AgaBoogaBoo
Lifer
- Feb 16, 2003
- 26,108
- 5
- 81
I'd tell you, but then I would only have more competition in my field. I like having no competition.
GTaudiophile
Lifer
- Oct 24, 2000
- 29,767
- 33
- 81
I work in Finance: right now if you speak Mandarin you get basically everything you want. it's getting quite ridiculous... Everything else on your resume becomes of secondary importance. We literally have recruiters running around at career fairs asking random Asian-looking people if the speak mandarin. Some analyst candidates walk away with associate-like salary offers.
Second most important language in the field right now would be Russian and Japanese. Portuguese also is getting pretty big as Brazil continues on the BRIC dream. Spanish also, but there's a lot of supply in the market of Spanish-speaking candidates.
If you want to learn a language for career purposes only, Mandarin is the obvious answer. There isn't anything else more valuable than speaking Chinese right now, and in 5 years it will be even more important.
Of course, there should be many other reasons for choosing a language to learn, other than the job market. But that's a personal choice based on the priorities in your life.
I think I should start learning mandarin...
Edit:
Is it plausible for a westerner to learn Mandarin?
Would this language be beneficial to an EE career (I'm guessing not really)?
Edit:
Is it plausible for a westerner to learn Mandarin?
Would this language be beneficial to an EE career (I'm guessing not really)?
While we're on the subject, is Thai valuable? I will be living in Bangkok for a year to study and wonder if I work hard enough, if I could get to conversation level. I heard it isn't as difficult as Mandarin.
If you still consider Spanish to be a "foreign" language, then that is the way to go. It is highly unlikely that a national language will ever be declared, and so this country will most likely become a bilingual nation within another decade unless there is a radical change in the leadership here. Beyond the number of legal immigrants who are here, we have estimates of 10-15 million illegals in the country, most of whom know so little English that communication with them becomes almost futile. As someone who lives fairly close to DC, I can tell you that not knowing Spanish is a hindrance, and so I am now having my wife (who is bilingual) teach me.
Now, if you had aspirations to do something in a truly foreign language, Arabic and Chinese are probably the most useful long-term bets (with Japanese a close third). There is a huge demand for anyone who can speak Arabic, especially in the CIA, State Department, and NSA. Chinese will become increasingly helpful to know as so much of our economy has become tied to that nation.
Now, if you had aspirations to do something in a truly foreign language, Arabic and Chinese are probably the most useful long-term bets (with Japanese a close third). There is a huge demand for anyone who can speak Arabic, especially in the CIA, State Department, and NSA. Chinese will become increasingly helpful to know as so much of our economy has become tied to that nation.
German - Pretty easy to learn for someone who speaks English
Spanish - Slightly harder
French - Same as Spanish, IMO
I think Spanish is a popular language, but there are lots of candidates that already have experience in it, so your competition would be a lot more. French can be good because of Canada's usage of it as a national language and of course France. German is still great depending upon your field.
In the US I think Spanish still has the biggest advantage, but the pool of applicants and qualified speakers will be higher.
If you want to be unique I strongly suggest Mandarin over Arabic. I really see no reason to learn Arabic unless you plan to do business in the Middle East, or if you plan to work in some type of intel. Mandarin would be useful for business in the US or in China.
If you want a tool you will probably use I would pick Spanish. If you want unique tool, then I suggest Mandarin.
Spanish - Slightly harder
French - Same as Spanish, IMO
I think Spanish is a popular language, but there are lots of candidates that already have experience in it, so your competition would be a lot more. French can be good because of Canada's usage of it as a national language and of course France. German is still great depending upon your field.
In the US I think Spanish still has the biggest advantage, but the pool of applicants and qualified speakers will be higher.
If you want to be unique I strongly suggest Mandarin over Arabic. I really see no reason to learn Arabic unless you plan to do business in the Middle East, or if you plan to work in some type of intel. Mandarin would be useful for business in the US or in China.
If you want a tool you will probably use I would pick Spanish. If you want unique tool, then I suggest Mandarin.
I'm studying mandarin right now. From my tutor, she says its a lot easier than english. After a few weeks, I am inclined to agree. There are no past tense, future, etc.. The hardest part is the writting because its character base. Hopefully, they start using pinyin more -- its easier to understand.
zai jian
zai jian
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