What career can I choose if I learn French?
After English, French is the world’s second most widely spoken language. In 29 countries, French is the official language or one of the official languages. For comparison, English is the official or one of the official languages in 45 countries. Even in countries where French is not an official language, it plays an important role. French is an important administrative and commercial language in countries such as India, Egypt, Lebanon, Greece, Poland, and Brazil. Many international organisations have French as one of their official working languages. Organizations such as Médecins Sans Frontières, Amnesty International, and The International Committee of the Red Cross.
Let's now look at the career options available to a Fench learner.
French language experts can look for jobs in Translation, which involves working with documents in at least two written languages, such as textbooks, instruction manuals, and newspaper articles. Translation is a profession that appeals to French speakers because it allows them to work remotely and on their own schedule (freelance basis). Translation is a highly competitive and dynamic job that works best when one chooses to specialise in a specific domain (law, science, medicine, education) in order to target a specific niche. Avid travellers often find success as translators in the foreign country where they live.
You could also consider working as an interpreter, someone who works with at least two spoken languages. An interpretation job, unlike a translation job, is critical, time-sensitive, and less flexible. In conferences and courtrooms, interpreters must be present in-person with the employer. The most popular type of interpretation is simultaneous interpretation, in which a language is decoded as it is spoken, as in the case of UN interpreters. You are considered skilled if you are able to smoothly convey the words and personality of the person for who you’re interpreting, effectively without being felt around. This requires a great grasp of the knowledge in terms of comfort with speaking, ability to decipher non-standard accents, knowledge and presence of mind, to find apt and equivalent expressions across languages, on the spot. Interpretation has less competition due to excellence needed but is an exceptionally demanding and pressured field.
French learners can opt for proofreading jobs, working in conjunction with a translator
Before anything is sent in public circulation it is required to be proofread before publishing by a professional. As a proofreader, your role will be to ensure that the translation is grammatically correct and free of grammatical /typographical errors.
Another option is to work is, as a freelance French language editor. In this case, your responsibilities would go beyond those of a proofreader. Your job would be to ensure that the French content follows proper syntax, grammar, and flow is proper for the reader to follow.
Multilingual tour guides are in high demand in places such as museums and monuments. If you enjoy interacting with people and learning about different cultures, becoming a tour guide for the town’s francophone tourists may be a position to consider. You could also start your own travel agency or tour operator.
French speakers can be accepted as Flight attendants on long-haul international flights where being bilingual in English-French pair of languages, has a huge advantage to start in this career! There are many other hospitality positions available at Casinos, resorts or at famous hotels! There are a variety of positions to fill from receptionist to manager, depending on your qualifications and prior experience.
French language learners can also opt to work at consulates and embassies as administrative staff. If French is an add on to an existing, competitive, appropriate qualification you could apply for a Consul, Ambassador or Diplomat positions. Learners are advised to bear in mind that these positions accept applicants through a rigorous examination process.
French learners who have cleared their C1/C2 with stellar performance can opt to become a French teacher in their country of residence or choose to be an ESL teacher, teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in any French-speaking country. As an ESL teacher, you would be expected to have great translation and proficiency skills as you would be translating your lessons back into French to ensure that your French students understand them easily. Besides, you’ll also have to speak French in the teacher’s lounge and when you’re not at work.
More opportunities available for a French-language learner are working in specialised KPO, BPO as a chat, voice or email support, or to extend support as a voice-over artist to dubbing movies, for commercials and cartoons, be an RJ,
Academic Fields to associate with!
Learners of French could also look at picking up roles such as being a content writer, curriculum designer, instructional coordinators, subject matter expert, a researcher in a variety of domains like social policy, economics, military, technology and culture.
Finally,
Learning a new foreign language, such as French, would undoubtedly improve your career prospects and wage potential. France is now one of the world’s most popular international tourist destinations, with over 100 million visitors per year to see world-famous attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Lovre Museum, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, the Palace of Versailles, and famous sports stadiums. Many significant publications in the arts and social sciences have come from France. France has earned the most Nobel Prizes for literature than any other country in the world. It has some of Europe’s top universities, making it an appealing country for further studies. However, basic knowledge of French is expected for admission to the majority of public universities.
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