Translators and interpreters convert one language into another language. However, translators work only with written texts and interpreters only with spoken language. Both career paths involve some degree of specialization, as it is important to be knowledgeable about the material you are working with. Translators and interpreters often work on a contract and/or freelance basis. They can find jobs within the government, schools, hospitals, courts, corporations, and publishing.
English Language Teaching
Linguists are ideal candidates for teaching languages, especially since they have a specialized understanding of how languages are structured and learned. One popular option is to teach English as a Second Language (ESL). As an ESL teacher, you plan and tailor lessons according to your students' language needs. You can teach at private language schools or within the public school system. In addition to a linguistic degree, it might be necessary to obtain a teaching certificate. ESL teachers are in demand within the United States and overseas.
If you have a passion and fascination for the law, then forensic linguistics might be a career path to pursue. Forensic linguists specialize in analyzing and interpreting the language of the law. They are often called upon in criminal and civil court cases. Duties can involve analyzing legal documents, police reports, criminal confessions, eyewitness testimony, and audio voice recordings. Forensic linguists sometimes play a major role in freeing people wrongly accused of a crime. To qualify for this career, you generally need a master's degree.
Linguists who have knowledge of computer science can choose to specialize in computational linguistics. Although the field can be quite varied, computational linguistics involves helping computers develop language skills. Popular examples of computational linguistics include such computer tools as automated grammar correction, language translation, and voice recognition programs. There are majors devoted entirely to computational linguistics, and career options include working for corporations, government agencies, and research universities.
The traditional route for linguists is to teach and research at the university level. A graduate degree is usually required, as is previous research and/or publication experience. Linguists can teach in academic departments such as English, linguistics, anthropology, sociology, and foreign languages. It is important to note that tenure-track positions in linguistics can be highly competitive.
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