On November 19th, 2024, the World Languages and Cultures collaboratory hosted an event during UWM’s International Education Week that highlighted the critical importance of multilingual skills in today’s professional landscape. The event, which was called Language Works, drew an impressive crowd of more than 50 students, demonstrating significant interest in language learning and career development.
The evening’s presentations revealed compelling statistics about language skills in the professional world: 9 out of 10 U.S. employers currently rely on employees with language abilities beyond English, with 56% anticipating increased demand for multilingual talent in the next five years.
The event provided information such as:
• How language skills can benefit all career paths
• How language study develops skills most valued by employers
• How best to present language skills on your resume and in interviews
• Internship and study abroad opportunities on campus
• Careers in interpreting and translation
Presented through a collaborative partnership involving the World Languages and Cultures Collaboratory, the Center for Student Experience and Talent, the American Sign Language/English Interpreting Program, the Department of Global Studies, the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, and Translation and Interpreting Studies, the event exemplified a comprehensive approach to language education and professional development.
The drop-in format created an accessible and welcoming environment for student engagement and exploration of linguistic opportunities.
Learn more about the event: Language Works
View photos: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/Z45WV5VflqiVhWBC
