CGC Oakgrove Ebook 3.0

Languages

What kind of person do I need to be? As you might expect you will need to have a flair and a genuine interest for learning other languages. It is just as impor tant for you to have an excellent command of your own language and a clear speaking voice. In some cases you will need to demonstrate an ability to understand informal speech, slang and even technical, scientific and business terminology. Most careers involving languages will require you to have the ability to get on well with people from other cultures, have an interest in foreign affairs and a willingness to work anywhere in the world. You will need to be confident enough to work in a public setting and demonstrate both tact and maturity in your approach. Dealing with confidential matters will require you to be discrete and you will need to have a high level of concentration as well as the ability to think on your feet. Having a keen interest in other subjects such as the arts, history, geography and architecture will stand you in good stead. Translation and interpretation roles will require you to have studied for a degree followed by a postgraduate course. Time spent abroad will be an advantage since it will provide you with first hand knowledge of another culture. Oppor tunities are also available if you have learnt a language skill elsewhere, for example, by having spent time surrounded by native speakers. If you have a high level of fluency in another language as a result of such an experience, you can work towards the completion of a relevant qualification such as a Cer tificate in Bilingual Skills. Other job roles have no formal entry requirements as long as you are fluent. However, some employers may require you to have other skills achieved by studying for qualifications in areas such as business administration, law or science. Apprenticeships may also be available in some sectors. How do I get there? Entry requirements tend to vary for careers involving languages.

What skills will I learn? Studying a language will naturally allow you to improve your oral and written communication skills. You will learn how to gather and assess information before interpreting it, adapt your writing for different audiences, lead and par ticipate in group discussions, present arguments and propose ideas. Overall, you will become more aware of how you use your own language and as a result become a better writer, speaker and conversationalist. Spending time abroad as par t of your language studies will broaden your cultural experience and encourage you to adapt to new surroundings.