Language translation is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the economy, and a communications degree can offer advantages to interpreters and translators seeking employment in related fields. When it comes to presenting ideas in writing and other forms of media, communications graduates have professional expertise that employers value. Pursuing a career in translation is an excellent goal for communications majors who speak two or more languages. It’s highly recommended for professional translators to speak fluent English as well as one or two foreign languages. A college degree in communications can pave the way for a writing job in the global translation industry.
Writing Translations
Translating written works is a great way for interpreters and translators to earn a living. The field of technical writing is full of opportunities for communications graduates, and the global translation industry is always in need of writers with expertise in foreign languages. College students currently enrolled in communications programs should take as many foreign language courses as possible to prepare themselves for careers in translating texts into English and other languages. Many written works need to be translated by skilled writers because translation software is not advanced enough to capture the nuance of complex texts. A formal education in communications offers excellent preparation for this task.
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Interpreters and Translators
Interpreters and translators are needed to help bridge the gaps between cultures throughout the world. As the cultures of the world become more interlinked through globalization, interpreters and translators will be in increasing demand in the job market. Communications majors receive training in the most effective ways to communicate through written and electronic media, but they can work in any capacity in the global translation industry. Whether they choose to translate written texts or help business professionals communicate with colleagues in foreign countries, communications graduates possess a highly relevant skill set that is perfectly suited to translation and interpretation.
Job Outlook
The global translation industry is rapidly growing, and interpreters and translators have many opportunities for career advancement. Job growth in the translation industry is expected to be around 18 percent for the next 10 years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While a college degree is helpful in this field, the most important qualification is fluency in one or more foreign languages. Common languages, such as Arabic, Chinese and Spanish, are good choices for interpreters, but many employers will also be hiring translators with proficiency in less common languages. Perhaps the most important language for professional interpreters to speak fluently is English.
Communications Careers
When it comes to translation careers, a communications degree can be very helpful. Jobs in the communications industry include careers in journalism, video editing, technical writing, and public relations, and studying communications in college can give students insight into the ways ideas are transmitted across cultures. Formal training in media and communications can make translators and interpreters more effective in their careers. Even interpreters who orally translate speech for their clients can benefit significantly from a degree in communications. The concepts taught in university communications departments are useful for anyone communicating ideas with words, images, sound or video.
The global translation industry has a wide range of job opportunities for people with expert-level communication skills. A communications degree offers ideal preparation for interpreters and translators of spoken and written language.