Have you spoken Spanish since you were a child, or learned it simply out of personal interest? If so, you are probably well aware of the personal and social benefits that bilingualism offers, such as forming bonds with native speakers and making travel more fulfilling.
What you may not know, however, is that your Spanish skills can benefit you in the workplace too. In today’s job market, standing out from the crowd is a must, and speaking another language (particularly Spanish) sets you apart from your competitors.
Our team at TruFluency has gathered the top reasons why speaking Spanish can boost your career and make you more employable.
Speaking Spanish Connects You With The World
Becoming Part of a Globalized World
Thanks to the rise of technology, companies, and organizations have made it a priority to focus on forging international relations and globally expanding their reach.
After Chinese, Spanish is the second most widely spoken language in the world with over 450 million native speakers, making it crucial for any modern, accessible organization.
If you know Spanish, you can communicate with more people in a wide range of professions, including teaching, interpreting, law enforcement, and medicine.
Speaking Spanish can even help save lives. For example, a doctor who can speak Spanish is a more attractive employee because they can communicate with patients who might not be able to express themselves in English.
Earning More Money
If you know Spanish, consider brushing up your skills to receive a higher-paying job! Learning a language has been shown to add between 10–15% to your wage, according to language specialist recruitment agency Euro London. Knowing Spanish can boost your career, even resulting in a 1.5 percent annual bonus.
Spanish Speakers Forge Connections and Find Opportunities
Better Connections
Even though English is the lingua franca, speaking with someone in their native tongue will lead to more personal and long-lasting connections. If an important Spanish client walks into a business meeting full of native-English speakers, they might feel intimidated and less inclined to express themselves.
However, if they see that their English-speaking colleagues can also communicate in Spanish (and maybe even share a few colloquialisms) it will help them feel like they are accepted and welcomed with open arms.
You don’t even have to be completely fluent in Spanish for it to help you connect with clients and colleagues. Just knowing a few basic phrases and some cultural references is enough to break the ice and create a more friendly atmosphere.
More Business Options
Are you interested in working abroad in Spain, or perhaps immerse yourself in Mexican culture? Spanish is the official language of 20 countries and therefore can open up doors to hundreds of job transfers or international positions.
But keep in mind that your Spanish skills can be valuable in the United States too. The Hispanic population is over 55 million (over 17% of the population) and rising, meaning that all areas of the US economy need bilingual employees, not just international companies.
Knowing Spanish Makes You A Stronger Employee
Increased Brain Power
Knowing Spanish not only allows you to communicate with more people, but it might even help you create a stellar presentation or stay more alert during meetings. Studies have shown that being bilingual has a positive impact on the brain, including increased cognitive skills and prevention against dementia.
According to NYTimes.com, scientists suggest that the personal and professional advantages of bilingualism go beyond just being able to speak to more people; bilingualism actually makes you smarter!
Problem Solving
Creative problem-solving and flexibility are two skills that organizations and businesses need all over the world. If you grew up learning Spanish, you might be a more flexible and creative problem solver!
Studies show that bilingual individuals who learn two languages by the age of 6 perform better on tasks that require thinking outside of the box. The next time you go to an interview for a new position, explain how knowing a second language has made you a more flexible, creative, and empathetic person; this is sure to impress your potential boss and let them know that you understand the importance of thinking on your feet.
Tips For Improving Your Spanish and Boosting your Career
Stay Patient
Are you feeling disappointed because of your imperfect Spanish accent, or lack of complex vocabulary? Learning a language takes time, and it’s important to take small, manageable steps when trying to reach your language learning goals.
Celebrate the small victories, like learning a new phrase or understanding a show in Spanish; this will help you stay positive and put you in a better position to find work.
Before meeting with a Spanish client or customer, consider watching a Netflix series in Spanish to help you immerse yourself in the language again. Hearing native speakers will also help you fix any pronunciation problems you might have.
Join a Class
While living in a Spanish-speaking country is one of the easiest ways to become fluent, many of us don’t have the time and means the travel for long periods.
Luckily, joining an immersive online class or working with a private tutor at a company like TruFluency can help you boost your language skills and build your confidence without even leaving your home.
Speaking Spanish For A Brighter Future
If you are already fluent in Spanish, you are ready to enter the workforce with a competitive edge and a creative mind. If you are struggling to learn Spanish to boost your career, however, don’t give up hope!
At TruFluency, we offer our learners one-on-one coaching from native speakers and immersive experiences in the Spanish language. Whether you want to improve your current Spanish skills or are looking to embark on a language learning journey for the first time, TruFluency is here to help.
Get started today and save 20% off your first month of classes with code TF20!
