Business & Service
Translation and Interpreting
Translation and interpreting are two different fields. While translation deals with written text, interpreting deals with spoken or signed language. Usually, individuals working in these industries translate or interpret from their learned language into their native language. You must have a high level of proficiency in both languages you work in to be a translator or interpreter. Oftentimes individuals who work in these fields work as independent contractors or freelancers, which involves handling their own finances, marketing their services, and managing their business.
Typically, translators or interpreters specialize in a certain area. Examples of specializations include: medical interpreting, legal interpreting, educational interpreting, media interpreting, literary translation, technical translation… etc.
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Interpreters and Translators
- American Translators Association: Guide to Starting Out as a Translator
- How to Become a Translator (Indeed)
- How to Become an Interpreter (Indeed)
- Explorehealthcareers.org: Health Care Interpreter
- TED Ed: How interpreters juggle two languages at once
Professional organization websites often contain job boards and useful resources about the professions they represent. Consider joining a professional organization as a student to take advantage of the full range of resources and conferences they offer – memberships are usually discounted for students!
To work in these fields you must have a high level of proficiency in your learned language(s), so consider studying abroad and/or completing an international internship during your time at UW to further develop your language skills.
Certifications and programs to consider:
International Business
International business involves working with companies that engage in globally connected commercial activity. To work effectively in this field, it is important to develop knowledge of international markets, cultural competence, and language skills!
- You do not necessarily need a degree in Business to work in the field of International Business. While you are a student at UW-Madison, if you are not in the School of Business, consider pursuing a Business Certificate.
- Consider pursuing an international internship in a business field as a student!
Travel and Tourism
There are many different types of careers in travel and tourism, ranging from jobs in entertainment, lodging, national parks, transportation, tours, dining, and other services. Jobs in these fields often require you to interact with people from many different cultural and language backgrounds, so being able to communicate in other languages and understand cultural differences is key in this industry!
General Information
Job Boards
- Hcareers (job board for positions in hospitality)
- Jobs with the National Park Service
Professional organization websites often contain job boards and useful resources about the professions they represent. Consider joining a professional organization as a student to take advantage of the full range of resources and conferences they offer – memberships are usually discounted for students!
- Consider pursuing an international internship as a student!
- National Park Service Internships
- Working holiday visas are short-term visas that allow citizens from other countries to work without additional authorization for one year. Many working holiday visa-holders find positions in travel and tourism. U.S. citizens can apply for working holiday visas in the following countries: Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea
- The Travel Institute offers certification for travel agents