Member Article

Second language boosts employability

Being able to speak a second language improves career prospects, according to recent research. A survey of over 200 bilingual business people revealed that three quarters of respondents had furthered their career prospects with their ability to speak a second language.

The most commonly spoken languages were French (58%), Spanish (47%), German (31%) and Italian (24%). Additionally, 71% claimed that learning a second language had improved their communication skills, and half of respondents said that languages had enhanced their social lives. 67% would like to learn another language in the New Year. Despite being proficient in a second language, 32% of respondents still devote between one and five hours a week to language learning to improve their skills.

Michael Lefante, Marketing Manager of Rosetta Stone UK, who conducted the research, said: “Being able to speak a second language has a number of benefits for the individual, both socially and psychologically. As the world becomes more globalised, employers are placing increasing value on candidates who can speak additional languages. These employees - who are in demand as they can communicate with clients, suppliers and colleagues abroad - find that they have more opportunities available to them.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .