The Importance of Learning a Foreign Language for your Future Career

Many students see foreign language requirements as a nuisance, something they simply have to get through in order to finish school. They graduate with minimal knowledge of a language and then forget most of what they learned. If all you remember years later are a few words, then you haven’t gained much from the experience. But languages can be much more valuable to you than you might think.

Living in an English-speaking country, you may have gotten along fine so far knowing only English. However, many jobs require a second language. Even if it’s not a requirement, knowing a second language makes you a more competitive job candidate. If more than a few people apply for a job, employers will not invite them all for interviews. Showing on your resume and application letter that you are fluent in one or more foreign languages sets you apart from the rest, and can get you in the door.

Knowledge of other languages also helps you interact with more people. It helps you reach across social barriers and form personal and business relationships that would not be possible for you otherwise. Even if the person you are talking to knows English also, they will be much more open to you if you speak to them in their own language. It not only helps you make friends, it also makes you much more valuable to your employer.

If you’ve heard discussions in the news about globalization, then you may know already that much business is done internationally. The company you want to work for may conduct business overseas, and learning another language could gain you the opportunity to travel around the world. Your knowledge would make you valuable for international sales, marketing, etc. You would likely earn more money that way.

If you are bilingual, be sure to say what languages you know in the “skills” section of your resume and job application. Mention it again in your job interviews. If you are not bilingual, don’t be discouraged. You can always learn another language, whether you are in school or not. Language courses are available in other settings, including commercially. Whenever you begin, it will be worth the time and investment you put into it.

According to Kiplinger, these are the ten most valuable foreign languages for your future career:

1.         Chinese-Mandarin

2.         German

3.         Portuguese

4.         Japanese

5.         Spanish

6.         Korean

7.         French

8.         Arabic

9.         Hindi

10.      Russian

For more information on advantages and disadvantages of learning each of these languages, click the link below to access Kiplinger’s slide show.

References:

Doherty, J. (2013, October 7). Five Reasons Why Knowing a Foreign Language Will Help Your Career. WinterWyman. Retrieved January 19, 2016, from https://www.winterwyman.com/blog/five-reasons-why-knowing-foreign-language-will-help-your-career.

Ruhl, C. (2015, October). Best Languages to Learn to Get Ahead in Your Career. Kiplinger.com. Retrieved January 19, 2016, from http://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/business/T012-S001-best-foreign-languages-for-your-career/index.html.