Languages That Give You the Best Chance to Broaden Your Career

Globalization continues to reveal how interconnected and important business relationships across nations can be. These relationships usually involve different languages.

Shifts in economic strength can determine which languages are essential to know to engage in and capitalize on international business opportunities.

Though it may be difficult to project exactly how learning a second language might impact your earnings, there is little doubt that speaking more than your native tongue can help to improve your employability.

Here are eight languages that can play pivotal roles in domestic and/or international business dealings.

What You Need to Know

• Fluency in two or more languages can broaden your income-earning potential.
• Spanish is the second-most commonly spoken language in the U.S., after English.
• With China’s standing in global trade, Mandarin could be an asset to job-seekers.
• Knowing American Sign Language (ASL) could enlarge the customer base of any business.
• Russian and Arabic are valuable languages to know since relations between the U.S. and those regions are often in flux and a clear understanding and communication of needs and goals is indispensable.

1. Spanish

Spanish is the second-most commonly spoken language after English in the United States. In fact, it’s the most popular second language that’s taught in the U.S.

For this reason, your ability to speak Spanish could be a valuable asset for your job search at any company (and in various industries) in the U.S. whether or not it serves the Spanish-speaking community exclusively or as part of its overall customer base.

Supply and demand apply. If you’re in the running for a job and up against a large number of people who can also speak Spanish, your resume probably won’t stand out if that’s your only point of differentiation.

So build on the other assets you bring to the table, such as an interest in and ability to strengthen cultural, social, and business ties between people.

Depending upon your career goals, Spanish is definitely a solid second language to learn in North America, due to the populations of North, Central and South America that speak and use it regularly.

2. French

As many Canadians know, a large number of people who speak French reside in North America and in nations and territories worldwide.

Parts of Canada use French as the primary language of communication. For this reason, Canadians and job seekers in the nearby U.S. might wish to become proficient in French. since it is a requirement of many jobs within the Canadian government.

Additionally, France is a key player within the eurozone, with many representatives of the country holding key positions within the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the United Nations, NATO, UNESCO and a number of other international organizations.

3. Mandarin

China is one of the world’s largest trading nations and, in fact, usually tops the list. As a result, the demand for Chinese-speaking businesspeople has grown.

Therefore, learning the language could set you apart from other job applicants for a variety of jobs in a choice selection of industries, including government work.

Mandarin is the official and most widely spoken language in China, though there are a number of other Chinese dialects that are also spoken within the country.

In addition, Mandarin is one of the official languages of the United Nations.

Note

Research revealed that 40% of employees who speak more than one language felt that having the ability to speak a foreign language contributed to their success at getting a job. In addition, they earned 19% more than employees who spoke just one language.

4. Arabic

As interaction between the Middle East and the rest of the world grows, and the region’s economic strength becomes more apparent, the demand for Arabic language skills has increased. The upheaval in the region also requires clear communication between countries.

Arabic is one of the six official languages of the United Nations and is the native language of over 25 countries and semi-autonomous regions.

There is a shortage of people in North America who can speak Arabic, so skills in this language are in short supply while the demand for proficiency grows.

Fluency in Arabic would be a highly valuable skill whether you seek work in the private sector or the government.

5. American Sign Language

Research shows that as many as 37.5 million people in the U.S. age 18 and above suffer from some degree of hearing loss.

Based on this figure alone as well as on the idea of communicating on an everyday basis with those with such loss, learning American Sign Language, or ASL, could prove to be a useful skill to add to your resume.

In addition, though, earning ASL could open up job opportunities as an interpreter in business or government work.

And it may simply provide you with an important edge when applying to a company that makes a strong effort to support minority groups within the workforce.

6. Russian

It is estimated that there are 258 million people worldwide who speak Russian. Though the majority of them may live within Russian borders, there are many who do not.

Other Russian-language speakers reside within many former Soviet republics, such as Ukraine, Latvia and Kazakhstan.

Russia’s economy continues to grow and strengthen. It has become increasingly involved in international trade, making this an appealing language to those pursuing careers in international business.

Russia’s land is rich with resources that many organizations worldwide seek to reap the benefits of. So relationships with the country need to be initiated, fostered, or strengthened.

Take note of the country’s challenges, such as international sanctions imposed for various reasons, including human rights abuses and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

But business relations can always improve and in the meantime, the essential need to communicate for business, governmental, and humanitarian reasons remains.

Note

Just 10% of people in the U.S. speak a language other than English proficiently. As of 2022 in the EU, in addition to their native languages, approximately 75% of working-age adults spoke at least one foreign language (and up to three).

7. German

Despite periods of weakness, the German economy historically has been one of the strongest and most stable within the European Union.

So the ability to speak German provides a significant advantage to anyone wanting to pursue international business within the eurozone. Additionally, German is the most widely spoken language within Europe.

Not only is Germany one of the most populated countries within Europe, there are also large numbers of German-speaking people in the nearby nations of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Holland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and Switzerland.

8. Portuguese

Although demand for fluency in Portuguese may not currently match that for Spanish, the need for this language is certainly growing.

Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, a developing nation within South America. Broadly speaking, the international community’s economic interest in Brazil (and South America’s other developing and emerging economies) continues to grow. This has fueled the increasing demand for Portuguese speakers.

In fact, having the ability to speak Portuguese may provide a greater benefit than Spanish, since there are fewer individuals who speak it fluently.

Where Do I Go to Learn a Foreign Language?

Some people may prefer in-person instruction. Others may feel that online courses work best for them. Search for language schools in your geographic area or online. Colleges and high schools also may offer classes to adults. If you travel abroad, consider taking language courses in the country where your language of interest is spoken. It can be a valuable way to get an immersive language learning experience. Online language platforms such as Rosetta Stone, Babbel, and Duolingo are highly rated and may offer a convenient learning option.

Can Knowing a Foreign Language Get Me a Government Job?

It can certainly give you an advantage as a job seeker. Government at the federal, state, and local levels requires multilingual workers. An interest in international affairs could open up greater job potential because such jobs are offered in many states. One recruiting site states that the average Foreign Affairs Specialist salary per year in the U.S. is $95,411, as of Feb. 20, 2025.

What Types of Government Roles Are Available for People Who Speak Foreign Languages?

There is demand for people in diplomatic, administrative, sales, marketing, tech, and various other roles who can serve in foreign consulates, support trade negotiations for U.S. states or the federal government, function as translators, take civilian jobs in the military, and aid intelligence agencies.

The Bottom Line

Learning a second language is sure to provide you with one or more benefits in the workplace. At the very least, it can give you an edge in the minds of hiring managers and recruiters alike.

When selecting a second language to learn, carefully consider exactly what it is that you hope to gain from your effort.

Is the language intended to help you to get a job in international business? Do you want to retire and work overseas? Do you aspire to become an interpreter, or does your nation require a second language to work in government?

Let the answers to these questions guide your choice.