As a Modern Foreign Languages student, you will have gained skills highly valued by employers, such as verbal and written communication, problem solving, processing of information, teamwork, literacy and oracy.  Speaking a foreign language enables you to compete in the global market place in a wide range of careers connected to areas such as the diplomatic service, marketing, customer service, law, business management and journalism to name a few. However, if you are passionate about languages you may wish to explore careers opportunities in an area more directly related to Modern Languages such as travel consultant, aviation operations manager, interpreter/translator, bilingual administrator, cabin crew, heritage-engineering technician and commercial procurement and supply.

Labour Market Information – LMI

It is useful to look at the labour market when considering a career related to Modern Foreign Languages.  Many sectors related to MFL are areas of growth in terms of employment opportunities.  The number of jobs aimed at bilingual workers has more than doubled in recent years with French, Spanish, Chinese and Arabic in highest demand.

The LMI for All portal provides high quality, reliable LMI information – see link: https://www.lmiforall.org.uk/

Pathways Example Post 16 Routes – Level 3 A Level

• A-Level French, Spanish, English Language, English Literature, History and Politics

Pathways Example Post 16 – Apprenticeships

AVIATION OPERATIONS MANAGERS

• Lead operations in the field of aviation, recruitment of ground staff and crew members, scheduling of flights and rotas for pilots, flight attendants and airport staff.

COMMERCIAL PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLY

• Monitor international business trends and product availability in order to pay the best price for company goods and services without sacrificing quality or delivery times. A key element of the role is nurturing relationships with worldwide suppliers to negotiate the best prices.

INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT FORWARDING SPECIALIST

• Act as an intermediary between the company who makes the shipment and the final destination for the goods organising different transport modes to carry out shipment.

HERITAGE ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN

• Perform a vital role in the preservation, restoration, re-manufacture, service and repair of historic UK and International engineering achievements working in organisations as diverse as global manufacturers, museums and small operators.