6 answers
Samantha
Student
Crystal Lake, Illinois
1
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What types of careers can I do with a major in Chinese?
I know Icould teach Chinese or be a translator, but what other jobs are there? #chinese
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6 answers
Zhaoyang Chen
Data Analytics Manager
3
Answers
Ashburn, Virginia
Updated
Zhaoyang’s Answer
There are a lot you can do. You can work for the federal government (including military). There are also many jobs from Chinese companies in U.S.
Paul Conroy
Manage a team in Asia/Pacific
2
Answers
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Paul’s Answer
I personally majored in Chinese and now work for a technology company. I would recommend that you think first of the professional domain that Chinese applies to e.g. I want to work in travel - Chinese can apply to that. I want to work as a lawyer - international law works with that etc. Having Chinese as the only focus may be too limiting. Roles such as translator or linguist, which solely use Chinese, are quite rare and tend to favour people who were bilingual from a young age. So my personal recommendation is to pair it with an industry domain. That has worked for me.
Jacqueline Falbo
Technical Account Manager
10
Answers
Joliet, Illinois
Updated
Jacqueline’s Answer
You could work for the federal government such as the FBI, DEA, or other federal agencies as a translator.
Vivian Lee
Tax Associates
10
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Vivian’s Answer
Aside from being a translator, many U.S. firms now have factories or subsidiaries in Asia. They would definitely need people like you to communicate for both sides. I would start looking at some of the job opportunities on Linkedin. Best of luck!
Maria Bacon
2
Answers
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Maria’s Answer
I would try to pair Chinese with a second major or minor if you are able to. As someone said above, translation companies usually need those who have been bilingual from a young age. I personally am quite fluent and did two immersion programs in college, but still do not feel equipped to translate. I studied International Relations and Chinese, and my first job was at a global expert network, where I was having many short conversations with Chinese experts to see if they were the right fit for our client's needs. I think finding something else you enjoy, like international relations or business, and then pairing it with Chinese is the sweet spot. I found it helpful to have Chinese be a component of my work, not the entire job. That way it is not so draining, but you are still getting to use your skills! Hope that helps!
Self Wang
class of 2017, Columbia University
3
Answers
Updated
Self’s Answer
well, there's a lot you could do. Like marketing, customer service, consultant, if the company has commercial intercourse, especially with China, your background would be a great fit.