For you as a bilingual or multilingual employee, the opportunity to advance your career into a leadership role is within your grasp. In this globalized economy, companies serving multilingual and multicultural communities – domestically or internationally – recognize the immense value of individuals who possess language proficiency beyond their native tongue.

“Workplaces are more global, and employees who are proficient in multiple languages and at ease in multiple cultures have more opportunities. These opportunities will continue to expand, as we are living in increasingly interconnected societies and workplaces,” (Lazar).

card with a quote from Mehdi Lazar about the benefits of multilingualism in the workplace

The Power of Communication

What unique insights can you bring to the table as a bilingual or multilingual employee to become a leader within your organization? Leadership positions demand effective communication and a more nuanced understanding of diverse cultures with each passing day. A bilingual employee possesses the ability to bridge language gaps, foster collaboration among team members to create a positive work environment and navigate global markets with efficiency. Remember that developing strong relationships with partners or clients outside of the U.S. becomes possible by engaging with them in their language and building trust among non-English speaking prospects. This is a huge advantage for bilingual professionals, making them an asset to any business.

The Importance of Multilingual Resources

Moreover, bilingual employees can help companies adapt marketing strategies to specific cultural contexts on an international level. They can also provide critical assistance in translating documents and delivering interpretation services within the company, facilitating business transactions, and contributing to the implementation of problem-solving solutions.

Cultural and Linguistic Understanding

Additionally, bilingual professionals are usually better equipped to adapt to diverse scenarios because of their broader understanding of the world. Their knowledge of multiple languages and first-hand exposure to a wider range of perspectives is essential for successful leadership, especially in rapidly changing business environments. The benefits a bilingual employee can bring to a company extend beyond breaking down linguistic barriers and supporting language training programs. Their participation in leadership positions can help ensure that all diverse team members feel represented, respected, and valued.

Growing Need for Bilingual and Multilingual Leaders

Numerous industries seek candidates who speak more than one language. There are good jobs opportunities in the job market where you can use your language skills to make a positive impact on customers or clients. Some positions include Teacher, Flight Attendant, Immigration Paralegal, Hospitality Manager, Human Resources Generalist, Registered Nurse, and Marketing Manager as suggested by a recent Indeed.com Career Guide. In these roles, bilingual professionals can assume leadership roles, fostering connections and promoting collaboration and understanding among individuals.

A survey conducted for ACTFL revealed that larger organizations often require languages other than English for their business endeavors in international markets, while smaller organizations are more likely to use foreign language skills within the domestic market. Regardless of the size of the organization you are working in, it’s to your advantage to make the most of your language skills by actively communicating your abilities to management and seeking out opportunities for growth.

Taking the Next Step

By harnessing your linguistic competencies and leadership potential, you can propel your career to new heights. Contact Language Testing International (LTI) to accurately measure your bilingual or multilingual skills and obtain a valid certification of your linguistic proficiency. You can rely on LTI to help demonstrate your ability to lead in another language. LTI is the exclusive licensee of ACTFL, a leading expert in language proficiency assessments. With over 30 years of experience, LTI provides remotely proctored ACTFL language proficiency assessments for reading, writing, listening, and speaking in 120+ languages.

Sources

American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and the Lead with Languages Campaign commissioned Ipsos Public Affairs, with the support of Pearson LLC and Language Testing International. (2019). “Making Languages Our Business: Addressing Foreign Language Demand Among U.S. Employers.” https://www.leadwithlanguages.org/report

Lazar, Mehdi. “The Bilingual Advantage in the Global Workplace. Language Magazine. June 7, 2018. http://www.languagemagazine.com/2018/06/07/the-bilingual-advantage-in-the-global-workplace/

Indeed Editorial Team. “13 Best Careers for Bilinguals”. Indeed Career Guide. June 24, 2022. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-for-bilingual

 

Madeline Martínez is a Multicultural Navigator Specialist at URBANDER, a Woman and Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE) specializing in transforming businesses to advance humanity. URBANDER’s role is to serve as an extension of Marketing, Diversity, Human Resources, Procurement, Community Relations, and Social Responsibility teams, providing innovative approaches in the areas of strategic marketing, content development, workforce development, community outreach and IDEAS (inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, and sustainability). Madeline holds a both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Communications from the University of Puerto Rico and is an experienced copywriter and content developer dedicated to amplifying the voices of URBANDER’s clients. From blogs and articles to social media posts and interviews, Madeline is a skilled writer across diverse topics integrating her marketing, business and academic acumen. Though her earlier work as a Publications Officer at the Inter American University in Puerto Rico, and her most recent performance as a Spanish Interpreter, Substitute Teacher, and Instructional Assistant for English-language learning elementary school students, Madeline has impacted countless families as they have navigated migrating to the U.S. from Spanish-speaking countries. As a bilingual professional, Madeline is also proficient in translating written documents from English to Spanish, and vice versa. She has received LTI issued ACTFL Language Proficiency Certificates in Spanish as follows: Advanced Writing, Advanced Listening, Advanced Reading and Superior Speaking. During her downtime, Madeline loves spending time with her family, and enjoys dancing, movies, photography, and coffee. She considers herself a continuous learner. “A well-educated mind will always have more questions than answers”- Helen Keller

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