This is a guest post by Ben Russel that explains why and how learning a new language can benefit you and boost your career. It’s not too late to start!
Being English proficient is good. Being proficient in other languages is great.
If you believe that other languages have no direct impact on you, you can stop at this line. If you are someone who wants to explore the depths of your career by learning one or two foreign languages, feel free to read on.
Learning new languages is learning new skills. It is not to show off, but to equip yourself to be ready for greater opportunities. All Americans can speak English, but only a few can speak Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, German or any other foreign language. You do not have to learn all the languages in the world; it might take you a lifetime to do it.
So, why does learning new languages help you in your career? According to language experts at SolidEssay, there are several reasons why learning new languages has been encouraged. Read on to know more about it.
Learning new languages:
• Might surely get you your promotion
Management people hire individuals with skills that can be used for short term and long term endeavors. If you are able to speak different languages, it might just get you the deal, especially if the promotion would include talking to foreign clients. You might become one of the most highly demanded interpreters during client meetings or client tours instead of a regular office assistant. You might be rubbing elbows with the rest of the COOs and CEOs that will give you opportunities to learn more from them. With good work ethics and a couple of languages you speak proficiently that back you up, you might just get the promotion.
• Will open brand new horizons for you
Learning new languages automatically allows you to learn about the culture behind the language. It lets you understand why people say the words they say and behave like they do. You understand other nationalities as well. Learning the language is just the beginning, there is a lot more out there for you.
• Gives you a competitive edge
All employees work their way to the top. Who does not want a raise? Who does not want an extra bragging about credit rights? Who does not want to be recognized to have grown professionally? No one does, all employees always wanted to be the best they can be and be recognized for it. Learning other languages, which is not a skill for everyone, gives you a competitive edge among the rest of your workmates.
• May take you to places
Your department is busy preparing for a business trip. Then your boss suddenly calls you up and says that he needs to bring someone who can speak the language to make sure he closes the deal. Since you know the language better than he does, he tags you along! Isn’t it a wonderful experience? A trip with your boss, which happens only on seldom occasions and this time he needs your help big time. Another thing, you go on a trip all expense paid! Who knows, you might get an extra credit for doing a good job. And you can only imagine what could happen next.
Another thing is that if you are considering making a career abroad, you have to make sure you know the exact place you want to go and learn their language. It is easier to blend in if you know the language and you can avoid asking the question, “Do you speak English?” which can be very annoying for some foreigners. Remember, the easier you blend, the more chances you get a job.
• Will make you more employable
Given your skills and qualifications, you can be employed. Considering you are an IT graduate specializing in software development; there is no doubt that other than English, you have a good command of computer languages. The question is, how many of unemployed IT graduates are there, who might have perfected their craft more than you do? This might be quite alarming, but it is the brutal truth. If you are looking forward to being employed in a multinational company with branches abroad; in Japan for example, your ability to speak and understand Japanese might just get you your job.
Learning languages is not easy. Learn the language from investors and partners a company may have. Again, you do not have to learn all the languages; you can stick with learning one or two.
About the Author:
Ben Russel has been providing tutoring services for over 7 years. He teaches high school and college students how to write different types of essays. One of his recent articles is on how to write a good argumentative essay.
