THE IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING A NEW LANGUAGE IN BUSINESS
ALEXANDRA GUIMARAES
Today, we live in globalized business environment, and knowing a second language as a business student is an ability that will differentiate you from the crowd. Efficient and effective communication among multiple languages is an indispensable tool for relationship building, and furthermore, financial success. Let me give you an example: As a recent Towson University graduate, you get an interview offer for the job of a lifetime with a multinational company. The day of the last round interview, at the lobby, you notice there is only one more candidate: the job is either yours or his. In a fair world, both of you have the same skills, including critical thinking, great presentation and writing skills and an enthusiastic attitude. The only difference among both of you is that on your resume, there is a line that says: Bilingual, Mandarin. Who do you think will land the job?
Here are some benefits of learning a second language in the business world:
Here are some benefits of learning a second language in the business world:
- Benefit 1: Learning a second language allows you to develop deeper relationships with clients that speak that language, which leads to alternative ways of conducting business that may not have been an option before. This way, relationships can grow in a personal level as well as on a business level. - Benefit 2: English speakers can avoid the disadvantage of not understanding what potential business partners are discussing while in the middle of a negotiation. Also, it is a great benefit to be able to go on a social outing with potential partners and have a conversation without the slow aid of a translator. |
- Benefit 3: According to Ryan McMunn, language expert and CEO of BRIC Language Systems, those entering the workforce in 2014 with second language fluency can expect an additional 10% to 15% pay increase. This is also linked to great benefits and travel opportunities, simply because you are increasing the company’s competitive advantage. Companies will pay a premium for bilingual employees, due to the lack of them. |
- Benefit 4: By being bilingual you become indispensable at your company. You act as a bridge that can connect and reduce the gap between the two companies and their individual cultures, therefore allowing the interaction to become more fluent and genuine. - Benefit 5: Knowing a second language opens doors to a whole new world of companies. Anyone interested in expanding their cultural experience and work for an international company will benefit because speaking multiple languages increases one’s marketability. |