It might seem impossible or like a big commitment to learn another language, but there is evidence that shows learning a second language can really benefit your career. In today’s competitive jobs market, companies are often seeking staff who can speak more than one language, with bilinguals being valued for their ability to communicate effectively with colleagues or overseas business partners.

What are the career benefits?

Learning another language can really benefit your career by opening up new opportunities and improving your mental and brain health too. It can also increase your ability to find more jobs, according to the Washington Technical Institute, as you’re opening yourself up to a much bigger jobs market and making yourself more employable for international companies. Languages have proven to improve individuals’ chances of getting interviews and job offers, being recommended for a promotion, or earning a pay raise, says Rosetta Stone. Not only that, but it can help with getting work overseas or finding a remote position in the UK for a company in mainland Europe, for example. 

Improving mental/brain health

It can also help with cognitive performance and enhance your communication skills. According to The British Academy, there is substantial research that supports a link between bilingualism and cognitive flexibility. The research shows that those who speak other languages often have more empathy and a global mindset. Knowing another language also means you become more aware of other cultures, and therefore adapt easily and can work better in an international team. 

Languages can strengthen the area of the brain which is responsible for memory, speech, and sensory perception. Other studies show that language learning can improve thinking skills and memory. A study by the Alzheimer’s Research UK shows that people who are bilingual show symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias much later than monolinguals (those who speak only one language). 

What are the top languages to learn for work?

According to Indeed, the most useful languages for your career are:

1. Chinese Mandarin
2. Spanish
3. French
4. German
5. Arabic
6. Hindi/Urdu and other Indian languages
7. Chinese (Cantonese)

Other major languages that have millions of speakers are Portuguese, Italian, Russian, Turkish and Japanese. In the UK, languages such as Polish, Romanian or other Eastern European languages are widely spoken, commonly needed for translation or interpreting work. 

What kind of jobs can I get with a second language?

You’ll likely find more opportunities in business, tourism, public services, the government, or more typical roles such as translators or teachers. 

Whether you find a job abroad or are in the UK, you can find a variety of jobs that will allow you to use your language skills. Language skills can really open up more opportunities for you and can be a great talking point during an interview. 

Whether you want to improve your skills to work abroad, negotiate or work with business partners overseas, or to just set yourself apart from other professionals, your language skills might just increase your chances of success and give you a competitive edge over others.