Learning the language of success
4 steps to the learn the right language for your career
Approximately three out of four Americans will stare blankly if you strike up a conversation in a language besides English, but that statistic is shifting quickly. According to recent surveys over 40 percent of Americans between 18 and 29 are fluent in a second language (usually Spanish). So what can an eager language-learner do to stay competitive and explore bilingual job opportunities?
1. Select a language based on your location and career goals.
Being bilingual can be a great job skill, allowing you to connect with coworkers and clients you might otherwise struggle to reach. If you want to learn a new language but aren’t sure which one to choose, research bilingual jobs in your area so you can select a language that fits with your career goals. Learning a new language is challenging and you don’t want to become fluent only to find you can’t use your new skill. Common second languages vary widely depending on your location. The Modern Language Association has a handy map feature that lets you pinpoint popular second languages across the country.
2. Choose a learning method – or combine several.
Once you’ve chosen your new language, ask yourself how you learn best.
Hands on: Take a community college course or find a tutor.
Listening: Look into audio courses online, on CD or language-learning podcasts.
Reading: There is a book (actually lots of books) on the language you want to learn.
The great news is that no matter which way – or ways – you want to learn, there are free resources to get a feel for what you’re getting into (link to “learn a language for free” article) . After you’ve explored the many free resources available, you’ll probably have a pretty good idea whether or not you really want to learn a new language. Then you can confidently commit resources (i.e. time and money) to learning your new skill.
3. Practice. (Rinse and repeat this step, repeatedly.)
You can communicate freely with new people you couldn’t exchange ideas with before. That’s a huge accomplishment, but don’t stop now—practice makes fluent! Here are some great ways to break in your new language:
Entertain: Cue up a movie on Netflix, tune into a radio station or read a book in the language of your choice.
Share: Find someone who speaks the language you have learned and wants to practice English—you both get to practice your new language!
Explore: Reward all your hard work with a trip to a country that speaks the language you’ve learned.
4. Put it to work
You’ve put in the work and absorbed a new way of speaking; now put it to work for you! Check off the bilingual box on your job applications and profile, list it on your resume and pursue those bilingual job opportunities you researched before you got started. If you’re currently employed and like your job, talk with your manager about what your new skill brings to the company. Speaking a second language can be a great way to explore your heritage, enhance travel experiences and just have fun learning something new.
