Modern Languages Career Outlook 2010-2011
Modern Languages Programs Available at Bemidji State University:
Major: Spanish (B.A.), Spanish Education: Teacher Licensure (B.S.)
Minors: Ojibwe, Spanish
Certificate: Ojibwe Language instruction
Department Website: http://www.bemidjistate.edu/academics/departments/languages_ethnic_studies/
Major Highlights:
Language is more than a mode of communication. It is the primary means of understanding a culture, a people, a way of
life. Studying a second language gives us a perspective on our own language and culture, and prepares us to be
knowledgeable and competent citizens of the world. In addition, those who undertake the study of languages experience
the satisfaction and pleasure of learning what language is and how it works. While Americans are traditionally viewed as
monolingual, other countries routinely include language study as an essential part of a general education. In a world that is
increasingly interconnected and interrelated, the development of a globally educated populace is crucial. Second language
learning is a vital part of such an education. Second language study can lead to career positions such as teacher, travel
consultant, translator, and international entrepreneur. Languages also constitute an important second skill for many jobs in
business, industry, government, and human services, and may be a key to increasing potential for personal growth and
advancement
Employment Areas:
Modern Language graduates can work in a variety of different areas including the government, education, business, public
relations, and community service areas including translators.
Projected Demand for Modern Language Majors in Minnesota:
MnCareers reports that the outlook for translators is good. There are about 1,390 interpreters and translators currently
employed in Minnesota with an average hourly wage of $21.30 an hour. Most interpreters and translators have the ability
to write or speak at least two languages. Certification is available. Increased services needed for deaf and non-English
speaking Minnesotans.
Projected Demand for Modern Language Majors Nationwide:
The DISCOVER guidance system reports that the nationwide demand for a foreign language teacher is growing
moderately, with a 0.9% expected growth per year. The average starting salary in 2011 for a foreign language teacher was
$40,500 annually. The DISCOVER system reports that for a translator, rapid growth is expected, with a 2.2% expected
growth rate per year, an average starting salary of $37,500 was reported for 2011.
Placement Information for Modern Language Graduates:
Of the Bemidji State University 2009-2010 modern language graduates, of those holding a Spanish B.S. the status was
unknown. Of the Spanish B.A graduates, 25.0% reported continuing their education and 2 graduates were still seeking
employment within one year of graduation. This does not include students who were not seeking employment,
unavailable, or had unknown status.
A Partial List of Employers Who Have Reported Hiring BSU Modern Languages Graduates
Since 1997: (This list only includes employment within one year of graduation.)
Aldine School District
Alliance One
AmeriCorps
Spanish Teacher
Account Representative
AmericCorps NCCC Member
Houston, TX
Eagan, MN
Charleston, SC
A Partial List of Employers Who Have Reported Hiring BSU Modern Languages Graduates
Since 1997: (This list only includes employment within one year of graduation.)
Area School Districts
Area School Districts
Bagley High School
Beltrami County
Bi-County CAP Headstart
Blackduck High School
CH Robinson
Chaska High School
Community High School District 155
Doherty Employment Group
Eskeltra Corporation
ISD #75
Menifee Union School District
Minnesota Literacy Council
New York City Department of Education
Northome School District #363
Pequot Lakes High School
Senior Housing Partners
St. Mary's Home for Boys
Star Tribune
Trek North
Tri-County High School
Wrenshall/Cromwell High School
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Spanish Teacher
Corrections Officer
Teacher
Spanish Teacher
Appointment Scheduler
Spanish Teacher
High School Spanish Teacher
Bilingual Staffing Specialist
Publishing Consultant
Spanish Teacher
High School Spanish Teacher
AmeriCorps VISTA
Spanish Teacher
K-12 Spanish Teacher
Spanish Teacher
Housing Counselor
Counselor
Advertising Account Coordinator
Spanish Teacher
Spanish Instructor
Spanish Teacher
Bagley/Blackduck, MN
North Branch, MN
Bagley, MN
Bemidji, MN
Bemidji, MN
Blackduck, MN
Eden Prairie, MN
Chaska, MN
Crystal Lake, IL
St. Cloud, MN
Quito, Ecuador
St. Clair, MN
Menifee, CA
Minneapolis, MN
Brooklyn, NY
Northome, MN
Pequot Lakes, MN
Roseville, MN
Beaverton, OR
Minneapolis, MN
Bemidji, MN
Karlstad, MN
Wrenshall/Cromwell, MN
Colleges and Universities Where BSU Modern Languages Graduates Have Gone to
Continue Their Education:
Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN
University of North Texas, Denton, TX
Note 1: Some of the above job/career titles require advanced degrees or specialized training.
Note 2: Degrees alone do not get students jobs. Internships, summer jobs, volunteer work, part-time jobs, work-study
positions, and active participation in student organizations on campus are all ways to become more competitive in a
tight job market.
Note 3: Personal Competencies: it is also recommended that individuals be competent in a variety of communication
methods, and computer skills are a must.
Bibliography:
Annual Graduate Follow-Up Study 1997-2010. Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN (2011)
Bemidji State University Undergraduate Catalog 2011-2012. Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN (2011)
DISCOVER. The American Testing Program, Educational Technology Center, Hunt Valley, MD (2011)
MnCareers/iSeek. Research and Statistics Office, MN Dept. of Economic Security, St. Paul, MN (2011)
For more information, please contact the Career Services Office in 102 Sanford Hall
or call us at 218-755-2038 or toll free at 800-657-3726.