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If you're bi/multilingual, did you find it helped you in your job?
Not in the interview, but in your actual job.
Also interested in answers from people who know sign languages!
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13 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Jolene,
I'd be thrilled to share some insights on how being multilingual can be a game-changer in many professions, all backed by solid research and studies.
In today's interconnected world, speaking more than one language can be a significant advantage in your career. It opens doors to communication and cooperation across different cultures and languages. Here's how being multilingual can give you an edge in the workplace:
Super Communication Skills: If you're multilingual, you can effortlessly interact with clients, team members, and partners from various cultures. This ability not only improves collaboration and decision-making but also fosters a more inclusive and diverse work environment.
More Job Opportunities: Speaking multiple languages can unlock exciting job opportunities and career paths, especially in sectors where language skills are crucial, like international business, diplomacy, translation, interpretation, and education.
Sharper Problem-Solving Skills: Multilingual people often have a unique advantage in problem-solving. They can tap into different perspectives and approaches to tackle complex issues, a skill that's highly valued in fields like engineering, science, and technology.
Greater Adaptability: Multilingual people are usually more adaptable and flexible in new situations, thanks to their experience in dealing with different linguistic and cultural contexts. This adaptability can lead to more success in roles that require flexibility and resilience.
Access to More Information: Being able to read and comprehend multiple languages allows multilingual individuals to access a wider range of information and resources, including academic papers, news articles, and industry reports.
Deeper Cultural Understanding: Multilingual people often have a profound understanding of diverse cultures and customs, which can be vital in international business, diplomacy, and education. This understanding can lead to more effective collaboration and decision-making.
Boosted Memory and Cognitive Skills: Mastering multiple languages can enhance memory, concentration, and cognitive skills, which can be beneficial in various aspects of a career.
Increased Creativity: Multilingual individuals often shine in creative fields like writing, art, and design, as they can incorporate multiple linguistic and cultural influences to create innovative ideas and products.
Higher Emotional Intelligence: Multilingual individuals often have higher emotional intelligence, as they can understand and navigate different emotional expressions and cultural norms associated with each language.
Personal Growth: Lastly, being multilingual can lead to personal growth and fulfillment, as it encourages a deeper appreciation for different cultures and perspectives, and fosters a greater sense of empathy and understanding for others.
In terms of sign languages, the benefits are similar to spoken languages, with the added value in fields like education, healthcare, and social services, where communication with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing is crucial.
To back up these points, here are three reputable references:
“The Benefits of Multilingualism” by the American Psychological Association (APA) (2018) - This article gives a comprehensive overview of the cognitive, social, and economic benefits of being multilingual.
“The Advantages of Being Bilingual” by the Harvard Business Review (HBR) (2017) - This article delves into the professional benefits of being bilingual, including improved communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.
“The Importance of Sign Language in Education” by the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) (2020) - This report emphasizes the benefits of sign language in education.
Wishing you all the best in your endeavors,
James Constantine.
I'd be thrilled to share some insights on how being multilingual can be a game-changer in many professions, all backed by solid research and studies.
In today's interconnected world, speaking more than one language can be a significant advantage in your career. It opens doors to communication and cooperation across different cultures and languages. Here's how being multilingual can give you an edge in the workplace:
Super Communication Skills: If you're multilingual, you can effortlessly interact with clients, team members, and partners from various cultures. This ability not only improves collaboration and decision-making but also fosters a more inclusive and diverse work environment.
More Job Opportunities: Speaking multiple languages can unlock exciting job opportunities and career paths, especially in sectors where language skills are crucial, like international business, diplomacy, translation, interpretation, and education.
Sharper Problem-Solving Skills: Multilingual people often have a unique advantage in problem-solving. They can tap into different perspectives and approaches to tackle complex issues, a skill that's highly valued in fields like engineering, science, and technology.
Greater Adaptability: Multilingual people are usually more adaptable and flexible in new situations, thanks to their experience in dealing with different linguistic and cultural contexts. This adaptability can lead to more success in roles that require flexibility and resilience.
Access to More Information: Being able to read and comprehend multiple languages allows multilingual individuals to access a wider range of information and resources, including academic papers, news articles, and industry reports.
Deeper Cultural Understanding: Multilingual people often have a profound understanding of diverse cultures and customs, which can be vital in international business, diplomacy, and education. This understanding can lead to more effective collaboration and decision-making.
Boosted Memory and Cognitive Skills: Mastering multiple languages can enhance memory, concentration, and cognitive skills, which can be beneficial in various aspects of a career.
Increased Creativity: Multilingual individuals often shine in creative fields like writing, art, and design, as they can incorporate multiple linguistic and cultural influences to create innovative ideas and products.
Higher Emotional Intelligence: Multilingual individuals often have higher emotional intelligence, as they can understand and navigate different emotional expressions and cultural norms associated with each language.
Personal Growth: Lastly, being multilingual can lead to personal growth and fulfillment, as it encourages a deeper appreciation for different cultures and perspectives, and fosters a greater sense of empathy and understanding for others.
In terms of sign languages, the benefits are similar to spoken languages, with the added value in fields like education, healthcare, and social services, where communication with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing is crucial.
To back up these points, here are three reputable references:
“The Benefits of Multilingualism” by the American Psychological Association (APA) (2018) - This article gives a comprehensive overview of the cognitive, social, and economic benefits of being multilingual.
“The Advantages of Being Bilingual” by the Harvard Business Review (HBR) (2017) - This article delves into the professional benefits of being bilingual, including improved communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.
“The Importance of Sign Language in Education” by the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) (2020) - This report emphasizes the benefits of sign language in education.
Wishing you all the best in your endeavors,
James Constantine.
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Rita’s Answer
Most definitely!!! I'm in the medical field. You feel closer to a patient if you can speak their language. I think that applies to every job.
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Wendy’s Answer
Discovering that my language skills, which include native English and bilingual German, have significantly boosted my career was an enlightening experience. Although these skills were not always directly related to the jobs I applied for, they often led to unique opportunities once they were recognized. One such opportunity was the chance to work on an international account for a market research agency. This role involved interacting with German-speaking clients and markets, showcasing the value of my language abilities.
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Enise’s Answer
Hello there,
As an international graduate student from the university in the UK, I would say I experienced either volunteering, internship, and projects in a club were worth it. The more you learn language, the more you will gain more both academic and/or career experience(s). You can upgrade your profile once you apply for travel and work visa, or you can be graduated from the university and apply a 2-year work permit UK, or whichever criteria it would be. It depends on a country which suits you.
I hope this helps.
As an international graduate student from the university in the UK, I would say I experienced either volunteering, internship, and projects in a club were worth it. The more you learn language, the more you will gain more both academic and/or career experience(s). You can upgrade your profile once you apply for travel and work visa, or you can be graduated from the university and apply a 2-year work permit UK, or whichever criteria it would be. It depends on a country which suits you.
I hope this helps.
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Al’s Answer
Your question is really insightful! Generally speaking, being multilingual is a great asset as it boosts cognitive abilities. Plus, mastering another language makes it easier to connect with people from a wide range of backgrounds - a key factor in a professional setting. Companies thrive when everyone is able to contribute to their full potential, bringing unique benefits and insights from their diverse cultures. For instance, in the engineering team I led, we had members from Taiwan, the Philippines, Italy, and the US. Our blend of technical expertise and understanding of the people using our products helped us cut down customer support costs by 40% by making the experience more user-friendly. If a potential employer values multilingualism during their hiring process, it's a good sign of their quality.
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Julia’s Answer
Hello!
Learning another language not only gives you the option to apply for a larger scope of jobs, but also allows you to connect with more individuals. I highly recommend learning another language even if it is not for greater job opportunities. While knowing another language may not directly tie into every job, it definitely serves a benefit that you can leverage.
Learning another language not only gives you the option to apply for a larger scope of jobs, but also allows you to connect with more individuals. I highly recommend learning another language even if it is not for greater job opportunities. While knowing another language may not directly tie into every job, it definitely serves a benefit that you can leverage.
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Aaron’s Answer
Great question Jolene!
It really depends on the industry and type of role you will be working in. It is important to self-reflect on what level your proficiency is in another language. What I have found is that even though you may be able to have conversations in a second language, the types of conversations you have in the workforce can be a lot more technical. This means that you may need to explore or research the types of workplace jargon that you might be expected to know if you promote yourself as bilingual. It is always a bonus though to know multiple languages, so just make sure you ask or know what will be required of you in the interview!
It really depends on the industry and type of role you will be working in. It is important to self-reflect on what level your proficiency is in another language. What I have found is that even though you may be able to have conversations in a second language, the types of conversations you have in the workforce can be a lot more technical. This means that you may need to explore or research the types of workplace jargon that you might be expected to know if you promote yourself as bilingual. It is always a bonus though to know multiple languages, so just make sure you ask or know what will be required of you in the interview!
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Aga’s Answer
Hi Jolene,
Being bi/multilingual is definitely a huge benefit - and not only in professional career, but in your daily life. It broadens your horizons and gives you more opportunities especially if you decide to have a career in a multinational organization. Personally, being multilingual allowed me to participate in several internships abroad during my academic career, and helped me to start my professional career in a multinational company. Thanks to my language skills I could easily apply and move from a local to a global role, and relocate to a different country when the business strategy changed.
Remember that the skills demand is constantly changing in the professional world. There are certain skills you can gain within weeks, learning a language for most of us takes a bit longer, so the sooner you start, the better!
Being bi/multilingual is definitely a huge benefit - and not only in professional career, but in your daily life. It broadens your horizons and gives you more opportunities especially if you decide to have a career in a multinational organization. Personally, being multilingual allowed me to participate in several internships abroad during my academic career, and helped me to start my professional career in a multinational company. Thanks to my language skills I could easily apply and move from a local to a global role, and relocate to a different country when the business strategy changed.
Remember that the skills demand is constantly changing in the professional world. There are certain skills you can gain within weeks, learning a language for most of us takes a bit longer, so the sooner you start, the better!
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ESTEFANIA’s Answer
Hello Jolene,
I wholeheartedly affirm that mastering multiple languages is a cornerstone for your individual and career development. We live in a global environment where people from every corner of the world are communicating every day. As a polyglot who speaks four languages, I can assure you that this ability has unlocked countless opportunities in my career. Even during my academic years, it proved beneficial as it allowed me to access information, essays, and books in various languages that were not always available in English.
In a nutshell - Absolutely! Language proficiency can indeed elevate your career, particularly for roles with a global scope.
I wholeheartedly affirm that mastering multiple languages is a cornerstone for your individual and career development. We live in a global environment where people from every corner of the world are communicating every day. As a polyglot who speaks four languages, I can assure you that this ability has unlocked countless opportunities in my career. Even during my academic years, it proved beneficial as it allowed me to access information, essays, and books in various languages that were not always available in English.
In a nutshell - Absolutely! Language proficiency can indeed elevate your career, particularly for roles with a global scope.
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Ainhoa’s Answer
Possibly, this could even pave the way for more exciting opportunities within your current workplace. Remember, being multilingual is always an added advantage.
Dinesh Heber
Business Operations Analyst, Business process improvement,problem solving,Project management etc
3
Answers
Updated
Dinesh’s Answer
Hello there! I appreciate your thoughtful question. Good one!
Absolutely, having the ability to speak more than one language can be a great advantage when you're job hunting. It can help a company connect with more customers, make conversations easier with clients and partners who speak different languages, and open up opportunities for doing business all over the world. This skill can make you stand out, especially for jobs that involve dealing with a variety of people or international markets.
Sending you all the best!
Absolutely, having the ability to speak more than one language can be a great advantage when you're job hunting. It can help a company connect with more customers, make conversations easier with clients and partners who speak different languages, and open up opportunities for doing business all over the world. This skill can make you stand out, especially for jobs that involve dealing with a variety of people or international markets.
Sending you all the best!
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Dima’s Answer
Absolutely, being multilingual is a fantastic asset! In my current role and within our global company, we use English daily because our team members are scattered across various cities around the world.
However, when you're stationed in an international office, it's always a delightful experience to converse in the local language. I'm currently located in France, and I find that chatting in French with my office mates makes me feel more connected and included. But, it's not a strict requirement.
Beyond that, mastering multiple languages can be a great boost for personal development. Plus, it opens up a wider array of opportunities when you're on the hunt for a job.
However, when you're stationed in an international office, it's always a delightful experience to converse in the local language. I'm currently located in France, and I find that chatting in French with my office mates makes me feel more connected and included. But, it's not a strict requirement.
Beyond that, mastering multiple languages can be a great boost for personal development. Plus, it opens up a wider array of opportunities when you're on the hunt for a job.
Updated
Cristal’s Answer
Hello Jolene! Knowing a second language has been a huge advantage in my career. It's given me the ability to (1) interact directly with my clients in their native language, eliminating the need for a translator, and (2) opened up more job opportunities for me. The benefits can vary depending on your workplace and the clients your company serves.
For example, in my previous role as a bookkeeper, most of the tenants were Hispanic and didn't speak English. My bilingual skills came in handy as I could communicate with them effectively. This allowed the landlord to concentrate on what he loved doing - fixing up the apartments.
Currently, I'm interning at a multinational company with branches in mainly Spanish-speaking regions, and the teams are closely linked with the US. Being able to speak their language can help me build strong relationships with my overseas colleagues. It might even give me the chance to work directly with clients in their home country.
For example, in my previous role as a bookkeeper, most of the tenants were Hispanic and didn't speak English. My bilingual skills came in handy as I could communicate with them effectively. This allowed the landlord to concentrate on what he loved doing - fixing up the apartments.
Currently, I'm interning at a multinational company with branches in mainly Spanish-speaking regions, and the teams are closely linked with the US. Being able to speak their language can help me build strong relationships with my overseas colleagues. It might even give me the chance to work directly with clients in their home country.