Logo for Your Global Future Indiana

Open doors in Indiana’s global economy with language and culture skills

Did you know that Indiana employers need employees with language and culture skills? For a small business beginning to export to Africa, a German-owned company operating in Indiana, or a health care facility serving a large immigrant population, hiring multilingual, globally aware employees can help ensure their success.  

One of the best things you can do for your future—and for Indiana’s—is to develop language and culture skills, no matter whether you live in an urban or rural area.

Find out why Indiana is global

Choose a foreign language to learn

Which language is best for your future?

Explore language opportunities

How do I develop language and cultural skills in Indiana?

Discover which careers need language skills

Do I need a language if I'm not going to teach foreign language?

How learning languages can benefit your future career

Learning a new language can be a game-changer for your career, no matter where you start. Here’s how it can benefit you:

  1. Stand Out in the Job Market: In today’s competitive job market, employers look for candidates who bring unique skills to the table. Being bilingual or multilingual can make your resume stand out and give you an edge over other applicants. It shows that you have the ability to communicate with diverse groups of people, which is highly valuable in many fields.

  2. Expand Career Opportunities: Learning languages can open doors to careers in international business, diplomacy, travel, and beyond. For instance, Indiana is home to several companies with global operations. Being able to speak another language can make you a more attractive candidate for roles that involve working with international clients or partners.

  3. Enhance Communication Skills: Mastering a new language improves your overall communication skills. This can be particularly beneficial in fields like marketing, education, healthcare, and customer service, where clear and effective communication is key.

  4. Boost Cognitive Skills: Learning languages strengthens your problem-solving abilities, memory, and multitasking skills. These cognitive benefits are valuable in any career, helping you to think critically and adapt to new challenges.

  5. Cultural Insights: Understanding another language also gives you insight into different cultures. This can be advantageous in roles that require cultural sensitivity and global awareness, making you more effective in diverse settings.

  6. Travel and Work Abroad: If you’re interested in traveling or working abroad, knowing a foreign language can make your experience more immersive and rewarding. It opens up opportunities to live and work in different countries, expanding your professional and personal horizons.

  7. Networking and Connections: Being multilingual allows you to build relationships with people from various backgrounds. This network can be valuable for career growth, offering new opportunities and perspectives.

In short, learning a new language can provide you with skills that are highly sought after in the job market and enrich your personal and professional life. It’s an investment in your future that can pay off in many exciting ways!

Tom Miller from PNC Bank in Indiana explains how mastering languages and international relations skills can open doors to global opportunities.

Learn phrases in less commonly taught languages

Watch Indiana University CIBER's Language & Culture Video Series to explore unique cultures and pick up basic phrases in less commonly taught languages like Hungarian or Swahili.