It is estimated that by July 1, 2050, the Hispanic population in the United States will make up 24% of the total population, growing to 102.6 million people.
Approximately half the children over the age of five years old that speak Spanish claim that they can speak English ''very well.''
The need for bilingual professionals has become nothing short of urgent. If in 2003 13.7% of the United States population was Hispanic, it is probably a safe assumption that not all of them spoke English fluently. Even then there was a need for bilingual professionals. The need is only going to grow extensively. The Hispanic population is expected to grow to 102.6 million people by 2050. Keep in mind that these numbers were taken from a census, meaning that the numbers counted were only those here legally. Some immigrants may be illegal aliens.
The fact is that the United States of America is considered a highly attractive country by many immigrants. This is why so many move here on a regular basis. With so many people moving to this country, it natural to have that much of a greater need for bilingual individuals in the professional circuit.
If an individual is bilingual, the job options are endless. There are bilingual sales jobs, telecommunications jobs, the healthcare industry positions, and countless more.
Seven of the states in the country house a majority of the Hispanics who have come here. These states include California, Texas, Arizona, and Florida, all of which seem to stand out as obvious locations. The other three, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois, are a little surprising considering their geographic proximity from a bordering Latin country. These are all prime locations for obtaining a bilingual career.
Arizona is a great place to look at for bilingual careers. Hispanics who are not fluent in English need to communicate even on a regular shopping trip and may find themselves asking, ''Hablas Espanol?'' (Do you speak Spanish?) It can be a little frustrating at times for both parties. It is possible that neither party has ever had the opportunity to learn a second language.
Arizona has actually reached a point that there is at least one bilingual employee on staff in pretty much any business. If there is not, there is normally one nearby. Many of the local hospital counselors and psychologists deal with Spanish-speaking clients on a regular basis. Most of the time it is a parent that does not speak English. In this case, a translator is needed in the beginning. Even though it would be beneficial for these careers and the many others available in the state to be bilingual, it is not always possible. Arizona is not the only state in this situation. The six other states previously mentioned probably run into similar situations. This is why bilingual careers are on the rise.
A job search can be tough enough without running across what appears to be the perfect job and then seeing at the end that a bilingual individual is preferred. It can be a little frustrating for an individual that is looking in a specific industry like nursing, for example, if he or she is not bilingual.
The good news is that finding a bilingual career in any industry is completely possible. Even if there is not current need for the situation, company owners and human resource directors understand that with the growth of the Hispanic culture in the country being as it is, the need for a bilingual employee will inevitably occur.
In most cases, the fact that the individual is bilingual will only add additional value due to extensive growth. It would be naive to think with the number of people migrating to the United States that they all speak English in addition to their native language. Some do, but in many cases, they do not. These newcomers can become customers too.
Say, for example, you are seeking a bilingual sales job. Over time, one becomes available with Company A. Company A has run into a need and realized that some of the customers require a Spanish-speaking sales representative. If a bilingual employee is not available with Company A, it is logical to think that the customer will continue looking for another company that has a bilingual representative. Company A lost the chance of keeping this customer that does not speak English.
This same scenario is true in every industry. There are several companies just like Company A that need a bilingual employee to communicate properly with existing clients and potentially new ones. Communication is the key to every aspect of life. When it comes to your career, this should not be taken lightly.
