Learning new languages helps students maximise their career opportunities. Here’s why language learning is so enriching in management school and beyond.
In a competitive job market, language training can provide recent graduates with a much-needed edge. Accounting for both ‘low-risk’ and ‘high-skill’ jobs, a American study in the US found that demand for bilingual employees doubled in the last five years.
Whether acquired through general immersion or subject-specific training, second and even third languages help students around the world maximise learning and employment opportunities. This is especially true for students in management and business programs, where building international networks and pursuing global opportunities is so important.
Are you curious to know how learning new languages can help your management career? Read on to find out.
New Languages Help Management Students Academically
Acquiring new languages is an effective way to broaden your horizons and develop new perspectives. Language training encourages students to consider other cultural vantage points – an important skill for future careers in international business.
Language skills can lead to leadership positions in international business
Linguistic skills also help students to become more effective communicators, and can lead them to re-examine their native communication habits. What’s more, learning a second or third language can enhance academic performance, as students in language training often report sharper thinking and a faster memory.
In addition to general academic performance, a new language can help students develop subject-specific skills and interests. For management students in Europe, German, French, Spanish, and English are especially helpful while learning about business and management, as all are widely used in international business. Knowing more than one language also makes it easier for students to consult sources from around the world, and to communicate research interests to a wider audience.
ESCP Bachelor in Management programme provides a prime example of how these benefits can be realised to their fullest potential. Through in-class and digital courses adapted to their level, students are given the tools to become proficient in an additional two languages over the course of their three-year program. Course content is also taught in French, German, or English depending on location, ensuring a synergy between students’ language learning and the other elements of their programme.
Language Learning Improves the Student Experience
When pursuing degrees abroad or travelling during their studies, language learning is crucial to helping students embrace new cultures. Linguistic skills enhance all aspects of their experience, helping students immerse themselves in new places and develop more enriching social lives.
Language learning also builds stronger student connections. Courses like ESCP BSc in Management typically gather students from around the world, each with their own cultural customs and native language. While bonding over academic work, students can add an exciting dimension to their friendship by learning a language together, or even practising new skills with native speakers on their course.
Languages Enhance Opportunities after Management School
Upon graduating from management school, students with second and third languages are more likely to attract employers. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) found that 72% of surveyed employers prized ‘foreign language skills’ among incoming employees. According to the Language for Jobs report published by the European Commission, 40% of industry sector recruiters valued language skills for graduate positions.
Language skills can allow graduates to work anywhere in the world
Beyond helping graduates land that all-important first job, language skills lead to better long-term career development. Linguistic proficiencies help professionals adapt their knowledge to a variety of environments, often progressing to the next phase of their career with an impressive and diversified professional profile. Management graduates with enhanced language skills also have more networking opportunities than their unilingual peers, allowing them to find positions around the world.
Are you looking to learn new languages in a top management programme?
Contact ESCP Europe to learn more!
