By Calixte Wondje, Ph.D.

If you speak a second (or third or fourth…) language, you may be way ahead in terms of your cognition and your career. And if you don’t, it may be an especially good investment of your time and effort—because the payoffs for being bi-lingual or multi-lingual are significant in terms of everything from pay and performance to your thinking and your relationships. ⁽¹⁾

– Tracy Brower, PhD –

INTRODUCTION

When people think about how to be performant in their job and progress in their career, they often think about all types of enablers, but acquiring a second language proficiency.

The University of Winnipeg ⁽²⁾ recommends five ways to boost your career:

• Become a life-long learner: Seek out continuing and professional education programs in your area to refresh your skills or add new skills to your repertoire.

• Get a professional designation: Many industries have professional bodies that regulate professionals working in the field. Getting certified recognizes your professional competencies and gives you the professional validation you need to succeed in the field.

• Build your network for career growth: Find the professional association in your field, become a member, and attend their networking events.

• Hone your soft skills for career progression: Hone your soft skills by looking for courses and professional development opportunities that focus on improving key soft skills like critical thinking/problem-solving, professionalism/work ethic, leadership, written communications, and teamwork/collaboration.

• Volunteer to enhance career development: Getting involved in volunteer work helps you stand out in the job market, feel better about yourself and your community, builds your network, and lets you refine your skill set.

Drewbie Wilson, author of “Effective Ways to Boost Your Career”⁽³⁾, states that if you are not seeing the success you want in your career, you can learn the habits and mindsets to help excel in your career. She advises to do the following changes: get clear on what you want, find a mentor, create a network, stay up to date, be proactive, be flexible, be a lifelong learner, take risks, be persistent, have a positive and attitude.

Of course, all these tips are soft skills that are important to have as a professional. However, they are very vague in terms of how using them can help someone improve their career progression.

The purpose of this article is to illustrate the benefits of learning a second language on career development. The following sections explain how.

The literature on the benefits of second language or foreign language skills on career is not the most abundant. However, work has been done around the world to demonstrate the advantages of having multiple languages skills on career improvement.

We will first show the interest in the benefits of learning a second language in North America, then we will explore what the rest of the World, for instance for European Union (EU) and other countries, thinks about the subject.

IMPACT OF SECOND LANGUAGE SKILLS ON CAREER GROWTH IN NORTH AMERICA

A thorough review of the limited literature that is available on this topic made by Katy Morris, Elnaz Kashefpakdel and Anthony Mann ⁽⁴⁾, suggests that the ability to converse in a second language does convey a small but significant labour market advantage in the United States. For example, Altonji (1995) finds that two years of foreign language study at high school is subsequently associated with a wage premium of approximately 4%, while Saiz and Zoido (2005) find that US college graduates with conversational knowledge of a second language earn, on average, wages that are 2‐3% higher than those without.

Kathleen Stein-Smith ⁽⁵⁾, in an article published in International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, examines the nature and importance of multilingualism in a globalized world and the potential consequences for individuals, organizations, and societies who remain resolutely monolingual.

In an increasingly globalized and interconnected world, a multilayered contact of local, regional, international languages, much has been written about the bilingual advantage. She adds that, beyond the bilingual advantage lies the multilingual advantage, both for the individual and for society at large. She explains that foreign language skills are the ultimate 21st century social skill, and those who do not possess these skills risk being left behind, in the global marketplace of ideas, in the workplace, and even in social and personal life. She mentions that Americans are among the least likely in the world to learn a foreign language and have the most to lose in developing global linguistic scenario.

The Internal Center for Language Studies (ICLS) ⁽⁶⁾, in an article dated July 4, 2023, states that language skills have become more valuable than ever in an interconnected and globalized world. That’s why investing time and effort into learning a new language can significantly broaden career opportunities. For this institution, being able to communicate effectively in multiple languages will allow you to connect with a broader audience, access new markets, and demonstrate your adaptability and cultural awareness.

The ICLS described five career benefits of learning a foreign language that are: expand your network and build relationships; access global job opportunities; enhance cognitive abilities and adaptability; open doors to international markets; and promote cultural awareness and inclusivity.

Let’s explore each of these statements.

Benefit No 1 – Expand your Network and Build Relationships through Language Skills

ICLS supports that:

• Language skills enable you to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, both professionally and personally.

• Learning a new language, give you gain access to a wider network of professionals, clients, and potential collaborators.

• Being able to communicate with people in their native language builds trust and strengthens relationships, ultimately opening doors to new career opportunities.

If, for example, you are looking to expand a business globally, fluency in languages spoken in your target markets allows you to build stronger connections with potential clients, negotiate contracts more effectively, and navigate cultural nuances with ease. Your ability to communicate in their language, not only enhances your credibility, but also sets you apart from competitors who may rely solely on translation services or interpreters.

Benefit No 2 – Access Global Job Opportunities with Language Skills

Access global job opportunities with language skills is another advantage of speaking more than one official language. ICLS declares that:

• In today’s competitive job market, being bilingual (or multilingual) can be a crucial differentiating factor.

• Many employers actively seek candidates with language skills to fill positions that involve international travel, client management, or global operations.

• Fluency in a second language is in nearly all cases, a significant advantage over other candidates, as it demonstrates your ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and work across borders.

To support the statements above, ICLS adds that companies with global reach often prefer employees who can communicate directly with international clients or partners, rather than relying on intermediaries. By investing in language learning, you position yourself as an asset, capable of representing your organization in various contexts and expanding its reach.

Benefit No 3 – Enhance Cognitive Abilities and Adaptability through Language Learning

Another argument brought forward by ICLS is that one can enhance cognitive abilities and adaptability through language learning. I have seen this argument before in other readings, but I have not been convinced with the explanations that were put forward. But this one tends to convince me. ICLS admits that:

• Learning a new language goes beyond linguistic proficiency; it also enhances cognitive abilities and improves problem-solving skills.

• Research has shown that bilingual (or multilingual) individuals often display greater creativity, multitasking abilities, and cognitive flexibility, attributes that are highly valued in today’s dynamic and fast-paced work environments.

To defend the statements above, ICLS argues that the process of acquiring a new language itself requires adaptability and perseverance. As you navigate the complexities of grammar, vocabulary, and cultural nuances, you develop resilience and problem-solving skills. These qualities are transferable to your professional life, enabling you to tackle challenges head-on, adapt to changing circumstances, and approach problems from different perspectives.

I will add that this is very true as I remember that, when I was responsible of the language program in my organization, the number of second language learners who dropped the one year second language training at the beginning, and in the middle of the programme, was just unbelievable, given the cost of this type of training. Yes! When you make it to the end, you are a genius.

Benefit No 4 – Open Doors to International Markets with Language Proficiency

The last but not the least justification to benefits of having second language skills is that they open doors to international markets. ICLS supports that:

• For businesses and entrepreneurs, language learning skills can be the key to unlocking new markets and expanding customer bases.

• Being able to communicate directly with potential customers in their native language, help build trust and create a stronger connection.

• A personalized approach can lead to increased sales, partnerships, and business opportunities.

For example, if you are someone who works in the tourism industry and has a strong command of languages commonly spoken by tourists, you can provide a more enriching experience for your clients. By speaking their language, you can offer personalized recommendations, understand their preferences, and address their concerns effectively. This level of service sets you apart from competitors and positions you as an expert in the field.

The Washington Technical Institute (WTI) ⁽⁷⁾ has also explored this topic. According to this institute⁾, there are many career benefits that come with being bilingual or speaking more than two languages. In other words, being able to speak more that one language can open many doors and help career progress. So, what would be the advantages of speaking more than one language in your career?

WTI has presented four main benefits: job opportunities, increased pay, proven motivation, and problem-solving skills.

Job Opportunities

The job opportunity benefit is related to the fast-growing global markets and jobs. Today, what ever your profession is, there are opportunities to work abroad. The Internet and social media have also increased opportunities to work from anywhere in the World and for companies that don’t need physical presence of their employees on site to provide goods or services. However, one thing that will probably be an obstacle accepting job opportunity outside our comfort zone is the language requirement.

How does speaking another language improve your chances for job opportunities?

Well, rich countries in the World are seeking foreign or international workers; examples Japan, Saoudi Arabia. Non-Government Organizations recruit workers all over the planet. Even though English is the most spoken work language in the World, there are other languages that are important requirement for some organizations who recruit worldwide. Example, in the United Nations (UN), there are six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.  For the UN, “the correct interpretation and translation of these six languages, in both spoken and written form, is very important to the work of the Organization, because this enables clear and concise communication on issues of global importance.” ⁽⁸⁾

We all know that these rich countries and NGO offer well paid jobs, but the catch is often the bilingualism requirement. That’s why, if you are looking for job opportunities abroad, knowledge of the language of the country or the organization where you plan to work becomes a priority. Hence the importance to plan for not to miss an opportunity.

When we think of the most official languages spoken around the world, we have the following order according to Language School Berlitz ⁽⁹⁾: English, Mandarin, Hindi, Spanish, French, Arabic, Bengali, Russian, Portuguese, Indonesian.

So, English is the most spoken language in the business world. However, there are other languages that are interesting to learn to increase global opportunities. Mandarin, the official language of the People’s Republic of China is spoken by over 1.2 billion people globally. Because of China’s vast economic reach, learning Mandarin would be a healthy step toward securing an international employment opportunity. Arabic is another language that is growing quickly in popularity and is becoming a language eagerly sought after by U.S. government agencies, the business market, the field of engineering, and the medical field ⁽¹⁰⁾.

Other language speakers are also in high demand in the global job market: Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, Japanese, and Hindi.

The bilingual market is broad and endless, going from marketing to transportation, from banking to communications and technology, culture, sport, and anything in between. Adding a second language to your qualifications just increase possibilities and chances at getting a better job, a promotion, or a good raise.

Increased Pay

Not many people are bilingual in North America, especially in the United States of America and in Canada. Even though Canada has two official languages, English and French, the most spoken is English. Even within Canada, bilingualism is a sought-after skill that many people don’t have. What is rare, costs a lot a money. So, if you are fluent in a second language, you are in a position where you increase your ability to find a new job and your chances to negotiate a better salary because you are in high demand, which increase opportunities; you are competitive in the job market and have better communication skills, which is key requirement for any job. Being bilingual not only allow you to stand out among the crowd, but it also allows you to earn more money on average than single language employees. In Canada, public servants in the federal government who have the level of bilingualism required in their position or job are granted an annual flat amount added to their annual pay. So, adding a second language to your list of skills can translate to more money.

Proven Motivation

Having a second language qualification in your résumé shows that you are willing to go extra miles to acquire more knowledge and skills for yourself and for your career. In other words, you are willing to learn. Isn’t this one of the qualities that are often included in the job description? Be willing to learn? You just demonstrated that you have that quality with your second language qualification. You just showed that you understand the importance of a second language as a skill, that you had the willingness to apply your time and resources to learning the skill and that you had work ethic to make it to the end of the second language training and get your proficiency level. This is called determination. Isn’t it another quality that is often required in jobs descriptions?

Motivation is a universal quality. Regardless of the field you are in, motivation, determination, going extra-miles, are qualities that set applicants apart, earn them an interview, or prioritize them for promotion.

A literature review, made by a group of researchers of the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) ⁽¹¹⁾ on the impact of second language learning, shows that this can have an influence on the economy. For instance, the researchers think that:

1. Employees who speak a second language often earn more than monolinguals.

• The ability to speak a second language often positively affects earnings both directly and indirectly through educational achievement, a wider range of opportunities for involvement in local and global markets, and by signaling enhanced communicative and cognitive abilities and skills to potential employers.

• Second-language skills afford individuals greater mobility in both local and international markets and allow them to serve a wider range of clientele.

• Second-language skills are often highly valued and expected by potential employers.

• Second-language skills have large-scale economic benefits, as they make businesses more competitive in the global economy and boost international trade.

According to the National Education Association (NEA) ⁽¹²⁾, second language study enhances career opportunities. How? In an article published in December 2007, NEA touts the benefits of learning a second language in a form of literature review, supporting that studying a foreign language helps students understand English grammar better and improves their overall communication and problem-solving skills.

The National Research Council 2007 mentions that beyond the intellectual benefits, knowledge of a foreign language facilitates travel, enhances career opportunities, and enables one to learn more about different peoples and cultures. (National Research Council 2007)

In a survey of 581 alumni of The American Graduate School of International Management in Glendale, Arizona, most respondents admitted that they had gained a competitive advantage from their knowledge of foreign languages and other cultures. They added that not only was language study often a critical factor in hiring decisions and in enhancing their career paths, but it also provided personal fulfillment, mental discipline, and cultural enlightenment. (Grosse 2004)

In the same article, NEA mentions that in recent years, the U.S. government has expressed a need for fluent speakers of languages other than English, particularly in less commonly taught languages such as Arabic and Chinese (U.S. General Accounting Office 2002) and that students of foreign languages may have better career opportunities. (Carreira & Armengol 2001)

We just explored the impact a second language learning on someone career in the United States of America and Canada.

What the rest of the World thinks about the impact of second language in the career development?

IMPACT OF SECOND LANGUAGE SKILLS ON CAREER GROWTH IN THE EUROPEAN UNION AND OTHER COUNTRIES

When exploring the topic outside North America, for instance in Europe and IN other countries, research, studies, and articles generally confirm the positive impact of second language skills on career enhancement. We have selected a few of them to show you that this is a topic of interest elsewhere than only in North America.

Second Language Skills Have an Impact on Career Growth in the European Union

European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) ⁽¹³⁾ has shown how language skills make a difference.

For EPRS, knowledge of foreign languages is considered one of the basic skills that EU citizens need to take advantage of education and employment opportunities. The lack of language competences is considered one of the biggest obstacles to transnational mobility in Europe in general.

EPRS adds that those who speak foreign languages can find themselves in a favorable position on the job market. They can receive higher pay depending on the languages they speak, their language-proficiency level and the areas in which they work. Moreover, evidence indicates that, in combination with other relevant skills, foreign language skills can facilitate career progression. As knowing English is increasingly regarded as a basic skill in international exchanges, employer needs for language skills are expected to move beyond English.

Another advantage is that people with foreign language skills have access to more job opportunities because they can seek jobs in countries where the learned foreign language is spoken. Integration into the host country should also be easier. Enhancing EU citizens’ command of foreign languages will thus enable them to benefit more from the opportunities offered by the single market.

Based on evidence regarding foreign language needs in European enterprises, a 2015 study reported that approximately 20 to 25 % of jobs required an advanced level of foreign language skills. The scale of need increased according to the level of education required to do the job.

Finally, a 2014 Erasmus impact study showed that foreign language proficiency was considered an important aspect by employers when recruiting young graduates.

Foreign Languages are the Key Factor in Employability in Kosovo

Another study on the topic made by Fitnete Martinaj of International School for Social and Business Studies, Slovenia, shows that this has been and is still a topic of interest around the World.

For Fitnete Martinaj ⁽¹⁴⁾, the globalization of knowledge and of higher education is contributing to an increasing use of foreign languages. Nowadays, labor markets, worldwide, demand employees and graduates who possess foreign language proficiency and good communication skills. In an article found on ResearchGate where she aims to show that possessing foreign language skills offers graduates and employees the opportunity of a better job, career success and promotion, she investigates the role of foreign language skills in the employability and success of Kosovo citizens. The results of her investigation show that the use of foreign languages is crucial for employment, career success, knowledge sharing and cross-cultural communication.

Second Language Skills Have an Impact on Poles’ Workers Wage

For Jacek Liwiński ⁽¹⁵⁾, the globalization of labor markets makes language skills one of the key competences required by employers nowadays. He published a paper in Global Labor Organization in 2018, where the purpose was to estimate the wage premium from foreign language skills (FLS) earned by the Poles and to find out whether this premium is affected by the fact of working in Poland or abroad. They decided to work on the Poles because the Polish language is not used for international communication, while as much as 58% of Poles command at least one foreign language and 5% of Poles earn their income abroad. They use data from three waves (2012-2014) of the Human Capital Balance survey with a pooled sample of about 35,000 individuals. They estimate wage equation with the Heckman correction for selection to employment and check for robustness with propensity score matching.

They find that the advanced command of a foreign language brings a 6% wage premium to individuals working in Poland and 22% to those working abroad. Interestingly, those working in Poland earn a much higher wage premium from proficiency in Spanish (29%), Italian (20%) or French (19%) than from proficiency in English (8%). But the English language is the only foreign language that brings a wage premium to Poles working abroad.

The lesson learned is that second language skills can help get a better pay, not only outside your country, but also inside your country. Even better, a second language skill can lead to a higher remuneration nationally than internationally.

Second Language Skills Have an Impact on Career Growth in Australia

For the Department of Education of the Government of Australia ⁽¹⁶⁾, the benefit of learning a language resides in creating employment and career opportunities because more and more companies are seeking staff who can speak more than one language. Bilingual staff are valued for their ability to communicate in the languages of their business partners and to cross important cultural barriers.

SUMMARY

Learning a second official language can provide a multitude of benefits for someone’s career:

1. Expanded Job Opportunities: Being bilingual opens opportunities in industries where bilingualism is valued, such as translation, interpretation, international business, diplomacy, tourism, and hospitality.
2. Competitive Advantage: In a globalized world, companies often seek candidates who can communicate effectively with clients, partners, or colleagues in different regions. Being fluent in a second official language can give you a competitive edge over monolingual candidates.
3. Increased Marketability: Bilingual individuals are highly sought after in many sectors. They can appeal to a wider range of employers and may have more negotiating power when it comes to salary and benefits.
4. Cultural Understanding: Learning a second official language often involves gaining insight into the culture, customs, and traditions associated with that language. This cultural competency can be invaluable in fields like international relations, marketing, and customer service.
5. Networking Opportunities: Speaking a second official language can facilitate networking with individuals from diverse backgrounds, both domestically and internationally. This can lead to new career opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations.
6. Personal Growth: Learning a second language is not just about professional advancement; it also fosters personal growth. It enhances cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving skills, multitasking, and memory. Additionally, it broadens perspectives and promotes empathy by enabling individuals to communicate with people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
7. Cross-Cultural Communication Skills: In today’s interconnected world, effective communication across cultures is essential. Being proficient in a second official language demonstrates your ability to bridge linguistic and cultural gaps, which is invaluable in a globalized workforce.
8. Access to International Markets: For businesses, having employees who speak multiple languages can facilitate entry into new markets and strengthen relationships with clients and partners abroad.
9. Career Advancement: Bilingualism can open doors to higher-level positions within an organization or enable individuals to pursue opportunities in multinational companies with offices around the world.
10. Enhanced Problem-Solving Abilities: Learning a second language requires adaptability and problem-solving skills. These skills can be transferred to various aspects of your career, allowing you to approach challenges with creativity and flexibility.

CONCLUSION

Overall, learning a second official language can significantly enhance someone’s career prospects by providing them with a diverse skill set, greater marketability, and the ability to thrive in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

In today’s globalized job market, proficiency in a second language can provide a significant competitive edge. Employers increasingly value bilingual candidates who can effectively communicate with a wider range of clients, customers, and colleagues. In addition, research has shown that bilingual individuals tend to have higher earning potential and access to a broader range of career opportunities. Furthermore, the cognitive benefits of bilingualism, such as improved problem-solving skills and creativity, can be advantageous in various professional settings.

SOURCES

⁽¹⁾ Tracy Brower. “The career Benefits of Learning a Second Language.” Forbes Newsletters, Oct 1, 2023.   https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracybrower/2023/10/01/improve-your-salary-and-career-by-speaking-a-second-language/?sh=654ab8347497

⁽²⁾ UWinnipeg PACE. “Career Development: Top 5 Ways to Boost Your Career.” The University of Winnipeg. Professional, Applied and Continuing Education Website.

https://pace.uwinnipegcourses.ca/blog/top-5-ways-boost-your-career)

⁽³⁾ Drewbie Wilson. “Effective Ways to Boost Your Career.” Linkedin, Feb 21, 2023. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/effective-ways-boost-your-career-drewbie-wilson

⁽⁴⁾ Katy Morris, Elnaz Kashefpakdel and Anthony Mann. “Are people who speak foreign languages at an advantage in the labour market? An analysis of British Cohort Study data.” Born-Global-British-Cohort-Study-Analysis-Full-Report.pdf. The British Academy.

⁽⁵⁾ Kathleen Stein-Smith. “The Multilingual Advantage: Foreign Language as a Social Skill in a Globalized World.” International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, Vol. 7, No. 3; March 2017.

⁽⁶⁾ The Internal Center for Language Studies (ICLS). “Foreign Language Programs, Career – 5 Career Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language.” July 4, 2023.

https://www.icls.edu/blog/language-skills-for-career-advancement

^{(7), (10)} Washington Technical Institute. “The Career Benefits of Learning A 2nd Language.” Washington Tech, February 27, 2023.

⁽⁸⁾ United Nations. “Official Languages.”

https://www.un.org/en/our-work/official-languages#:~:text=These%20are%20Arabic%2C%20Chinese%2C%20English,on%20issues%20of%20global%20importance

⁽⁹⁾ Berlitz. “The most spoken languages in the world in 2024”. February 08, 2024.

https://www.berlitz.com/blog/most-spoken-languages-world

⁽¹¹⁾ Mary G. O’Brien and Associates. “Literature Review on the Impact of Second-Language Learning.” The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA). University of Calgary. Language Research Centre, March 2017.

⁽¹²⁾ National Education Association (NEA). “Regarding World Language Education – The Benefits of Second Language Study.” NEA Research, December 2007. https://www.studocu.com/row/document/north-south-university/marketing-research/benefitsof-second-language/53901739

⁽¹³⁾ Krisztina Binder, Györgyi Mácsai. “How language skills make a difference.” European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), European Parliament. PE 747, 109 – May 2023.

⁽¹⁴⁾ Fitnete Martinaj. “Foreign Languages: The Key Factor in Employability.” ResearchGate, Management 15(3):161-178, September 2020.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349748942_Foreign_Languages_The_Key_Factor_in_Employability

https://www.academia.edu/110202674/Foreign_Languages_The_Key_Factor_in_Employability?uc-sb-sw=67905188

⁽¹⁵⁾ Liwiński, Jacek. “The Wage Premium from Foreign Language Skills.” Global Labor Organization (GLO) Discussion Paper, No. 251, 2018, Maastricht,

⁽¹⁶⁾ Government of Western Australia. Department of Education – Public Education – The World of Opportunities. “Benefits of Learning a Language.”

https://www.education.wa.edu.au/dl/m9q4gp