Professional Benefits of Knowing a Second Language
Last updated January 6, 2025
In a multicultural and interconnected world, knowing a second language can not only improve your brain health but also open you up to professional opportunities! Whether you already know more than one language or are interested in learning a new one, read more about the professional benefits of knowing a second language–including experiences from the Get Schooled team!
More job opportunities
Knowing a second language is highly beneficial (and in some cases, necessary) in many career paths and professions, including journalism, teaching, law, interpretation and translation, flight attending, and more. Additionally, with many companies expanding globally, there will always be opportunities for candidates who can communicate in different languages. When applying for jobs, having a second language listed on your resume can give you a competitive edge and help you stand out from other applicants. This skill can even open more opportunities for higher-paying jobs!
Build relationships and expand your network
Speaking more than one language can help you make meaningful connections on the job and in your professional network. Speaking with your colleagues or customers in their native language can allow you to build trust and have conversations without losing important meaning. This can also help you broaden your perspectives, learn about other cultures, and embrace new ideas.
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How knowing a second language helps us at Get Schooled
Learn from members of the Get Schooled team about how knowing a second language has helped them in their careers.
Eric, Senior Program Manager - College & First Jobs Advising
Languages known: Spanish and English
"Being bilingual has helped me in many instances in my career in higher education. Working in spaces that supported predominantly first-generation students of color, I have had the ability to communicate with Spanish-speaking students and families about the college-going process in a language accessible to them. I've seen firsthand the relief in a parent's eyes when someone can speak to them about their student's new experience that can be very unfamiliar to them."
Lisa, Director of Operations
Languages known: English and French
"Having knowledge of a second language has helped with my writing. Understanding sentence structure in another language improved my writing in English. It was also super fun to see the Latin roots in words across many languages. Big bonus, Spanish and Italian are easier for me to learn because of my knowledge of French."
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