Most students believe that majoring in a foreign language is for those who want a future teaching career. This may have been true in the past, but today translators and interpreters are flourishing and a growing demand indicates the need will continue to increase.
The American Translators Association has reported that over the past decade, the translating and interpreting industry has earned $11 billion, which amounts to an increase rate of 10 to 15 percent a year.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that this expected to increase at a rate of 24 percent from now through 2016. This is a growth rate much higher than the average for other occupations.
Two of the most important business and industry sectors that experience a need for translators and interpreters are the hospital and health care arena. Most now offer bilingual services, usually for Spanish speaking patients.
Those who want to pursue a career in translating and interpreting should take courses and attend seminars regarding the subject. In addition, traveling or living abroad can help a budding translator immerse themselves in a culture and a language, which they choose to embrace.
01 December 2008
