How bad or difficult can it be to learn a new language that will help advance your career? Knowledge of foreign or local languages is a rare and necessary skill to have.
Some employers in 2023 are looking for more than “one trick ponies” but looking for diversity, flexibility and other skills besides what is on your academic record.
According to Wisecareer in South Africa there is a high demand for multilingual personnel who are fluent in other languages besides South African languages. The following languages recommended in demand are German, Flemish, Greek, Swedish, Danish, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin, and French.
Know at least 3 official languages
The advantage of knowing at least a few local official languages is being able to relocate to a few provinces and adapting quickly. SA has 11 official languages, soon to be 12, you ought to know at least 3 -4 languages including your own.
5 high demand languages for your career
- English
English is a universal language, although it might be limiting to other countries, you stand a chance to go far with it. English is the most international language used for conducting business, academia, tourism and most jobs require the english language.
- Mandarin
China is known to be the second largest economy in the world, therefore, It has been dubbed to be the most important language to conduct business. This language is one of the five major Chinese dialects, the official language of China and Taiwan.
Knowing mandarin can open more doors for you in China and locally.
- German
This language is generally known to be the most difficult language than other European languages, but knowing the language will get you inside the doors of the world’s best scientific and technological influence.
Germany also has the highest competitive salary internationally.
- Spanish
It is easy to learn and common across the globe. If you’re pursuing a career in healthcare, banking, or retail, learning Spanish may just prove the tipping point in getting yourself hired!
- Local languages
Learning local languages is the most important thing you can do for yourself, not only does it open locally but you can also teach tourists who visit and move to SA.
Also see: A few business ideas you can do
