What can studying a foreign language do for your career?
Let’s be real: picking up a foreign language or second language is one of those things people always say is a good idea—but have you ever wondered what it can actually do for your career and life?
Learning a second language does so much more than add a line to your résumé. Suddenly, doors open to jobs you might never have considered and you find yourself connecting with people and cultures in ways that just don’t happen through subtitles or phrasebooks.
Studying foreign languages opens the door to international opportunities not just in your career but also throughout your life. Don’t be haunted by application fees! Undergraduate students can apply for free all month long.
Let’s walk through how taking the leap with a foreign language or second language can make a difference for you—at work and beyond.
How studying a foreign language can be life-changing
Learning a second language is a real-life adventure, full of awkward but memorable moments—like accidentally ordering a whole loaf of bread when you meant to order a sandwich or making a local laugh by trying out a tricky phrase. These experiences build grit and confidence, whether you’re on your hometown street or halfway across the globe.
Stand out in a competitive market with a second language
Lots of résumés look alike, but being bilingual sends a big message: you adapt well, you’re curious and you get what it means to connect with people from all walks of life. Whether it’s a tech company with offices abroad or a healthcare team working with diverse communities, your second language skills are a real advantage.
Knowing another language shows adaptability and cultural awareness—skills employers value. Bilingual or multilingual employees are often chosen for jobs involving international communication or teamwork. Strong language skills make you stand out in today's global job market.
- Stronger listening and problem-solving skills: Learning another language helps you communicate better, solve problems and adapt to new situations – skills useful in any career.
- Be the go-to for cross-cultural collaboration: Imagine being the person everyone turns to in a meeting because you can bridge the language gap. That's the power of learning a second language.
- Level up your income: Many organizations offer higher pay and promotions to employees with language skills, especially in roles where cross-cultural collaboration is key.
Access diverse industries
Speaking more than one language isn’t just for translators or language teachers. It can land you in international business roles, tech firms, the travel industry, government or healthcare.
For instance, airplanes and cars might not come to mind when you think “foreign language.”
But, if a major auto company in Germany or Japan needs someone who can communicate across teams, you’re suddenly in demand.
Multilingual professionals are in demand in many industries, including: business, technology, education, government, healthcare and tourism. These skills allow you to work across borders and engage with global networks. A global perspective widens your horizons — and opens doors. The ability to help bridge language gaps and serve international clients is worth real money.
In 2025, the global automotive industry, made up of hotspots like Japan, China and Germany, brought in more than $48.95 trillion in revenue alone.
That's about:
- $43.36 trillion in sales.
- $2.88 trillion in manufacturing.
- $2.72 trillion in parts and accessory manufacturing (Ibisworld).
Strengthen your mind: cognitive and critical thinking benefits
Learning a foreign language means learning how to listen, pick up on clues and solve problems on the fly—exactly the skills that come in handy in any job. Suddenly, that tough meeting isn’t so scary because you’re used to thinking on your feet and making yourself understood.
Learning a second language doesn’t just help your career and personal growth—it also boosts your brainpower.
It can:
- Sharpen your memory and improve recall.
- Spark creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.
- Hone your problem-solving skills by navigating unfamiliar contexts and situations.
- Make smarter decision with a global perspective.
It's also an excellent path for personal growth and stepping outside of your comfort zone. Each time you put yourself out there, you learn something about the world—and about yourself. You’ll see your own culture with fresh eyes and realize there’s so much to learn everywhere you go. That feeling of wonder and pride when you nail a conversation in a different language – that's what confidence feels like.
How to get started
Don’t wait for “someday”—your university probably has a bunch of ways to jump in. Here are some opportunities to watch out for:
Study abroad and exchange programs
Experience full immersion through semester-long or summer programs in inspiring destinations like France, Span, German, Japan or Chile. Studying abroad is more than classes and textbooks—it’s living daily life in another country, hanging out with a host family, making new friends, attending top institutions and growing confident navigating a totally new place. Chat with an advisor who can help you pick something that matches your ambitions and learning style.
World language scholarship opportunities
Financial barriers shouldn’t hold you back. Explore scholarships designed for language students– some may cover tuition and plane tickets! The language department and financial aid office can guide you through the application process so you can focus on your goals.
Rich campus resources
Look for language clubs, cultural events or tutoring programs on campus. These are great (and low-pressure) ways to practice what you’re learning, connect with native speakers and meet people who might be just as nervous—or excited—as you are. Language learning at a university is about community and building lasting connections.
Real student perspectives: Study abroad stories
A recent faculty-led trip to China collaborated with Zhejiang University of Technology, and included amazing cultural experiences, language lessons and much more.
Hear from students who have studied abroad and returned transformed. CMU students shared how studying in Germany improved their language skills, helped them grow personally and build lasting friendships that help them feel more confident in new environments. Their stories show the value of stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing new cultures.
Explore language learning at CMU
Get familiar with your school’s language options. Ask questions. See what programs or scholarships fit your plans. Look into international business majors or minors that mix foreign language skills with real-world know-how—think international marketing or navigating cross-cultural workplaces.
Explore Central Michigan University's Department of History, World Languages and Cultures, to check out events and connect with advisors who can answer your questions. The International Business major is a great way to combine your language learning with another major – this program combines language learning with invaluable business skills to prepare you for success in a globalized economy, with course topics including:
- International economics, finance, tourism and marketing.
- Ideas for sustainable development from around the world.
- Navigating cultural differences and diversity in a global economy.
- Select languages like French and Spanish in the working world.
Learning a foreign language is a passport to new worlds—personally, professionally and intellectually. It’s about transforming the way you see others and yourself and participating fully in a different parts of a global community. Take the leap, study a new language and see how far it can take you – personally, professionally and beyond!
Resources
- IBISWorld. "Biggest Industries by Revenue in Global 2025." IBISWorld, accessed August 2025.