Languages play a pivotal role in building ties with other nations possessing entirely different cultures. They are the most important tool in the evolution of international relations, that for most part, depend on communication. The same goes for trade and businesses that expand globally and provide career opportunities to people around the world.
In this scenario, talented individuals may often get rejected for not having the required language skills. It can be a major obstacle in the way of professional growth and success that close the doors to career prospects. Although English is universally considered lingua franca, it is still not required for every profession or in every region around the globe.
For this, we have put together a list of 8 critical languages that you can learn to unlock new career opportunities.
- Mandarin Chinese
As China is rising as a giant in the global economy, it has offered many employment opportunities to people around the world. People who aspire to work in that economic powerhouse must learn Mandarin Chinese to communicate effectively.
It is crucial because Mandarin Chinese is spoken by 70% of the Chinese population as the largest dialect. Also, it will help you gain a competitive edge and establish powerful connections with the people you work with.
- Spanish
Individuals who want to explore the vibrant cultures of the Americas and Spain and want to work in the growing economies must learn Spanish. Interestingly, it is the official language of 20 countries which gives you the advantage of seeking career opportunities in 20 different regions. You can make your mark in the tourism, healthcare, and education sector as well as the rapidly expanding corporate sector if you are fluent in speaking Spanish.
- Arabic
Proficiency in the Arabic language allows you to explore new career opportunities in the Arab world. It mainly includes the Middle East and North African states that are known for international trade, diplomacy, and security. You can have an exciting career in the corporate sector, and various governmental organizations if you can effectively communicate in Arabic.
- Russian
Russian language is spoken in the wide region of Eurasia and offers employment opportunities in various sectors. This language essentially belongs to the former Soviet Union which now has an emerging economy owing to three main sectors i.e., agriculture, industry, and service. They often require professionals who can communicate in the Russian language to expand their market worldwide.
- German
German is another popular and invaluable language spoken mainly in Western Europe and Central Europe. Out of the German-speaking countries, Germany has the most number of speakers and it’s a booming technology hub. If you are a technology expert and have a command of this language, you can forge a successful career in Germany.
Moreover, there are numerous opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, and engineering that cater to the career needs of German-speaking individuals.
- Japanese
Japan is another prominent country in the technology and automobile industry. The country is also known for its imports and exports around the world producing more opportunities for individuals.
For efficient execution of trade across borders, it is required to have a command of Japanese. If you wish to engage in such prominent industries of Japan, then Japanese can be the best tool to make use of.
- French
French is the official language of 29 countries which makes it a more enticing language for those seeking career opportunities. If you want to work in the tourism sector, international organizations, or multinational companies in Francophone countries, learning French can be advantageous for you.
- Portuguese
Portuguese is the official language of 9 states while business and finance are the most prominent sectors of these states. Moreover, their tourism and natural resource industries also provide unlimited employment opportunities. This makes Portuguese an invaluable language to learn for professional growth and establishing a successful career.
To sum it up, learning the most popular and widely-spoken languages can prove to be essential for personal and professional development and the pursuit of your passion. The most critical ones are those we have listed above that can be valuable for your career goals and aspirations. Learning these languages can broaden your career horizons and make you embrace cultural diversity.
Another important aspect is how and where you get to learn these languages. It’s important to learn from professionals and well-equipped institutions, like Eton Institute, to have a better understanding of the language. The institutions must be able to provide an immersive setting that can offer interactive lessons and language exchange opportunities.