All languages have their place on the world map. At Brampton College we teach French, German, Italian and Spanish, but encourage our many international students to value their mother tongue and consider it an excellent skill.
Choosing to study languages at A level is a very wise decision for your future career options as this broadens your access to other cultures; for example, through literature, film and independent travel. Speaking more than one language can open doors to international study and work opportunities, and it is seen as a valuable asset for many companies.
Before we look at your career options, let’s take a look at the many academic benefits that learning a language at A level can have. Not only do languages enhance your cultural knowledge, but you become a natural communicator and networker. You need to know how to interpret text as well as conversation. Honing your keen speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in another language will help you to think clearly about how you get your message across; something that is extremely useful for all university degrees.
Career Advantages of Learning a Language
Employers like to take on graduates who have a second and even a third language. In our globalised world, speaking and writing another language will help you to forge international links that are inaccessible to others. You will have a broader range of career options, not just in the UK but for global companies and organisations that need your ability to network in another tongue. All organisations need good communicators, and as a linguist you may have the upper hand. Here are a few examples of some of the career choices you could consider using your language skills…
International Business and Logistics
International business often needs to be regulated, and as a linguist you could have a greater understanding about what is required by the buyer and/or seller for example. Shipping and other financial or business services are multimillion-pound industries which need excellent communicators so that the right deal is struck between clients. As a linguist you could be the all-important lynchpin by managing the transaction.
International Law and Government
As with international business, your skills as a linguist may just help to renegotiate a contract, or to secure a government opportunity if you work for the Foreign Office or for the UN.
Management and Marketing
Companies that wish to market their products or services to other countries around the world, will be on the hunt for multilingual employees, often in management positions. Your language skills will enable you to help translate marketing messages across various platforms and even offer customer service support in your chosen country.
Translator
As a translator, you would use your skills in the medical or legal field. Many charitable organisations work across international frontiers and need managers with a second language to facilitate any rescue or relief operations.
Teaching
Teaching can be a very rewarding career and with your language skills you can choose to do this at home or abroad. If you’re interested in working with children, young adults or business executives who are learning languages, this could be the dream job for you.
Travel and Tourism
The ability to speak more than one language can take you around the world and even up to some very high places, such as airline crew! What about a tour guide in another country, travelling around and sharing your passion and knowledge with others. The world is your oyster!
These are just a few examples of many career options that will be available to you after studying a foreign language course. You will develop your language skills and acquire a strong understanding of other cultures. These skills and this knowledge will be valuable assets to you in your personal and professional life, locally and overseas.