Kathryn
What are some minors that would go well with a Spanish major?
If I were to want to translate for courts, would I have to get any specific minors? #minors #spanish #translator
4 answers
Christina Ritter
Christina’s Answer
Totally agree with the above posts. I think specifically getting certified to teach ESL (English as a Second Language) gives you a unique skill set. There are lots of opportunities that globally that come along with teaching english as a foreign language. I taught Spanish in North Carolina, and got certified in Spain to teach English https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/the-go-overseas-guide-to-tefl-certifications
I also think that a minor in International Business could be useful given today's global work force.
Rachel Weinheimer
Rachel’s Answer
Dawn Cordero
Dawn’s Answer
It really depends on what you're interested in doing and what your school offers. If you want a good salary with a lot of job opportunities, then try international business programs. If that's not available, then try a business program. This will help you in getting a job with a company who needs to deal with spanish-speaking people and businesses. Due to the international financial climate that has emerged in the past years, employees who speak a second language are becoming increasingly important and increasingly needed.
If that doesn't sound good, then you can try a human services minor. One example is social work. This field desperately needs employees who speak both spanish and english. However, your chances of getting a really high salary in this field are slim, especially just starting out. On the other hand, there are job opportunities in this field that do pay well, and this kind of job can leave you feeling good about your work at the end of the day. How can you not feel good when helping others?
Lastly, criminal justice could be interesting, as it can lead you to the CIA, FBI, et al. These agencies are also requiring employees to speak second languages.
- Dawn
Joel Volkert
Joel’s Answer
Hi Kathryn,
I'm glad to hear you want to pursue being a translator, we definitely need them!
I think the following minors would be helpful for you:
- English (I know it seems weird, since you would be doing Spanish, but improving your English grammar, vocabulary and ways of communicating will actually improve your Spanish skills and ways of thinking, too)
- Government/politics/law - Translating for the courts isn't simply repeating what you hear. You will need to know at least a minimal amount of how the court and laws function. In fact, the more you know, the more you may able to anticipate what will be said or inferred, which is SUPER important when having to translate on the spot.
- Communication - Yes, another one that seems obvious, but if you minor in Communications, it will not only give you more experience in the field, it will also look great on your resume.
I also recommend checking out this link, which gives government-researched data about job requirements, expectations and predictions for employment outlook - https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/27-3091.00
Let me know if you have any further questions. Buena suerte!
Joel recommends the following next steps:
I love this question because I almost went this exact route. With a Spanish major I know Communications, Public Relations, and Business would look amazing on a resume but it depends on available minors. I would check around and speak to your college adviser because every college offers different programs. For a translator I would think Communications or Public Relations minors would be great. Good luck!!
Elizabeth Demalija