Training for this work is available only at a limited number of institutions, and complete fluency in two or often three languages is required. The essence of these careers is communication, and mastery of the English language is also required to do these jobs successfully. Publishers, educational institutions, hospitals, trade organizations, and governments all provide opportunities for translators and interpreters. There is a great deal of competition for these positions. Often the demand is for less than full time work, so it is important to have other skills to market to a hiring organization.
Government jobs exist for individuals both in the United States and abroad.
A large number of departments such as the Department of State, Agency for International Development, and the Immigration and Naturalization Service, have classified positions in two categories, those for which a language is required and those for which a language would be helpful. Government needs primarily focus on the areas of overseas dependent schools, overseas aid agencies, intelligence and law enforcement, the foreign service, and broadcasting. Opportunities also exist in state and local governments that serve citizens who do not speak English. Many different areas of business require the use of foreign language skills as a supplement to other skill areas. Sales, hospitality and tourism, airlines, import-exports, and health services are only a few of the areas that would value the foreign language major.