Learning

Learning Languages

The ability to speak more than one language can give you an edge when applying for jobs in the future and open the door to a range of exciting careers that you might not have considered before, both in this country and abroad.

Some basic foreign language skills can prove essential in all kinds of careers, including jobs in accountancy, computing, customer services, engineering, finance, marketing, the media and of course, travel and tourism.

Learning a foreign language will help you develop additional skills too, such as communication, presentation and problem solving and can open up opportunities to travel and meet new people abroad.

You can now choose from a wider range of languages to study than ever before at secondary school. Depending on what your school offers, you might be able to study a language like Chinese, which is important for the world economy and a good choice if you're considering a career in business.

For your future career and future experiences, choosing to study a foreign language could prove to be one of the best decisions you've ever made. To find out more, visit the Languages Work website at www.languageswork.org.uk/index.htm or the CILT (The National Centre for Languages) website at www.cilt.org.uk/index.htm.

Case Studies

Italian
Sam studied languages at A level and did a degree in German and Italian. He is now an IT Operations Manager responsible for 150 people and has used his foreign language skills to work with colleagues from other countries and solve IT problems for callers speaking in French, German, Italian and English.

Read more of Sam's case study.

Spanish
Salim took Spanish at A level and went on to study for a Diploma in Spanish law. He is now an associate solicitor and deals with Spanish clients as well as English clients who need help with legal issues in Spain.

Read more of Salim's case study.

French
James's ability to speak French helped him in his career as an Assistant Editor for a film magazine, allowing him to go to Paris and conduct press interviews in French.

Read more of James's case study.

Bengali
Kaneez is a Community Interpreter and Translator who can speak both Bengali and English. She spoke Bengali as her family language and went on to gain a Diploma in Public Service Interpreting and Translation.

Read more of Kaneez's case study.

Greek
Nicky is a sales assistant for Harvey Nichols and uses her Greek language skills to communicate with customers who come to the store.

Read more of Nicky's case study.

Urdu
Shazia was brought up speaking Urdu and can also speak Punjabi and Hindi, as well as English. She is now a Senior Staff Nurse and uses her foreign language skills to communicate with patients and family members at the hospital where she works.

Read more of Shazia's case study.

Careers
There are loads of job opportunities available for candidates who can speak more than one language. Below are just a few of the jobs featured on the Jobs4u site that look for people with foreign language skills.

Click on each one to find out more:

• Bilingual PA
• Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages
• Speech and Language Therapist
• Translator
• Interpreter
• Languages Service Professional
• Rehabilitation Officer
• Tourist Guide
• Importer/Exporter
• European Union Official

Who Can Help?

To search for more careers that use language skills, you can visit the Connexions Direct Jobs4U careers database.

Visit the 14-19 site at the DCSF (Department for Children, Schools and Families) to find out how the government is transforming education for 14-19 year olds.

Check out the Careers, Work and Learning sections of Connexions Direct to read useful articles or take a look at the 'Related articles' and 'Further information' links below to go to some of the pages we think will be the most helpful to you.

You can speak to a Connexions Adviser at your local Connexions Centre. To find your local centre click on the Local Services icon in the ^footer of the homepage or check out your local phone book.

You can contact a Connexions Direct Adviser by phone on 080 800 13 2 19, by text on 07766 4 13 2 19, by textphone on 08000 968 336, or talk to an Adviser Online or by email.