Our founder Drew made it her mission to help students use languages to unlock a whole world of professional and personal possibilities. Read her thoughts on this new era of careers in languages in the tech, digital marketing and social media sectors on SchoolGuide.

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We’re at a crossroads. On one side, the exciting world of tech and communications is making everything faster, more efficient, more easily connected, and creating new jobs and careers in languages every day. 

On the other, our school system doesn’t seem to be catching up with innovation and especially during the pandemic, UK GCSE and A level students of French, Spanish and English have been suffering, with the British Council flagging “serious disruption” to language teaching.

It’s up to single students and families to actually choose to prioritise language learning by choosing subjects like Spanish and French for their GCSE and A level exams, and taking advantage of all the resources at their disposal. 

I’ll tell you why that’s crucial.

Reasons to choose foreign languages at GCSE and A level now

Here are just 8 reasons why studying Spanish or French GCSE/A level will help you in life but really, there are plenty more.

1. Tech jobs often require languages, and the industry is booming! Tech loves linguists — translators, proofreaders and content creators are in high demand. Plus, to work abroad in tech hubs like Barcelona, Amsterdam, Singapore, Dubai, you’ll find that a second (and even third!) language will come in handy.
2. TV translator may be your next dream job. The streaming industry is booming and services like Netflix must keep up with the increasing demand for subtitling and dubbing.
3. An extra language may make all the difference. In choosing between candidates, recruiters (especially in the digital world) often find that an extra language gives applicants the edge they need to succeed.
4. You’ll need languages to work abroad. We’re not just talking about doing the shopping. Language learning improves soft skills like resilience and agility — the world will be your oyster.
5. Language student = quick learner. Speaking of soft skills, employers know that language students adapt, evolve, and learn faster.
6. The world is changing. French may soon replace English as the official EU language, and the Chinese market made Mandarin one of the most sought-after skills in the tech industry. Will you keep up?
7. Language skills age well. No matter what direction you take in life, your language skills will always give you extra options, like becoming a teacher or working in tourism and hospitality. They’ll be there to open doors wherever you are, whenever you choose to use them.
8. Languages are your secret confidence boost. Learning a foreign language means overcoming shyness, laughing at your mistakes, and improving your communication skills. Your studies will help you make a great first impression, rock your speeches and presentations, and stand out from the crowd.
   

Are you ready to step into the future? Book a free assessment now and find out how we can help you with your academic and career goals.