14 answers
Lysette
Student
Antioch, California
1
Question
Asked
1414 views
What are some Careers you would suggest for me?
Hi my name is Lysette and I've been struggling in find a suitable career for myself, I have really been drawn to language learning, and travel, but I am very creative and I don't want to do a career that is too technical such as an interpreter, I would like to do something that Is creative, that needs a foreign language as a requirement. Another thing is I want to move to another country and become a citizen there so I want to be able to do something that I can do in another country. Im very optimistic and I'm open to anything but I don't like business, or any career that promotes conflict. #career #travel #career-path #career-choice #career-counseling #korean #medicine
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14 answers
Dhairya Dalal
AI Research Scientist @ Posh Technologies
104
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Dhairya’s Answer
Hi Lysette,
Here's few other jobs and careers to consider. The first that comes to mind careers in US Foreign Service. There is a wide range of careers in the foreign service including diplomacy, education, translation and program coordination in other countries. Foreign service officers get to travel to other countries, develop relationships with local stakeholders, and serve as cultural ambassadors.
Checkout their quiz: https://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/officer/career-track-quiz/ for more ideas of careers in the FSO.
You also may enjoy teaching abroad. There are many programs across the world that will welcome english speakers and provide paid opportunities to teach students. You get to travel, interact with students, and experience new cultures. Check out https://www.goabroad.com/teach-abroad for more information about programs and countries.
Finally, you may also want to consider the peace corps. Peace corps volunteers commit to two years to volunteer in educational and humanitarian projects across the world. More info here: https://www.peacecorps.gov/
Here's few other jobs and careers to consider. The first that comes to mind careers in US Foreign Service. There is a wide range of careers in the foreign service including diplomacy, education, translation and program coordination in other countries. Foreign service officers get to travel to other countries, develop relationships with local stakeholders, and serve as cultural ambassadors.
Checkout their quiz: https://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/officer/career-track-quiz/ for more ideas of careers in the FSO.
You also may enjoy teaching abroad. There are many programs across the world that will welcome english speakers and provide paid opportunities to teach students. You get to travel, interact with students, and experience new cultures. Check out https://www.goabroad.com/teach-abroad for more information about programs and countries.
Finally, you may also want to consider the peace corps. Peace corps volunteers commit to two years to volunteer in educational and humanitarian projects across the world. More info here: https://www.peacecorps.gov/
Humza Ahmad
Communications Manager
2
Answers
Novi, Michigan
Updated
Humza’s Answer
Hi Lysette,
I think you've detailed the kind of career you want quite well. Gives you flexibility, but still has some clear parameters. Here is my advice after having lived abroad for about 10 years, much of that working in a language that I learned well into adulthood.
I think you should look at language learning as a way to facilitate your creative career. If you don't want to be an interpreter or translator, then the language will not be the "end all be all" of your career, and that's OK! It actually gives you way, way more options to use the foreign language as a way to travel, live abroad and do the work that you want to do in a place that you want to be in.
The best example of what you've described that I have observed is freelance photography. I picked up photography as a hobby while living in Tokyo, and I made friends with several professional photographers there, several of them were not from Japan. These photographer used their knowledge of Japanese to get clients, make and maintain relationships with publications and galleries, and network in their field. It allowed them to do the work that they wanted to do and express themselves while living in a country that they loved and doing the job they wanted to do. I also know non-Japanese graphic designers, writers, hair stylists, videographers, musicians and visual artists who did the same while living in Tokyo. The language they learned (Japanese) allowed them to create a career in Japan.
So there are two things I would suggest that you do. First, identify where you want to live or what language you want to learn. If you want to live in Switzerland, for example, then you have some options! You could learn French, German or even Italian, depending on where in Switzerland you wanted to settle. Or on the other hand, if you want to learn, let's say, Spanish, then you could choose one of many Spanish-speaking countries to move to.
Second, choose a creative field that you want to work in. What's your medium? How do you express yourself? Pinpoint this and work on your craft. This point is extremely important: If you aren't better at what you do than the people around you, then regardless of what language you speak, you won't find opportunities. So choose your field and work on it. I seriously considered going solo as a photographer in Tokyo. But after meeting lots of photographers there, I learned how tough the competition was and how I just didn't meet those standards. And that was very liberating! I enjoy taking photos now for me and I don't have to worry about paying the bills with my camera. So at the same time that you are learning a language and getting ready for your international move (or if you move first, get a simple job for the time being, then get acclimated with your new country), put the majority of your efforts into getting really good at that thing you want to do. The combination of language skills and skill at what you want to do (plus lots of hard work, networking, luck and lots of other stuff) will serve you well in any country that you decide to move to!
I hope this has been helpful!
Best,
Humza
I think you've detailed the kind of career you want quite well. Gives you flexibility, but still has some clear parameters. Here is my advice after having lived abroad for about 10 years, much of that working in a language that I learned well into adulthood.
I think you should look at language learning as a way to facilitate your creative career. If you don't want to be an interpreter or translator, then the language will not be the "end all be all" of your career, and that's OK! It actually gives you way, way more options to use the foreign language as a way to travel, live abroad and do the work that you want to do in a place that you want to be in.
The best example of what you've described that I have observed is freelance photography. I picked up photography as a hobby while living in Tokyo, and I made friends with several professional photographers there, several of them were not from Japan. These photographer used their knowledge of Japanese to get clients, make and maintain relationships with publications and galleries, and network in their field. It allowed them to do the work that they wanted to do and express themselves while living in a country that they loved and doing the job they wanted to do. I also know non-Japanese graphic designers, writers, hair stylists, videographers, musicians and visual artists who did the same while living in Tokyo. The language they learned (Japanese) allowed them to create a career in Japan.
So there are two things I would suggest that you do. First, identify where you want to live or what language you want to learn. If you want to live in Switzerland, for example, then you have some options! You could learn French, German or even Italian, depending on where in Switzerland you wanted to settle. Or on the other hand, if you want to learn, let's say, Spanish, then you could choose one of many Spanish-speaking countries to move to.
Second, choose a creative field that you want to work in. What's your medium? How do you express yourself? Pinpoint this and work on your craft. This point is extremely important: If you aren't better at what you do than the people around you, then regardless of what language you speak, you won't find opportunities. So choose your field and work on it. I seriously considered going solo as a photographer in Tokyo. But after meeting lots of photographers there, I learned how tough the competition was and how I just didn't meet those standards. And that was very liberating! I enjoy taking photos now for me and I don't have to worry about paying the bills with my camera. So at the same time that you are learning a language and getting ready for your international move (or if you move first, get a simple job for the time being, then get acclimated with your new country), put the majority of your efforts into getting really good at that thing you want to do. The combination of language skills and skill at what you want to do (plus lots of hard work, networking, luck and lots of other stuff) will serve you well in any country that you decide to move to!
I hope this has been helpful!
Best,
Humza
Thank you so much! Reading your response made me really excited! Seeing that someone has achieved the goals that I want to accomplish is very motivating, thank you for putting in the time to respond to my question!
Lysette
Mariah Manuel-Berry
Team Leader of Training
8
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Mariah’s Answer
Hi Lysette R., thank you for posting your question. One thing that I did to help me find the best career for what I was passionate about was a personality test. This helped me to see what interested me career wise, based on who I was. Then from there, I applied for roles that met that. Check out 16personalities.com --- hope this helps!
Sophia Pagan
Commercial Property Manager
7
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Sophia’s Answer
Hello Lysette,
You sound like you are at a very exiting time in your life! A love for language and travel is going to take you very far (literally & figuratively). I have a friend who joined a program where she taught English in China. Not only was room and board supplied, but she was paid a salary as well. She had a fantastic time and was able to use her knowledge to help other. This might be a fun option for you as a lover of language! You will be able to teach in a foreign country, while also having the opportunity to explore!
There are many schools and programs that offer this, so I highly suggest doing your research and asking people who have already done the program what their time was like. I hope this helps, and good luck!
You sound like you are at a very exiting time in your life! A love for language and travel is going to take you very far (literally & figuratively). I have a friend who joined a program where she taught English in China. Not only was room and board supplied, but she was paid a salary as well. She had a fantastic time and was able to use her knowledge to help other. This might be a fun option for you as a lover of language! You will be able to teach in a foreign country, while also having the opportunity to explore!
There are many schools and programs that offer this, so I highly suggest doing your research and asking people who have already done the program what their time was like. I hope this helps, and good luck!
Wojciech Babij
regulatory Compliance Engineer
12
Answers
Haverhill, Massachusetts
Updated
Wojciech’s Answer
Maybe you would like to become a tour guide. You like to travel and you could use your passion for the languages since many times there are people from around the word
Kai Han
SALES
7
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kai’s Answer
HI Lysette, that is great that you already know what you are passionate about (language and travel) Do you already know which countries you want to live in or see? I would recommend asking yourself what is it about those countries that you are excited to visit (or live?) As you figure out which countries you want to live in and why ; possibly you might start deciding on some career options that are popular in those countries. And most importantly, have fun while you are trying to decide!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6510
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey there, Lysette!
Choosing the right career can be a bit tricky, but with your love for languages, travel, and creativity, there's a world of opportunities waiting for you. Let's explore some professions that might just be your cup of tea:
1. Language Teacher/Instructor: If you love learning languages, why not share that passion by teaching? You could teach your native language to people from other countries or teach a foreign language to students in your own country, or even abroad. This job gives you the freedom to be creative with your lesson plans and engage students in different ways.
2. Translator/Localization Specialist: If you love languages but want to flex your creative muscles a bit more, you might enjoy being a translator or localization specialist. Translators change written texts from one language into another, while localization specialists tweak content to make it fit specific cultural and linguistic contexts. This job needs strong language skills and the knack to convey meaning accurately, all while keeping the original intent.
3. Travel Writer/Blogger: If you love to travel and are a creative soul, being a travel writer or blogger could be your dream job. You get to visit different countries, experience a variety of cultures, and share your adventures through writing or blogging. This job lets you express your creativity through storytelling, photography, and videography, all while promoting travel and cultural understanding.
4. International Aid Worker: If you're passionate about helping others and want to make a positive impact worldwide, you might find fulfillment as an international aid worker. Non-profits and humanitarian agencies often need people with language skills for their projects abroad. This career lets you use your language skills while contributing to meaningful causes.
5. Cultural Consultant: If you're interested in foreign languages and would like to work in another country, you might consider being a cultural consultant. Cultural consultants guide individuals or organizations on cultural norms, practices, and etiquette when they're operating in foreign environments. This career lets you bridge cultural gaps and promote cross-cultural understanding.
6. Tour Guide: If you love meeting new people, sharing knowledge, and discovering new places, being a tour guide could be just the job for you. As a tour guide, you get to show groups of tourists around various destinations, giving them insights into the history, culture, and attractions of the place. Speaking multiple languages can give you an edge in this profession.
7. Foreign Correspondent/Journalist: If you have a knack for journalism and storytelling, you might enjoy being a foreign correspondent or journalist. This job involves reporting on international events, conducting interviews, and writing articles for newspapers, magazines, or online platforms. Your language skills can help you communicate effectively with locals and provide unique insights into global issues.
Remember, while these careers might need some foreign language skills, they might also have some technical aspects. But the focus on creativity and cultural understanding could make them just the right fit for you.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications/Domain Names Used:
1. The Balance Careers (www.thebalancecareers.com)
2. Study.com (www.study.com)
3. GoAbroad.com (www.goabroad.com)
Choosing the right career can be a bit tricky, but with your love for languages, travel, and creativity, there's a world of opportunities waiting for you. Let's explore some professions that might just be your cup of tea:
1. Language Teacher/Instructor: If you love learning languages, why not share that passion by teaching? You could teach your native language to people from other countries or teach a foreign language to students in your own country, or even abroad. This job gives you the freedom to be creative with your lesson plans and engage students in different ways.
2. Translator/Localization Specialist: If you love languages but want to flex your creative muscles a bit more, you might enjoy being a translator or localization specialist. Translators change written texts from one language into another, while localization specialists tweak content to make it fit specific cultural and linguistic contexts. This job needs strong language skills and the knack to convey meaning accurately, all while keeping the original intent.
3. Travel Writer/Blogger: If you love to travel and are a creative soul, being a travel writer or blogger could be your dream job. You get to visit different countries, experience a variety of cultures, and share your adventures through writing or blogging. This job lets you express your creativity through storytelling, photography, and videography, all while promoting travel and cultural understanding.
4. International Aid Worker: If you're passionate about helping others and want to make a positive impact worldwide, you might find fulfillment as an international aid worker. Non-profits and humanitarian agencies often need people with language skills for their projects abroad. This career lets you use your language skills while contributing to meaningful causes.
5. Cultural Consultant: If you're interested in foreign languages and would like to work in another country, you might consider being a cultural consultant. Cultural consultants guide individuals or organizations on cultural norms, practices, and etiquette when they're operating in foreign environments. This career lets you bridge cultural gaps and promote cross-cultural understanding.
6. Tour Guide: If you love meeting new people, sharing knowledge, and discovering new places, being a tour guide could be just the job for you. As a tour guide, you get to show groups of tourists around various destinations, giving them insights into the history, culture, and attractions of the place. Speaking multiple languages can give you an edge in this profession.
7. Foreign Correspondent/Journalist: If you have a knack for journalism and storytelling, you might enjoy being a foreign correspondent or journalist. This job involves reporting on international events, conducting interviews, and writing articles for newspapers, magazines, or online platforms. Your language skills can help you communicate effectively with locals and provide unique insights into global issues.
Remember, while these careers might need some foreign language skills, they might also have some technical aspects. But the focus on creativity and cultural understanding could make them just the right fit for you.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications/Domain Names Used:
1. The Balance Careers (www.thebalancecareers.com)
2. Study.com (www.study.com)
3. GoAbroad.com (www.goabroad.com)
Andres Lozano
DFS Front Operations Manager
6
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Andres’s Answer
Hi Lyssete, I studied Finance & Stock Markets and I love it as it is a very practical career ! you see numbers and math but applied to your daily life, so its enjoyable and and also is very flexible as it gives you a vast scope and possibilities to perform in. Hope this helps!
Sunny H
Accountant
48
Answers
United States
Updated
Sunny’s Answer
Hi Lysette,
If you are creative, being a Youtuber can be an option. Since you tagged Korea, I can tell you that learning English is a pretty serious business there. I have seen some successful Youtubers posting about their experiences about new food and cultures in Korea and they are making many new Korean friends. But it might not be a stable income at first, so you can become an English teacher in the academy (Hakwon), regular schools or private lessons. I always heard that it is not hard to find an English teaching job as a native speaker so you can give it a shot!
I hope this helps!
If you are creative, being a Youtuber can be an option. Since you tagged Korea, I can tell you that learning English is a pretty serious business there. I have seen some successful Youtubers posting about their experiences about new food and cultures in Korea and they are making many new Korean friends. But it might not be a stable income at first, so you can become an English teacher in the academy (Hakwon), regular schools or private lessons. I always heard that it is not hard to find an English teaching job as a native speaker so you can give it a shot!
I hope this helps!
Aaron Chun
42
Answers
Honolulu, Hawaii
Updated
Aaron’s Answer
Hi Lysette,
It is good that you have found your interest in language learning, travel and a job that is creative that requires a foreign language as a requirement. What you should do next is research career opportunities that fall into these interests. When you discover the career opportunities that are available you should conduct more research on learning about the career descriptions and requirements needed to work in these fields to see if these are the type of paths you want to pursue. You can also narrow down your search on what specific language and travel destination you want to pursue. For example if you are interested in the Spanish language there are many uses in this language within the United States working in states that boarder the U.S Mexican Border and in South American countries. Hope this helps.
-Thank you,
Aaron
It is good that you have found your interest in language learning, travel and a job that is creative that requires a foreign language as a requirement. What you should do next is research career opportunities that fall into these interests. When you discover the career opportunities that are available you should conduct more research on learning about the career descriptions and requirements needed to work in these fields to see if these are the type of paths you want to pursue. You can also narrow down your search on what specific language and travel destination you want to pursue. For example if you are interested in the Spanish language there are many uses in this language within the United States working in states that boarder the U.S Mexican Border and in South American countries. Hope this helps.
-Thank you,
Aaron
Gloria Ortiz
Instructional Designer
850
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi Lysette,
You have gotten some great feedback. I would be curious to learn more about your goal to be creative. What is your creative outlet now? Writing? Painting? Dancing? I know that you want to learn languages and travel. Just about any artistic endeavor would allow you to do that. It's the passion around a creative endeavor that is going to be keep you going. For example, I have wanted to be a writer since I could learn to write. I always told stories and wrote stories down. You mentioned being concerned about technical jobs. I am not sure what you mean by that. I am assuming that you are concerned with the rigors or politics of a job as an interpreter. Writing has its own technical rigor, no matter where you use it. I use my creative writing in my job as an Instructional Designer. I write training courses as well as write scripts for videos that are used in training. The other technical element here is using various computer programs like the Adobe Cloud Suite. It may sound like a technical job, however it takes a lot of creativity to make training interesting.
I do speak two languages. I have written training that has been translated into nine languages. Some of my favorite coworkers have been people who have translated my training into those various languages. They even taught me more about the power of language and the wide variety of confusion caused by certain idioms. (Just think about - My coworker threw me under the bus - being translated into another language.) I have traveled to 17 countries and hope to visit many more.
My job falls into a classification of job called Human Resources. These are all the people who support the hiring and employment of people in various places. Being bilingual in a multiple national firm can be very valuable in Human Resources. You would just need to determine what career would suit you. I like Learning and Development. I used to be a trainer and now I am an Instructional Designer. My peers include videographers, graphic designers, and web developers.
I wish you luck on finding a job that meets all your requirements. I know that seeing the world can be very rewarding. Get your passport soon and get started on seeing the world as soon as you can.
Gloria
You have gotten some great feedback. I would be curious to learn more about your goal to be creative. What is your creative outlet now? Writing? Painting? Dancing? I know that you want to learn languages and travel. Just about any artistic endeavor would allow you to do that. It's the passion around a creative endeavor that is going to be keep you going. For example, I have wanted to be a writer since I could learn to write. I always told stories and wrote stories down. You mentioned being concerned about technical jobs. I am not sure what you mean by that. I am assuming that you are concerned with the rigors or politics of a job as an interpreter. Writing has its own technical rigor, no matter where you use it. I use my creative writing in my job as an Instructional Designer. I write training courses as well as write scripts for videos that are used in training. The other technical element here is using various computer programs like the Adobe Cloud Suite. It may sound like a technical job, however it takes a lot of creativity to make training interesting.
I do speak two languages. I have written training that has been translated into nine languages. Some of my favorite coworkers have been people who have translated my training into those various languages. They even taught me more about the power of language and the wide variety of confusion caused by certain idioms. (Just think about - My coworker threw me under the bus - being translated into another language.) I have traveled to 17 countries and hope to visit many more.
My job falls into a classification of job called Human Resources. These are all the people who support the hiring and employment of people in various places. Being bilingual in a multiple national firm can be very valuable in Human Resources. You would just need to determine what career would suit you. I like Learning and Development. I used to be a trainer and now I am an Instructional Designer. My peers include videographers, graphic designers, and web developers.
I wish you luck on finding a job that meets all your requirements. I know that seeing the world can be very rewarding. Get your passport soon and get started on seeing the world as soon as you can.
Gloria
Gabrielle Dillworth
Executive Assistant
5
Answers
Concord, California
Updated
Gabrielle’s Answer
Hi Lysette!
The best advice I was ever given, by a high school teacher at Mt. Diablo HS (in Concord, near you!) was: "You don't have to know what you want to do right now! Go to school and learn the things you like, take the classes that interest you most, and enjoy what you are learning and everything will follow." Although at the time... that was VERY frustrating advice because I wanted to plan to success. But I kept that advice in the back of my head and still think of it to this day. Because of it, I am in a company, in an organization, in a role, with a team of people I never expected. I listened to that advice and I tried out different careers, in different fields and then I found where I feel happiest. I am an executive assistant supporting the CIO and research and development teams at a tech company. I am not a technical person, but I learned I LOVE working with software engineers even if I don't understand what they do. I love planning events, bringing people together, and making connections.
My best advice other then what was above, is to follow companies, organizations, groups, and people that fill you up and the career will follow. When I was younger, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I still don't know if I will do this forever. But I love what I am doing right now and it allows me to support myself. My family tried to tell me not to get my degree in Communication Studies because I wouldn't be able to get a job, that it was too broad. And honestly, I had no idea what I was going to do after college with it, I just know I liked studying it and how intricate people are and how we interact. It ended up being the best thing for me and lead me to where I am today.
Follow your heart! Don't settle for jobs or communities you aren't happy in. Make meaningful relationships, and just don't stop grinding until you get where you want to be!
Explore internships!!!
Work in various fields. You may think you want to do something, but try it out before you make a lifelong commitment.
Never settle.
Find mentors! Be diligent, organized, and use their time wisely. People actually want to help advise you.
The best advice I was ever given, by a high school teacher at Mt. Diablo HS (in Concord, near you!) was: "You don't have to know what you want to do right now! Go to school and learn the things you like, take the classes that interest you most, and enjoy what you are learning and everything will follow." Although at the time... that was VERY frustrating advice because I wanted to plan to success. But I kept that advice in the back of my head and still think of it to this day. Because of it, I am in a company, in an organization, in a role, with a team of people I never expected. I listened to that advice and I tried out different careers, in different fields and then I found where I feel happiest. I am an executive assistant supporting the CIO and research and development teams at a tech company. I am not a technical person, but I learned I LOVE working with software engineers even if I don't understand what they do. I love planning events, bringing people together, and making connections.
My best advice other then what was above, is to follow companies, organizations, groups, and people that fill you up and the career will follow. When I was younger, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I still don't know if I will do this forever. But I love what I am doing right now and it allows me to support myself. My family tried to tell me not to get my degree in Communication Studies because I wouldn't be able to get a job, that it was too broad. And honestly, I had no idea what I was going to do after college with it, I just know I liked studying it and how intricate people are and how we interact. It ended up being the best thing for me and lead me to where I am today.
Follow your heart! Don't settle for jobs or communities you aren't happy in. Make meaningful relationships, and just don't stop grinding until you get where you want to be!
Gabrielle recommends the following next steps:
Richard Garcia
Sales Manager
4
Answers
Ridge, New York
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Lysette, you might want to turn your passion of speaking another language into a course. If you learn how to market, you can create a platform where you educate people on that language. This would allow you to work 24/7 without ever having to physically deal with anyone. The 24/7 is due to your website being active and taking order day and night. Look into a company called click funnels.
Gina Ringer
National Account Manager
114
Answers
Wheaton, Illinois
Updated
Gina’s Answer
It's very awesome you want to put your skills to such good use and that you're already passionate about working and finding the right fit. Not everyone gets to do what they love. I would start networking in the areas that everyone mentioned above. But also taking a personality test is great way to find careers you may not have even thought of.