Using Foreign Languages to Enhance Career Opportunities

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Using Foreign Languages to Enhance Career
Opportunities

• Dr. Linda M. Wallinger
• World Language/ESL Specialist
• Joachim Körner
• World Language Instructor

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Did you know ?

• Foreign languages are essential or important in
  over 60 occupations as a primary or ancillary
  skill.
• Each of the major U.S. companies routinely
  employs 500-5000 persons abroad.
• Foreign banks are opening branches in most major
  U.S. cities (NYC alone has 200) and need
  employees with foreign language skills.

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• 856 radio stations in the U.S. broadcast in 58
  foreign languages.
• The U. S. Government employs about 30,000 persons
  with a working knowledge of foreign languages.
• U.S. airlines have difficulty in finding
  personnel with foreign language skills.

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• The media need reporters and journalists with a
  knowledge of foreign languages and cultures.
• 20 million foreign travelers annually spend more
  than 8 billion dollars in the U.S. and
  increasingly expect foreign language skills from
  Americans.
• 1,261 companies surveyed reported 60,687
  positions required a second language.

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• Business, industry, and government often find it
  necessary to hire multilingual foreign nationals
  due to a shortage of linguistically trained
  Americans.
• Therefore . . . They need you!

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• Global job market is competitive
• Must develop many diverse skills
• Communication is critical
• Foreign languages lead to improved communication
• Use foreign languages to increase job
  opportunities

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Possible Career Fields
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Which Skills Do Employers Seek?

• Language ability
• Computer skills
• Experience
• Achievement
• Hard work
• Overseas experience
• Flexibility
• Ability to complete a task

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World Languages Make Communication
Universal!