How Being Bilingual Can Help Your Career Development

Whether you’re already a bilingual speaker, or thinking of learning another language, having this skill is a great way for you to stay competitive in the job market. Knowing a foreign language has many benefits, especially when it comes to career growth and personal development. Here are a few ways of being bilingual or multilingual can add to your career success. 

In this guest post, Corey Doane shares her perspective on the advantages of a bilingual mind in career development. Since I am multilingual, even from this small post I can see how much of my potential is underutilized. Take a moment to think which language you would like to know and what you could do wit it…

 

1. Increases Your Chances of Landing a Job

Your ability to speak another language can help you stand out to employers on paper and in interviews. Whether you’re the most experienced candidate or not, having a second language on your resume is a quick way to bump yourself to the top prospect pool. Opportunities for multilingual employees are needed in almost every industry, making your chances of landing a job higher than most. 

To employers, these kinds of candidates provide great value to a company, and having this skill can make a great impression. 

2. Offers You More Job Opportunities in the Future

The need for translators and interpreters has seen a steady increase and the industry is expected to grow by 20% in the next decade. Aside from this, more jobs are looking to hire foreign-language speakers in many different industries. Some of the top industries that have a need for bilingual employees include human resources, community and social workers, emergency services, paramedics, and customer service. 

If you’re employed with a company that works on a global scale, you may be offered more opportunities for growth because of your ability to communicate with an international clientele. This kind of growth may even increase your chances of being able to travel abroad for work. 

3. Increases Your Earning Potential

On average, bilingual or multilingual employees earn 5-20% more per hour compared to those who speak only one language. Proficiency in multiple languages can help you secure higher-paying jobs right from the start of your career.

If you’re a recent college graduate, entering the professional workforce and finding a job can be challenging. However, being bilingual can provide a competitive edge over other candidates and result in a higher salary than most of your peers.

4. Improves Professional Relationship Building 

Those who know a foreign language naturally have an understanding and appreciation of different cultures. They’re able to adapt to social situations easier, making it easier to break down any language barriers between others.

When it comes to business, you may have international clients, and knowing their native language can help you build that professional relationship and yield better results for your company’s bottom line. All in all, learning and knowing a foreign language allows you to see the world through a lens of appreciation. It gives you a new perspective and allows you to be more understanding of other cultures and people. 

5. Improves Your Ability to Multi-Task and Solve Problems in the Workplace

There are many studies that show the impact multilingualism has on a person’s brain function and ability to perform tasks at hand. Studies have shown that when performing tasks, bilingual persons can focus on tasks easier and have sharper problem-solving skills. 

6. Improves Creativity

Those who grew up knowing a second language or adults who have learned another language generally have a heightened sense of creativity. Bilingualism can improve a person’s mind and allows them to see the world from a different perspective, thus increasing creative abilities. This makes it a great skill for anyone who is looking for a position in a creative industry like design, music or writing.

If you’re interested in learning a second language to boost your resume and professional skills, check out this guide created by Coupon Chief that explains different language learning strategies and tools that can help you pick up a new language in no time. 

 

Author Bio: 

Corey Doane is a content marketer and writer based in San Diego, CA. She has a passion for writing and loves creating content that covers business and lifestyle topics. When she isn’t working, you can find her sipping on an iced coffee and spending time with her family.