Living in South Florida is a constant reminder of how
crucial it is to be open to other cultures and especially other languages. Miami serves as the most important commercial
and cultural link to Latin America and as a UM student, all you have to do is walk
down to the local bakery or make your way to the beach to hear a flurry of
foreign languages. If you were not able
to learn or practice another language in your childhood, living in Miami during
your college career is the perfect place to pick up at least the basics of
Spanish, Portuguese, French, etc.
The advantage of knowing the basics of a foreign language
stretches far beyond cultural appreciation.
In fact, this could have a significant effect on the rest of your career.
In an increasingly interconnected global market, this skill could be the spark
that catapults you above the rest. Check
out some of the added benefits of sticking to your Mandarin minor!
1. Makes you a more
marketable candidate: Bilingual
employees are widely sought after by every industry, from engineering to
communications. And not only in major
cities like Miami, but across the U.S. and abroad! I remember a friend who did Peace Corps in
Tanzania found a job in Kansas working with African refugees in the area. You can bet that his resume was at the top of the
list when the employer realized he was fluent in Swahili!
2. You can negotiate
higher pay: Not only will you be
more qualified to land a job in a highly competitive job market, but you can
leverage your knowledge to negotiate an increase in pay. As a bilingual employee, you are able to
offer not only language skills, but often times a cultural competency that
other candidates are not equipped with.
The right employer will recognize, value and be willing to offer higher
compensation for that.
3. More employment
opportunities. Depending on your
proficiency, you can use your language skills to take on a second job or create
your own freelance business. If you are
a college student looking for extra cash, what better way than charging for
tutoring and translation services? These
non-traditional options can help you make money while giving you the freedom to
create a schedule around your classes and activities.
Taking on a second language can be time-consuming and
require concentrated effort on your part, but it is one of the most valuable
skills you can offer over the course of your career. Take advantage of living in a multicultural
city and explore the world of languages available through UM or community
classes!
Have you ever been in a situation where you were grateful to be
bilingual? Share your experiences in the comments!
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