How Can Learning Another Language Benefit My Future Career?

We can't help ourselves when it comes to sharing, celebrating and shining a spotlight on the power of learning languages. After all, This is School wouldn't exist without founder George's own language journey (take a peek at this part of our history here!).

But, as much as we'd love to be everyone's one-and-only inspiration to start their own journeys, we know that simply - sadly - cannot be the case...

So we took it upon ourselves to speak to individuals from different professional backgrounds and to invite them to share just how learning additional languages has helped them.

And here's what we found out 👇🏽

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Languages Fuel Online Teaching Career

As an Italian polyglot, my career relies on languages much like a movie director's relies on the invention of cinema. I've engaged in one-on-one tutoring online, translated from Japanese, Chinese, and Korean into Italian, and developed my own language app, Think in Italian. Learning multiple languages has enabled me to carve out a unique online presence as a teacher, translator, and solopreneur.

Stefano Lodola, Owner, Language Course Author, Polyglot, Think Languages LLC

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French Skills Boost Promotion Chances

Learning French didn't directly land me the job, but my intermediate skills in the language have proven extremely useful in my current role and were instrumental in my promotion.Interestingly, I almost passed up applying for this job because the listing specified a need for bilingual proficiency in English and French. I didn't consider myself bilingual, but I remembered reading an article pointing out that men often apply for jobs when they meet only 60% of the criteria, whereas women tend to apply only if they meet all the qualifications. Inspired by this, I decided not to let my perceived language shortfall hold me back, just as a man wouldn't.

Precious Abacan, Marketing Director, Softlist

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Multilingualism Expands Career Horizons

Learning multiple languages has been a game-changer throughout my career. My ability to speak English, Spanish, and French has not only broadened my horizons but also opened up a world of opportunities. Communication with clients and colleagues from diverse backgrounds has become seamless. I'm able to navigate cultural nuances and build rapport more effectively, fostering stronger working relationships and driving better outcomes. My language skills have also expanded my career prospects significantly. I've been able to secure positions that require fluency in multiple languages, leading to greater responsibilities, accelerated career growth, and increased earning potential. In an increasingly globalized world, multilingual professionals are highly sought after, and my language skills have given me a distinct advantage. Beyond the practical benefits, learning languages has enriched my life in countless ways. It has allowed me to connect with people from all corners of the globe, build lasting friendships, and gain a deeper appreciation for different cultures. Traveling to new places has become more immersive and meaningful, as I can engage with locals in their native language and truly experience their way of life.

Alex Cornici, Director of Marketing, Awesome Hibachi

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Spanish Enhances Legal Business Communication

Learning Spanish has greatly benefited my career, particularly in the legal-funding business. Many of our clients speak Spanish as their first language, and conversing with them in their native tongue has built trust and improved our service quality. One significant insight I've gained is that understanding a client's language goes beyond words; it's about cultural awareness and empathy. Speaking Spanish has allowed me to connect with clients more deeply. This connection has enhanced our client relationships, leading to more successful outcomes and a stronger reputation for our business. For those considering learning another language, start with Spanish due to its widespread use in the United States. It opens up new opportunities and allows you to reach a broader audience. Dedicate time to practice regularly and immerse yourself in the language through conversations and media.

Jared Stern, Managing Member, Uplift Legal Funding

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French Knowledge Deepens Cultural Ties

Learning French exposed me to the diverse cultural nuances and social norms of French-speaking countries. This cultural understanding has been helpful in developing deeper ties with colleagues and clients from various backgrounds. Understanding and valifying their customs, manners, and beliefs has allowed me to approach international initiatives with better sensitivity and effectiveness. Being able to connect with people on a cultural level has often made talks and teamwork go more smoothly, which sets me apart in the global business world.

Timothy Allen, Director, Oberheiden P.C.

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Mandarin Boosts Locksmith Business Success

As CEO of KeyZoo, a locksmith company, being able to communicate in Mandarin has opened up numerous opportunities and facilitated smoother interactions with clients, partners, and employees from diverse backgrounds. First and foremost, speaking Mandarin has significantly broadened our market reach. By understanding and speaking the language, I've been able to connect with Chinese-speaking customers more effectively, addressing their concerns and providing tailored services that meet their specific needs. This has not only improved customer satisfaction but also helped build trust and loyalty, which are crucial in the locksmith industry where security is paramount. Moreover, Mandarin has been invaluable when dealing with suppliers and manufacturers. Many high-quality locksmith products and technologies originate from China, and being able to negotiate and discuss specifications directly in Mandarin has streamlined our supply chain operations. It has reduced misunderstandings, expedited the procurement process, and often resulted in better pricing and terms, all of which contribute to our bottom line.

Eli Itzhaki, CEO, Keyzoo

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Mandarin Enables Direct Vendor Communication

Learning Mandarin has facilitated and improved my relationship with Chinese factory vendors, as they view me as one of their own when doing business deals—we are able to communicate better without a translator. It has also provided me the ability to navigate and draw inspiration from Chinese social media platforms like Xiao Hong Shu and Douyin, where trends are more innovative. This knowledge allows us to identify and incorporate trends into our own social media, helping us achieve better results.

Victor Hsi, Founder, UGC Creator

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French Unlocks International Opportunities

Learning French opened up new international opportunities and improved my communication skills. It's like unlocking a secret level in a game—suddenly, I could connect with French-speaking clients on a deeper level, enhancing trust and collaboration. This linguistic skill not only broadened my network but also enriched my cultural understanding, making me a more versatile professional.

‍Alex Stasiak, CEO & Founder, Startup House

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Want to inspire the next generation of language learners with your own story? Share it with us! Email jessica@thisisschool.com with an introduction and we'll take it from there.

Don't forget - if you're a teacher and looking to inspire a life-long love of languages in your lessons, you're in the right place. Start your 14-day free of This is School today!