We may earn a commission if you click on a product link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.
Last Updated on January 16, 2025
Learning English has become a global priority, with millions worldwide choosing to study it due to its widespread use and importance. The advent of advanced technology and the rise of online educational platforms have made learning English more accessible. You can now easily enroll in an online English class to enhance your writing
Although English has become the global language of business communication, learning new languages can provide you with a multitude of development opportunities both for yourself and your company. One way to achieve that is to learn the most commonly spoken languages, such as Spanish or Chinese, which will help you cooperate with experts worldwide; however, learning niche languages can also open you up to new markets and be even more appreciated by their users.
Want to boost your career? Learning a new language can open doors to international opportunities, enhance communication skills, and improve job prospects. Start learning today! #LanguageLearningClick To TweetIf you want to progress your career by learning new languages, there are some things you need to consider and do before you begin. It doesn’t matter which language you decide to go with as certain tips are universal, including deciding which one will be most beneficial in your position, enrolling in a concise language course (e.g., learn languages with stories on Langster, one-to-one conversations, or in a traditional class), immersing yourself in the language, and focusing on business-specific lingo.
Furthermore, for a tailored learning experience, consider exploring resources like interactive apps or enrolling in online Japanese classes. Consistent practice and cultural immersion are vital to grasp and understand the language’s contextual nuances.
Once you get the hang of your target language, you will notice how it improves your career development. Read on to discover how you can achieve this!
Learn everything you need to have real-world conversations - from vocabulary words to culture. 10 minutes a day is all it takes.
Decide Which Language Will Be Most Beneficial
First, you need to figure out what language will most benefit your professional development. Besides English, the most spoken languages in the world are Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, Spanish, French, and Standard Arabic. All five are widely used in all spheres of life, from business to science.
Learning them will help you cooperate with experts from all around the globe. However, if you want to focus on a niche language, you can choose Vietnamese or Dutch, which will open you up for new markets, or Turkish, which will be useful in one of the fastest-growing regions in the world. However, your final decision should be based on your field of work, chosen industry, and future predictions regarding the markets you will be working in.
Boost Your Skill Set
As well as helping you boost your skillset, learning to speak French can further your career in other ways. Reap the rewards by embracing French to increase cognitive capacity and potentially make yourself more appealing when applying for jobs.
Having the ability to speak French is important in the international job market and is recognized as an excellent tool for people working for global companies. It is worth noting that French is also the official language of major organizations such as the United Nations, FIFA, and the International Olympic Committee.
Learn to rewire your ears for pronunciation, train your tongue like actors and singers, and connect words to imagery to think in a foreign language.
Find Your Preferred Learning Approach
Once you decide which language will most benefit your professional development, you must find suitable resources. Apart from self-teaching, which doesn’t work well for everyone, you can choose other courses, such as one-to-one conversation classes, apps, online platforms, or a traditional course.
Apps and online platforms are the most convenient way to learn a new language, as you can do it whenever and wherever you want. There are dozens of mobile apps on Google Play and AppStore that allow you to start learning a new language immediately. However, be careful when picking an app, as not all are equally effective. Duolingo is pretty straightforward and can help you stay in touch with a language even if you are always on the go. You might want to use Langster to learn through stories for something more creative.
A traditional course may be a better option if you want to learn the basics of a language with no stress and no haste. At the same time, you can ask your teacher any questions you might have, which is not always possible when using an app or online platform. If you prefer the classroom approach, you can check with your local education center to see if they offer classes in a language you want to learn. Private tutors are another option, but they will be more expensive.
One-to-one conversations with an expert are another option that will let you efficiently dive into language learning. If you are unsure whether language learning is for you, this type of conversation can help you determine that.
While sentences like “the boy eats an apple” are essential for the beginner as they teach grammar, they should focus on developing conversational
The Expert Expat is essential reading for anyone moving overseas. Personal stories - from the authors' dozens of years abroad as well as the experience of countless expats worldwide - help prepare people for the exhilarating and daunting task of establishing a life far from home.
Immerse Yourself in the Language
Once you start learning a new language, sooner or later, you will have to start using it with native speakers to gain fluency in it. Even better, you can combine studies with work or vacation activities. That’s why you should consider spending some time in the country where the language is spoken.
If you are nervous about speaking your target language in the real world, take small steps first. For example, you can watch movies, listen to music, read books, or play online games in the language you want to learn. This way, you will be able to become familiar with the sound of words and different accents. The more you listen to the language, the more you will learn about the culture and etiquette of its users and how they speak and behave.
The most important thing is to be open to mistakes and use what you already know instead of feeling too self-conscious to speak.
Getting a language partner is an excellent idea – a native speaker of your target language. If you are learning a language that is not widely spoken, like Gaelic or Latvian, this will be even more helpful. Your language partner can help you with pronunciation and give tips on using the language correctly. Try talking as much as possible with your expert to improve your listening
You can also contact natives on Skype or go on language exchanges. Some websites connect language learners and native speakers to the language they want to learn.
Discover the Secret to Speaking a New Language! Now you can learn to speak a new language—with a near-native accent—in just 30 days.
Next Steps for Mastering Industry-Specific Vocabulary
- Engage with Industry Publications – Regularly reading journals and articles related to your field helps familiarize you with prevalent terminology and keeps you updated on industry trends. For more tips, visit Latour Language Coaching.
- Enroll in Specialized Online Courses – Platforms like Babbel offer customized
training plans tailored to your industry, focusing on written and spoken languageskills . - Participate in Networking Events – Engaging with peers at industry events provides practical exposure to vocabulary in context, enhancing conversational
skills and deepening your understanding. - Utilize Language Learning Apps – Apps designed for industry-specific jargon can be an accessible way to learn and practice specialized terms.
- Immerse Yourself in Industry-Specific Content – Consuming content such as podcasts, webinars, and videos related to your field reinforces learning and provides diverse contexts for vocabulary usage.
- Seek Feedback from Industry Professionals – Engaging with mentors or colleagues helps refine your language
skills and gain insights into the correct usage of terminology. - Practice Regularly – Consistent practice, such as writing reports, delivering presentations, and engaging in discussions using industry-specific language, solidifies your proficiency.
To Sum Up
Learning new languages is never easy, but you can make it smoother if you set specific objectives and work hard to achieve them. When deciding which language to go for, you should consider your professional goals, interests, and opportunities in different world regions.
The language you pick will help you progress in your career and give you new opportunities to open up your business to new countries or apply for a job in an international company. So, if you want to improve your career development, learning new languages is a great way.
Learn everything you need to have real-world conversations - from vocabulary words to culture. 10 minutes a day is all it takes.
Joey Trebif is the pen name of Mark Fiebert, a former finance executive who hired and managed dozens of professionals during his 30-plus-year career. He now shares expert job search, resume, and career advice on CareerAlley.com.
