Increase Your Career Options by Learning a Second Language

Learning a second language can greatly enhance your ability to get hired in the United States or around the world. Just think of it! The options that you can create for yourself by learning another language, and being able to understand other cultures, are enormous. In today’s global economy, businesses and organizations work closely with companies in other countries. If you know a second language, you will be able to do things people who are only able to speak one language can’t. The office of foreign language programs writes “Professionals who know other languages are called on to travel and exchange information with people in the United States and other countries throughout their careers. Knowing more than one language enhances opportunities in government, business, law, medicine and health care, teaching, technology, the military, communications, industry, social service, and marketing. An employer will see you as a bridge to new clients or customers if you know a second language. You are also more likely to win the trust and friendship of people whose languages you know—even if you know them just a little. You are never too young and it is never too late to begin.” It goes on to add, “Depending on how long you study, you can gain different levels of fluency. You will probably not sound like a native speaker who has spoken the language at home as a child. Don’t worry; you’re not expected to. To a greater or lesser degree you will, however, make yourself understood, read magazines or books for pleasure or information, and meet and talk with new groups of people. Of course, it doesn’t happen overnight. Like learning math, history, or playing the piano, language learning takes time. And it adds to who you are.” This excellent article goes on to advise the reader, that many people who have a basic foundation of a second language from high school can easily learn the language more completely. Courses on cd, mp3 downloads or adult education classes can reinforce what you have learned and expand it. By looking for opportunities within your community, you can find places to practice and learn the language. By finding others who want to learn the English language, you can teach them, and they can teach you their native language. It is a win-win for both of you. There are opportunities for you to travel with non-profits and church groups to other countries. When in other countries, you are immersed in the culture and the language so you can learn much quicker. So, to increase your career possibilities, my suggestion is to learn another language and expand your global possibilities. Tom Borg is president of Tom Borg Consulting, LLC. He is a business consultant, speaker, coach and author. Please see more of his blogs at businessworkforceblog.com and view additional job postings at Nexxt