You may not have always had the motivation to learn Spanish, but maybe after you realize the benefits of knowing this language, you’ll rethink your position.
It is safe to say that most of us want to earn more money. With the state of the economy these days, we all have to learn to adapt to a new playing field, and that sometimes means stepping out of our comfort zone and acquiring new skills. A change that has swept over the work environment is the need to “work smarter.” Companies favor employees who can wear more than one hat. An employee that saves the company from having to hire an additional person to fill a specific skill is seen as an asset by employers.
Speaking a second language is an awesome way to enhance your resume. With the Hispanic population in the United States rising, it’s no wonder that this is the second language of choice for many. Not only do you have your experience that directly relates back to the job description to back you up, but you also have the valuable skills of being able to bridge communication. You can learn Spanish and instantly have access to more work choices, and be more qualified for jobs you already have access to. Bilingual employees are important to companies these days, so those who take the initiative to learn Spanish, or another foreign language, significantly widen their playing field.
If you invest your time to learn Spanish you also become more eligible to work abroad. Many companies have branches of their businesses in Latin America needing skilled employees who are able to communicate with non-English speakers at those branches.
In the end, it never hurts to have another language on your résumé. Even if there is not a direct connection between a company and speaking Spanish, knowing that they have a team member who could handle a situation in which Spanish is necessary when it arises is a comfort, and companies are more willing to hire a multilingual applicant with the same qualifications as an applicant who only speaks a singular language.
If you want to learn Spanish, there are several ways you can proceed. Of course, you can enroll in a class, hire a tutor, or connect with a language exchange partner through LRNGO. Interacting with a native speaker in any capacity can be effective for quick progress, and is highly recommended to get the full results of learning the language. Another way to learn Spanish is through an online or interactive computer course. These well-developed courses make it easy for you to progress at your own pace, though they often come with a price tag, so be sure to do a trial round and see if the program is right for you before you invest.
Learning a second language takes discipline and commitment, but it is very rewarding for those who persevere, and can widen your job opportunities significantly, so get started, and see what knowing Spanish can do for you.
Photo Credit: Sebastien Paquet
