Top Five Jobs for Which English is Essential

English is the international language of business as well as the language which has global popularity in music, film and even on many parts of the web. This global prevalence means that for certain jobs it is vital to have a strong understanding of English and the ability to converse clearly. Many of these jobs involve travel and the chance of conversing with English-speakers from around the world. For which career paths might you need English?

1) Travel and Tourism

Hotelier, Waiter, Chef, Flight Cabin Crew, Travel Agent. What do they have in common? It sounds obvious, but English is essential for each of these career choices in most parts of the world. Even if you think you may be working in non-English-speaking countries, never overestimate native English speakers abroad. They may assume you will understand them when they ask: ‘Could you tell me whether the cheese in this dish is suitable for vegetarians?’ even in a restaurant in the North of Italy!

2) Sales

Whether it is selling biscuits or yachts, to be a successful salesperson you need to be able to convince and persuade others to see your point of view. To communicate clearly, having more than one language under your belt is certainly beneficial. Furthermore, if one of those languages is English then you can be assured that you will always be at home in English-speaking countries, as well as when you speak to clients globally and need a common tongue. A Business English course at a school such as United International College might be the boost you need.

3) Marketing and Media

As the importance of a largely English-speaking internet increases, as does the marketing influence of the realm of the web. If you are able to write and speak English you are bound to be more in demand for a marketing role or a career in related media areas, including publishing, advertising and administration.

4) Education

There are many opportunities in education which require English language skills. If you are looking to work as a teacher internationally, one of the most lucrative areas to go into is teaching at an International School. Even if you are intending to teach your native language, English will be useful to enable you to communicate with the broadest range of students. At the higher education level, Academics or researchers will find themselves participating in conferences and may even need to produce books and essays in English.

5) Caring Professions

To work as a medic, nurse, social worker or counsellor the strongest prerequisite is your empathy, but, in a role where anything could come up, English could come in useful. If you are a medical professional at a tourist destination then you are bound to encounter people who need to be spoken to in English. What’s more, having English language skills will open up chances for living abroad in many other countries.

If these options make you realise that your existing career path could be topped-up with some English skills, visiting an English speaking country could be ideal. For a language school such as UIC London is a great city because those studying at the school have the chance to practice with the locals outside classes. If you prefer warmer areas, try Sydney or New York!