Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Bilinguals Wanted


Two major factors fuel the increasing demand for bilingual professionals in the U.S. First, Hispanics now represent over twelve percent of the U.S. population; their spending power has more than doubled in less than 20 years. Since customers often prefer to do business with someone who speaks their language, companies need bilingual employees to communicate with their Spanish-speaking customers.

The second factor is the expansion of U.S. companies into other countries. While the recent economic downturn has slowed foreign revenues, overseas business is still a major force in the U.S. economy. In the international marketplace, bilingual executives help their companies acquire and develop new markets and build global presence. Their language fluency and cultural sensitivity contribute to bridging the differences between the countries.

Which industries are seeking bilingual employees

Financial institutions are among the largest employers seeking bilingual professionals. The insurance, consumer products, and healthcare industries also employ large numbers of bilinguals, as does the U.S. government, particularly the Department of State, Census Bureau, and Social Security Administration. Non-profit organizations that serve non-English speaking people in the U.S. or work in foreign countries also need workers who speak more than one language.

Jobs for bilingual professionals span all industries and levels. While positions in sales/marketing and in operations dominate, recent job openings include a wide variety of jobs, including:
  • General Store Manager
  • Insurance Claims Adjustor
  • Editor
  • Family Therapist
  • Legal Assistant
  • Customer Service Representative
  • Mortgage Call Center Representative
  • Healthcare Professional
  • Retail Sales Associate
  • Medical Office Assistant
  • Health Educator
  • Counselor for Internationally Adopted Children
Some positions address language and diversity directly, such as diversity trainers, translators, and diplomats. In elementary and secondary education, prospects for teachers in bilingual education are particularly good as the number of non-English-speaking students increases.

It certainly is a plus to know more than 2 languages and there are some companies who will pay premium or provide extra pay for being bilingual. A variety of employment resources are available who eagerly assist bilingual professionals and connect them with companies who seek bilinguals. Many small businesses as well as Fortune 500 companies are looking for qualified bilingual professionals. Job fairs and numerous career websites specialize in the employment of bilinguals who speak English and other languages. They may specialize in Hispanic or Asian languages or act as a central clearinghouse for hiring speakers of any language.
Companies that succeed in integrating a diverse, multi-lingual global workforce stand by their commitment to treating everyone with dignity and respect. They hold diversity training and foster communications about cultural awareness and differences. Once word gets out that a company places a high value on diversity, the company will automatically attract a multi-lingual workforce.

Bilingual professionals are in high demand at all levels in most industries. In the increasingly global economy, organizations need people who speak more than one language to bridge language and communications differences.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Excuses Will Not Improve Your English

Is English your second language? Are you strong enough with it to make the language an asset in your life? Too many people, with English as a second language, allow their lack of knowledge to become a hindrance to their life. Everyone in a similar situation knows what they need to do, learn the native language of the country where you live. It may seem there are plenty of reasons to continue procrastinating, but the truth is these reasons are not substantial.

Not enough money for classes. This is a common enough excuse for people who do not know the language to avoid learning it. The truth is, there are affordable classes and finding one is as easy as clicking here .

Cannot find a learning center Maybe this is a problem in rural areas, but I doubt it. Most every city or town conducts classes for adults on improving their English. If you live in a major city like New York, then there are plenty to choose from, like this one .

Learning another language is too hard. The hard part is deciding to learn a new language. Actually learning it will not be that hard, as long as you sign up for a school with well trained, enthusiastic teachers.

Claiming not to need it. This has to be the worst excuse of them all. If you live in a country where the main language is English, then you need to learn it. Posing as if you do not need it is simply a strong case of denial. Of course you need it.

Success in learning English means you can get a job that can turn into a career that will make you and your family proud. Stop letting your handicap to all those around you, keep you down in life. Many have done it before you and you will not be the last. People take it upon themselves to become fluent in English as a matter of course for improving their prospects in life. Stop letting meager excuses hold you down and sign up to for English courses today.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Learn English in the City


There is no better spot in a country to learn about culture and language, than a major city. When it comes to finding the people, location and resources to learn English, New York City is the place. It meshes so many different cultures together, living harmoniously in one area. However, the people of those different cultures find themselves in similar straights, needing to better their English in order to succeed in the city. Many people know English only as a second language in the city, sharing the common goal of improving their command of it. New York City is known for quite a few things and teaching English to those who need it to improve their lives is definitely on the list.

The best part about city life is that many resources are available and well within access most of the time. Learning any language requires participating in a well paced program that combines lessons with constant immersion. To learn a language, you have to speak it, sleep it and live it. Going to classes can be a nuisance, but in the city it’s very easy. With so many available locations, it is easy to find a program conveniently located, with time slots that fit any schedule. Public transportation in a city is usually at its best. A person can get anywhere in the city at anytime with little or no hassle. These benefits of the city just make it much easier on a person to go to classes and improve their English.

Not to mention, New York City is one of the most vibrant cities in all of the United States. If you are going to pick a place to learn English fluently, this is it. All aspects of the language are handled, heard and learned in the streets of the Big Apple. English isn’t just a language here, it’s a way of life. Learn the language in the classroom and experience it in the city.