The world is shrinking. Ok, not literally, we’re not in a live action Disney movie. But as the world becomes more global, having a second language is handier than ever.
In fact, research shows that studying a second language means a bump of 2% in annual income. Kerching! Forbes even think having a second language could save your career. This means your language-learning translates into the real world more readily than you might think.
Here’s our top five reasons we think learning a language helps you climb the career ladder…
In a saturated job market, your CV has to stand out. One of the best ways of doing this is to know a foreign language. It’s a pretty unique talent that could get you through the door to the first interview. There’s even a report to prove that having another language gives you a multicultural edge when it comes to the job hunt!
Work is one thing but who are you going to go for Friday drinks with if you can’t make small talk? On top of this, being bi or multilingual means that you are more tapped into social cues and are able to adapt in social situations. Speaking someone’s language puts everyone at ease and shows you’re committed to the relationship (be it personal or professional). Chit chat can save you in awkward meetings too!
Have you always dreamed of travelling for work? The glamorous jetset life, setting up somewhere new? Well, as companies widen their reach across continents, they’re begging for candidates who are willing to actually immerse themselves in different cultures. When you speak another language, you’re basically shouting from the rooftops “I’M A GLOBAL EMPLOYEE”.
Research has suggested that those with a second language are multi-taskers, more creative and better at problem solving. That’s three key skills for your CV right there! So any time you stumble over words, remember this is just your brain helping you to train up for some real-world work situations. Well done!
From teaching to international business, having an additional language suddenly opens up many careers. Communication is important in a lot of different sectors, whether it’s excelling at customer service or having the insight needed for a great marketing campaign. If you’re thinking about a career change, a language could help you navigate the tricky waters of deciding what to do next.
