Languages in Business?

sp2008
Sat, 26 Apr 2008 15:46:10 +0000

How useful is knowing a foreign language when applying for a business position?

If it is useful, would knowing 3 foreign languages distinguish oneself much more than knowing just 1 or 2?

I want to pursue some career in business that utilizes foreign languages and international travel. I’m fluent in Japanese and I want to study Chinese. (I’m Caucasian, if that matters.) I’ve been toying with the idea of learning Hindi or continuing Spanish. I love languages, so it wouldn’t be too difficult for me.

I really would like to learn Hindi, but not if there isn’t any benefit that outweighs the ongoing effort of sustaining fluency. Plus, I could use those elective credits to learn something else in college.