Government
Careers in the United States Government
U.S. government agencies are recruiting more foreign-language speakers, particularly those who know leas commonly taught languages (LCTL's). Jobs with the government include: serving in a foreign consulate, representing a state in trade negotiations, serving in military and intelligence agencies, and assisting with translation and interpreting needs. To cite just one example, a foreign affairs specialist makes an average yearly income of $85,000. Most government positions require pre-qualification and acceptance evaluation at the specific department level.
The following government departments and agencies offer training and/or positions where language-skills are highly desirable:
Finding Federal Job Opportunities
As you begin your career search, you can also utilize the official job site of the United States Federal Government, USAJOBS. The government is always looking to fill positions that are in high demand.
USAJOBS connects job seekers with federal employment opportunities across the United States and around the world. As the federal government's official employment site, USAJOBS helps the right people find the right jobs.
Sophomores and Juniors: Interested in a 2-summer paid internship with the U.S. Government? In the U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program (USFSIP) with the U.S. Department of State, you'll spend 10 weeks in Washington DC during the first summer and 10 weeks at an embassy or consulate overseas in your second summer. Travel and housing are provided.
Careers in National Security
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) offers a Corporate Language Hiring Bonus Program to individuals who have exceptional language skills. Bonuses can be as high as $36,000.00 per person.
The National Security Agency (NSA)/Central Security Service is America’s cryptologic organization. It coordinates, directs, and performs highly specialized activities to protect U.S. government information systems and produce foreign signals intelligence information. The National Security Agency offers various opportunities for applicants with language skills. Language analysis is vital to the research, translation, transcription, reporting, and analysis of materials of national concern. In Language Analysis, every little word can have global ramifications. In addition Language Analysts receive a $7,500 Recruitment Incentive.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation investigative programs include counterterrorism, counterintelligence, cyber, public corruption, civil rights, transnational organized crime, white collar crime, violent crime, and weapons of mass destruction.
The Department of Homeland Security has unique career opportunities that will challenge your mind and reward your skills and talents. As a Homeland Security employee, you will help secure our borders, airports, seaports and waterways; research and develop the latest security technologies; respond to natural disasters or terrorists assaults; and analyze intelligence reports.
The Ohio State University's Program for International and Homeland Security posts job opportunities regularly, and many positions suggest foreign language skills.
Careers in the Armed Forces
A career in the U.S. Army is unique from any other, it offers you the opportunity to travel, learn new skills, serve your country, and the ability to expand your horizons. Many career opportunities in the Army require foreign language skills.
Many enlisted and civilian positions with the U.S. Marines require foreign language skills, and many require proficiency in several languages. They also have multiple positions available for linguists.
The Navy and your country could be counting on you to translate and interpret foreign-language communications data. The Navy has at its disposal an arsenal of aircraft carriers, destroyers, cruisers, submarines and aircraft, but its most powerful asset is still the human mind. Sailors in the world languages field are an elite group who are valued for their intelligence, adaptability, foreign-language skills, and strong character. Most of their work is highly classified. As a Sailor working in the world languages field, you could serve as an interpreter for U.S. dignitaries or Navy officials negotiating critical relations with foreign powers.
The U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) is the main law enforcement agency of the U.S. Navy. The NCIS investigates major criminal activities which involve the Navy and Marine Corps, its broad mandate including national security, counterintelligence, counterterrorism, cyberwarfare, and the protection of U.S. naval assets worldwide.
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