Knowing a second language can be quite helpful when looking for a job. Just ask Kristen… Knowing a second language can be quite helpful when looking for a job. Just ask Kristen Tolbert.

“Knowing Spanish definitely gave me a head-up on the competition when I was looking for a job. There is a high demand for people who know a second language, especially in business,” Tolbert, a graduate student at Pitt, said.

After graduating from Pitt with a dual major in English literature and Spanish, Tolbert soon began to realize the many advantages of knowing a second language.

“Whenever I travel to a Spanish-speaking region, I can function within the culture, and I can meet more people within more authentic settings,” she said.

Beatrice Deangelis, Pitt’s language coordinator, agrees. She also cited the importance of knowing a foreign language in international business and other careers.

“If somebody works for an international company, it is very important for them to know a second language. At the moment, knowing Spanish within the United States is important, since Hispanics are the largest minority in the country. In general, knowing a second language is essential for students,” Deangelis said.

When asked about the possibilities for bilingual students interested in careers other than business, Deangelis offered a host of possibilities.

“I have several friends who have had encounters in doctors’ offices where they could not speak English, and their doctors could not speak their language. This resulted in miscommunication between the patient and doctor. Patients who are served by doctors that know their language will be treated more effectively, simply because there is no barrier to communication,” she said.

But why would somebody need to know a foreign language in Pittsburgh?

Barbara Juliussen, associate director of Career Services at Pitt, notes that there are many good reasons to know a second language in Pittsburgh.

“There are more than 300 foreign-owned companies in Pittsburgh. These multinational corporations do business all over the world. In addition, the Department of Commerce has the Pittsburgh Import/Export agency that facilitates the export and import of foreign and domestic products,” Juliussen said.

When asked about the language that would be most useful to Pitt students, Juliussen said, “The Spanish language would be a wise choice, but the recommendation of a specific language would depend greatly on the career focus and desired location for work.”