Foreign Language skills open up a wide range of specialist career paths, including translator and interpreter, thanks to ever-growing job opportunities in India and abroad.
There are so many good reasons to learn a language. The demand for language experts has accelerated at an unprecedented spurt in India.
Of all the people I’ve met, taught, and listened to over thirteen years, a career in languages, cultural aspects, and immigration are crucial factors in choosing a language to study.
The ability to speak a foreign language increases your employment opportunities and enriches your working experience.
Gone are the days of relying on one’s native language in communicating with people, especially in business dealings.
The innovative advent of modern technology has made the world a global village, and now, more than ever, the language barrier has to be broken.
Learning a foreign language can provide you a competitive edge in career choices.
Table of Contents
Translator Vs. Interpreter – The key difference
Interpreting and translating are two DIFFERENT things in the complete sense.
Interpreters and translators convert information from one language (source) into another language (target). Although some people do both, interpreting and translating are different professions.
Interpreters work with spoken communication, whereas translators work with written information.
Translation has to do with the written words — that is, changing of written texts.
On the contrary, interpretation is concerned with the spoken words.
You have to know what someone is saying in his/her language. You have to tell in another language that is entirely different from the original speaker’s.
That is what is called interpretation, which is more complicated than translation.
Read → (i) Career in Tourism (ii) Language Jobs in KPO (iii) Language jobs in Export (iv) Career for language Teachers (v) Foreign Embassy Jobs (vi) Language career After 12th.
Career Scope as a Translator
As a translator, you will convert the written text from one language into the target language by writing, analyzing, and editing.
With experience, learning, and specialization, skilled translators always find their services in high demand, and they earn quite well.
Due to language complexity, machine translation can and will never replace human translators.
There are words with dual meanings in different languages, and what works in one tongue does not necessarily work in another.
The Machine can’t relate words to context. The translation is something when quality matters more than anything.
Human translators and interpreters are much more reliable and effective, and the ‘personal’ aspect will always beat technology.
You can become a translator in 3-4 years. However, it will take several years for success and authority in various fields like financial, legal, medical, technical, and literary.
Those students who are more interested in literature can undertake translations of literary works from foreign languages.
There is also a growing market for converting self-help, science, research, and management books. There are also jobs in the publishing industry.
Many companies require translators for their business communication, live events, meetings, and conferences, or documentation in their essential work.
There are also many translation service provider which employ people having good knowledge of a foreign language.
The translator is one of the most sought-after career options in languages due to substantial monetary benefits, rising scope, and flexible working hours.
Job Opportunities as an Interpreter
As an interpreter, you’ll need to understand what is communicated and make precise and accurate verbal articulations and expressions.
Additionally, manners, gestures, and etiquette also play a vital role.
The job of an interpreter can be of varied types.
They are engaged in real-time interpretation, used for meetings, video-conferencing, speeches, teleconferencing, etc.
There is also liaison interpreting or consecutive interpreting. In this situation, a speaker coveys his or her messages and then stops for a while.
And then, the interpreter decodes the spoken speech to the audience in the corresponding language.
To become a successful interpreter, one needs to be fluent speakers or signers of both languages.
It is because they communicate back and forth among the people who do not share a common language.
Thanks to the new technology like video-conferencing and teleconferencing, it is now possible to hold meetings and conferences between employees from India and their counterparts in other countries without actually having to travel between the two countries.
There are so many options for interpreters in India these days.
Thanks to the increasing entry of foreign firms and large-scale projects outsourcing to Indian companies by their European, Asian, and American counterparts.
Acting as an interpreter can be very lucrative, depending on how experienced you are.
You can also work for media houses, tourist centers, sports clubs, international firms, export houses, and so on.
The career prospect is just endless.
Careers for Proofreader, Editor, and Content Writer
Proofreading is the review of one language for accuracy, spelling, grammar & style, as well as making sure that nothing is misspelled, omitted, or incorrectly inserted into your document.
Many companies use in-house or hire a proofreader to produce error-free texts.
There are also career opportunities for an editor.
They rewrite sentences and paragraphs with the intent to improve the flow, style, and overall quality of your writing.
The writer never goes out of style. The content writers have always been in demand from small companies to big MNC.
However, with the advent of the internet and technology, the need for excellent writers have increased manifold.
If you’re proficient in any language and a creative thinker that can write well, the job opportunities are immense.
How to become a translator and interpreter?
With your knowledge of a foreign language, you can work as a translator and interpreter for a company.
Besides, there is also a possibility in any agency or consultant or as an independent freelancer.
To do this successfully, you need three vital skills, which include.
A) Extreme high language ability
To be a successful professional translator or interpreter, you need near-native proficiency in both the language (source and the target tongue).
The job requires a high level of language competence in at least two tongues (native or CEFR level C1 and above or an equivalent level incomparable reference systems).
There are also some specialized courses for translators once you achieve a higher level of competence, for example, an MA in foreign languages.
B) Academic background or experience in the field
There is this incorrect assumption that a translator had to translate everything. But that isn’t the case.
Translators are particular, and you only need to concern yourself with one or a few areas of expertise (e.g., tourism, law, health, technology, and more).
There are no employers in on-the-job training. Thus, you will need to know how to translate or interpret before you can begin working.
Experience is also the prerequisite for most jobs.
Language reflects culture & customs and is influenced and shaped by it.
The professional language experts must also use the knowledge of the two cultures.
Translation and interpreting without deep cultural context will be flawed, inaccurate, and dangerous.
C) Possessing excellent writing and translating skill
You must also possess superior and a flare of writing, editing, vocabulary, and grammar skills in the target language.
The translator and interpreter need an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the language they are translating to avoid missing any implicit meanings inherent to the language.
There is no room for mediocrity, shoddiness, and insincerity.
It is important to note that translator skills are way different from the beginner’s language skills.
Someone can be wonderfully fluent in a particular language but still become a useless and incompetent translator.
And if you are going to be an independent translator and interpreter.
You have to be skilled in marketing and general business practice since the freelance market is highly competitive.
Your contacts can be an added advantage!
Salary, Paycheck, and Wages
The working conditions and pay involving languages are excellent, which can rise significantly with experience and specialization.
Self-employed interpreters usually charge per hour or half-day or full-day rates.
If your language combination and specialty are in high demand, and people know about you, earning 2000 to 3000 per hour is not a stretch.
For a full-time translator, Salaries could range from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 1 lakh a month.
You can also work as a freelance language expert, and one can earn Rs. 2,000-5,000 a day in translation work.
Long Stretches of no employment as a freelance is also very common and one of the pitfalls and disadvantages as a freelancer.
The demand for foreign language jobs in India as a translator and interpreter is always high.
If you have the experience, referral, and a solid résumé in the in-demand languages, or where competition is less like Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Italian, Arabic, Persian, Turkish, etc., you will be paid much more than an average interpreter and translator.
Since German, French, and Spanish are the three widely spoken languages; thus, the demand for the famous European languages translator and interpreter is high.
There is also an enormous market potential for less taught languages, such as Italian, Persian, Portuguese, Bahasa, etc.
Choosing the right language to learn is of immense importance. Translator Jobs can be a regular full-time or part-time freelancer.
The 21st century has opened up a vast scope for people pursuing translator and interpreter as a career option.
Hello Sir. Thank you for this article; it was really helpful. I wanted your help with one thing. I am currently studying Tourism Management from CVS, DU, and will graduate this June. Along with that I have studied Korean Beginner level from KCC New Delhi and will finish my Intermediate level in Korean from the same this July. To pursue a career as a Korean Translator, should I go for a master’s in Korean full time after July? Or should I do a master’s in Tourism and continue Korean side by side? It would really be helpful if you could respond sir. Thank you.
If you get admission to JNU, you can go with an MA in Korean. Otherwise, PG in tourism along with part-time Korean is a good option.
Where did you learn Korean from? Can you tell me the full form?
KCC – Korean Cultural Center in New Delhi.
I am 25 now, have completed my graduation in 2017. I want to do a Spanish language course and choose it as my career option. So is it enough to do a six-month certification course?? Because I am short of time.
No. From a career perspective, you should consider an advanced diploma or DELE/SIELE B2. It will take 2 years. A certificate is ok if you just want to learn some Spanish, but it won’t help your career.
Hello sir! I have completed my graduation this year and now I want to pursue a career in Spanish language. So I want to ask if I should first do a diploma or MA in Spanish? Thanks in advance!
You can do an MA directly in Spanish without previous knowledge. You can do the diploma and study further unless you cover the syllabus of BA in Spanish. Then, you can appear for the entrance test for a Master’s in Spanish.
Hello sir,
Sir, one thing I didn’t tell you that I’m a graduate in another subject, but I have a very keen interest in learning Korean, Japanese, and Chinese. I want to have a career in this language. I am confused between diploma and BA Hons in this language. Which one is better and which one should I choose? And I live in West Bengal Purba Medinipur. Please reply to me back.
Since you’re already a graduate, it would be better to go with a part-time diploma course or enroll in any private institute. Also, pick one language between these East Asian languages. I’m not aware of language schools in your city, but you can find plenty of good centers in Kolkata offering these three languages. You can find an article for the same on this blog.
Sir, the article was really helpful. I want to know if we passed all levels in a certain language. So is there any degree to pursue, later on, to become a translator or just certificates of specific language passing levels are sufficient for it? Plz, help me out that which all things are needed to become a translator.
These days, one needs to be at least a graduate for a vast majority of jobs. Besides, you need to complete the highest level of language proficiency exams and gain a diploma for the same. Then it is okay.
Sir, I am interested in three languages. Can I learn three languages at the same time? Also, if I study a foreign language, can I get any job? Or do I have to do an MBA or Tourism to get a job? Sir, please tell me. Please, please reply to me, sir. I request to you.
Well, Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. I’d suggest picking one language and giving undivided attention to that particular one. Once you cross the intermediate level, you can ponder over the second one. Yes, you can get jobs solely based on languages. But, if you want to diversify your career path and don’t want to be entirely dependent on one field, you can consider a master’s program like MBA.
Sir, I am a BBA graduate, graduated this year only. I have a very keen interest in learning Korean and want to have a career in the Korean language only. I am confused between diploma and BA Hons in the Korean language. Which one is better and which one should I choose?
Since you’re already a graduate, repeating the bachelor program might not be the best choice. If you get admission in JNU’s 5-year integrated BA+MA in Korean, go for it. Otherwise, I’d suggest learning from any private institutes or Korean cultural center. The part-time diploma is also ok, but not that good compared with other options.
I want to learn spanish language.
Find any nearby Spanish language institute for offline classes. Alternatively, you can also learn by taking some online courses.
Hello Sir,
I am currently doing a 2-year diploma course in French Language (along with a Masters in a different Field). In the future, I want to work as an interpreter /translator. So what courses should I opt for after completing the diploma, and what are the job prospects? Thanks in advance. The article was very helpful.
If you want to be a French translator or interpreter, then Masters in French would be the best choice. But if that is not feasible, then once you complete a diploma, continue studying French to achieve DALF C1/C2. You can work in any company that requires French translators or interpreters. There are also many possibilities as a Freelancer, either on your own or through any agency or organization.
Hello sir. I am Nandita. I have studied bcom and French language b1. I am confused about what to do after bcom, and which job is good where I learn new things and many more languages. Please suggest sir ma I English is good?
Teaching, translation, and content writing are some good choices. MA in English is okay, but there are better options like MBA.
Can I do MBA from ignou? Is it valid? Or bed for teaching and in these three professions can I have the time to learn new courses?
Yes, you can learn part-time. Try a regular MBA and not distance learning like IGNOU.
Yes sir but MBA has corporate jobs in which i dont get time to learn and accomplish hobbies? What should you prefer then pls tell sir last question?
My preference might not be suitable for everyone. And that’s why I don’t suggest many things. In the end, you have to see where your interest lies and your subjective goal, and then decide. Pursuing masters for the sake of a degree rarely works these days. Thus, choose as per usefulness in your career path.
Hello sir, I gave my 12th exams this year and I’m interested in learning Spanish with a career. My elder brother also studies Spanish and is currently doing BA hons in Spanish 2nd year. He’s advising me to take the DELE courses instead of BA/MA in Spanish. So I wanted to know what are the advantages and disadvantages of DELE C1/C2 over an MA degree in Spanish? Thanks in advance.
The comparison is not correct since DELE is a diploma, whereas bachelor and masters are degree courses. Even if you take the DELE route, you still have to do graduation and PG in some stream.
DELE is better because (i) It primarily focuses on effective speaking and listening (ii) You won’t be totally dependent on Spanish. You can change your career path in the future. (iii) Flexibility and no time limitation to complete C2. The college degree is better if (i) you want to do only one course and focus only on Spanish. (ii) Affordable (iii) If you want to do research later like M.Phil. and Ph.D.
Job to apply Spanish Language expert?
Try job portals or contact some HRs on LinkedIn.
I am learning Spanish for 2 years, and my level is between a2-b1. I want to give dele, but since the date is getting delayed due to COVID. I am thinking of learning another foreign language like German or Portuguese. When is the best time I should start learning it so that I dont get confused in both? I want to learn one more language to increase my chance of getting a job.
Start the second one once you cross B1/B2 in Spanish, otherwise, you will get distracted and often confused.
Hello Sir
I want to become a Spanish translator. Are there any universities offering translation courses in Spanish?? I am currently in first year pursuing English honors.
There is no specialized course for Spanish translation. However, a few private institutes do offer such courses for those who are proficient in Spanish. If your goal is to become a translator, you can take MA programs after achieving the Spanish competency till B2/C1.
Sir, can I enroll for MA from JNU after completing b2 from dele or do I still need a BA degree?
There is no direct admission. After completing graduation in any stream and DELE B2, you can appear for the entrance test for MA.
Hello sir, this article was very helpful. I am 24 yrs old and have studies MBA, HR field and now I am doing a French course. I started in the month of Feb and ends in the month of May as I want to get a job in the translator field. At present, I am able to read French and understand a bit of it. So, does this course can be called as a diploma in French? and how much more time it will take to understand and speak on my own? I want to take up a job as soon as possible. And any suggestion from you would be great as in what job should I land in – teacher, lecturer or translator.
Without knowing which course you are pursuing, it is difficult to say. A diploma is usually a 2-year program offered by various Colleges and Universities. A 3-month course is not enough to get any decent job involving French. If you wish to become a French specialist, like a lecturer or translator, you have to study for 3-4 years to reach higher fluency/ proficiency like DALF C1. If you have a knack of language learning, then you might able to achieve little earlier, say 2-3 years. Unfortunately, there is no short-cut to accomplish the objective, at least not in my knowledge.
Sir, is DALF C2 in French eligible to teach? If so, at which level? I have a C1 diploma already.
Teach where? Since you already have DALF C1, thus, you can very well teach till the B1/B2 level.
Sir, I am currently pursuing a BA (hons.) in German. Can I get the job of a translator once my degree is complete? If so, what are some skills that I should learn that might help me in the job?
Possible.
Dear sir, I am aged 62 years. If I take up learning the German Language now, can I able to get translator/ interpreter jobs.
Possible but difficult. Very few companies hire translators or interpreters in the mid-60s. You can learn German as a hobby.
Hello Sir.
I’m Kanika. I’ve completed my graduation in elementary education and also completed a diploma in French. What are the possible opportunities for me? Will I get a satisfactory salary package with this or do I need to study more?
Difficult to say as it depends on so many things. But, a Diploma is not enough for any meaningful salary. You should try an Advanced Diploma, or ideally DELE B2.
Hey Vikash,
My name is Kanishak, and I work as a Sales Manager at Zomato. I got 4 years of work experience in Corporate. I am going to learn Japanese from this week onwards (Weekend classes ). After I complete Level N2, I wish to work with an embassy. Is it possible to get a job in the embassy as a fresher in this field of a foreign language?
Getting a job in an embassy is challenging. However, after N2, you can explore the possibilities in many MNCs and Indian companies as a Japanese specialist.
I have my bachelor’s degree in the health and medical field. I am planning to learn Japanese. Can I work in Japan in my domain if I know Japanese?
Possible but difficult. Getting a job in Japan from India is challenging. Most Japanese recruiters prefer candidates who are living in Japan with required visas and Japanese skills to avoid too many hassles.
I am from Italy hello. Can you help me translate? /rardor
I’m not an Italian translator. You can find any Translator for the job.
I am in BCom Hons 3rd year. I am studying Spanish for 2 yrs. I want to ask after passing which level of dele can I get a job in companies like Infosys, Tata, and Amazon and approximately how much will be the salary. Also, I wanted to know that I should do any course or internship to increase my chances of getting a job in such companies.
After B2, you can try. Entry-level salary ranges between 4 to 6 lakh per annum. You can consider the Masters, along with some internships.
Hello sir,
This was helpful to me, but I still have a doubt. I am in high school. I have done B1 level German and will continue to do it till C1 or C2. I am confused if my job will be highly paid after graduation in an embassy. Also, is this a part-time career or a serious career? I am so confused. I love languages, and I don’t know what steps should I take. Should I study International relations at graduation, or should I go studying my science field and side by side to complete my German course?
German skills offer both part-time and full-time employment possibilities in various types of organizations. Whether you should make a full-fledge career in German, or go with some other stream along with German course simultaneously, that only depends on you. It is entirely subjective and depends on various factors. Maybe you can contact a career counselor or spend some time reading about different career avenues.
If I do the hard work, can i complete the b1 level in six months and become a translator in six months?
No. Besides, for a translator job, you need at least C1.
Hello Sir, I have done the BA Program, and I have also completed my certificate, diploma and an advanced diploma in the French Language from DU, St. Stephens College. I have just cleared my DELF B1 level exam also. How can I get a job (work from home or some part-time job) related to my qualification? As I can’t work full time, I’m still studying. Please help me by providing your valuable guidance.
Thank You
B1 is not enough to get any translation and interpretation job. Maybe you can explore the possibility of a part-time French teacher or tuition at your home to school-going children.
Hello sir, To become a German translator, is Gothe-Zertifikat is necessary, or I can go for any other institute certificate?
While it is not compulsory, but you still need recognized diplomas. The certification provided by private institute are not accepted everywhere. Thus, you can study at any institute but can appear for Goethe exam to gain an international Diploma.
Hello Sir,
I have masters in English from a reputed university. I am currently pursuing Japanese language N2 level, awaiting N3 result. My age is 35 years, so what career option I can look for in Japanese.
Career Options in Japanese
Can I get a salary of 50k per month if I take the experience of 2 years as a German translator?
Possible!
Sir your article was very useful. My doubt is that is there any age restrictions for a translator job in any field? Because I am 38 years old now and just now I am going to start learning a foreign language. Either it can be online or regular job. What language is suitable for me to learn in a short period of time? Pls, give some suggestions. Like to clear many doubts with you, so can you pls provide ur mail id.
No. There is no age limit. Unfortunately, language learning takes time, and to become a successful translator, it will take at least 3-5 years. There are several other professions that may not need a very high level of proficiency. Pick a language and embark on the journey. Who knows, you might something good enough down the line. Send me an email through contact page.
I am learning the German language from Goethe Institut right now I am in B1 and I wanted guidance regarding this field. I love the language really very much and want to choose it as my career. So what is the eligibility or requirements to become an interpreter or Lecturer?
To become an Interpreter, you should aim for Goethe-Zertifikat C2. For lecturer, you can read — Foreign Language Teachers.
I’m thinking of opting Spanish, but I am a bit confused about the job opportunities in this field. Is it tough to get a job as a translator or interpreter? What’s the average salary at the entry level? Thank You.
It is tougher to become a successful translator than to get a job as a translator. It takes a long time, 3-5 years! Once you reach there, you’ll discover a whole world of opportunities.
Sir,
I am a housewife staying out of Kolkata having educational qualification of MA (political science) from the University of Calculating and completed Spanish B level. I am interested in any online job and work from home. How can I proceed?
Regards,
Manjima Basu
What is the Spanish B level? To become a translator, you need at least DELE C1. You can find and contact companies offering such online jobs or work from home.
Sir i want to ask can i make career in German translator career if I am undergraduate?
Yes, but for most of the jobs, Graduation is necessary.
I have done graduation from Jamia Millia Islamia and also completed a diploma in French from Delhi University. Now I’m looking for a job. Suggest me sir.
Thanks
With Diploma, you can apply for entry-level jobs in some of the numerous KPO and BPO based companies.
Hi, I have done BA Eng Hons from DU after which I started my own business. I’m thinking about starting German classes and was wondering about career opportunities with my qualifications once I have completed B1.
There are limited opportunities after B1 if you are looking for a specialized career in German. Aim for B2/C1.
Sir, I’m currently doing Japanese level n5. I’m from the commerce line, so I’m planning to do English hons from du sol. Is it possible for me to get good, stable jobs in some coming 2-3 years with the help of subjects I’m doing? Or in your opinion what else should I do with the Japanese language? I can only do it from open colleges since I’m doing Japanese on regular basis from an institute in Delhi.
I’m not a fan of distance learning education for various reasons. I believe everyone should take regular classes if it is feasible. With so many possibilities, it would be tricky to suggest any specific combination. You can consider any stream of your choice based on your interest, understanding, and some research. After completing N2, you can get a job based on Japanese language ability. It is possible to achieve the same in 3 years provided that you put enough effort. Also, I’d suggest a regular degree course and a part-time Japanese program at any institute.
Hello sir! Your article was really helpful. Currently, I’m doing my UG in Journalism and Mass Communication, I have a great amount of interest in learning foreign languages. I’d even like to take interpreting as my career, but my only concern is about the pay scale. I’m sure that I will love interpreting or teaching languages, but I have no idea as to what and how the pay scale is.
There is no such thing as an average pay scale in the field of languages since it depends on numerous factors. The remunerations, however, are higher for professional interpreters. Unlike other career options, It usually takes 5-7 years to become a successful and well-paid interpreter. While this is one of the most sought-after jobs, but not many have the patience to study for that long. And in my opinion, that should be the primary focus.
I want to know about the career in the Japanese language?
You can read — Why Learn Japanese?