“Is English really necessary for my professional career?” If you have ever asked yourself that same question, you've come to the right place! In this article we are going to tell you the truth about how Business English can make a difference in the corporate world and help you gain new opportunities, opening doors in the professional environment and boosting your career, taking you where you never thought it could go.

Sometimes we wonder if it is really important to learn a new language when, in fact, it is extremely relevant. In the increasingly digital world we live in, knowing how to speak another language will allow you to get in touch with people from all over the world and to take part in international events and meetings. Opportunities which would never even be presented to you if you didn’t know another language.

In addition to introducing you to a new culture, learning a new language makes you more qualified professionally. Especially when it comes to speaking English, which is considered the universal language in business and academy. According to 2021 data from Ethnologue, English is the most spoken language in the world, with almost 1.5 billion native and non-native speakers worldwide.

English can open doors to job opportunities in multinationals enterprises, it can give you an advantage for a promotion, and can be a decisive skill for a job opportunity, even if it is a long-awaited international job. Oh, and in the business world, knowing the language is not enough, you need to be sharp and fluent in a conversation.

Now, let’s take a closer look into how useful it can be to speak English at work, how to break barriers and practical applications of the language in some professions.

The importance of business English

If English can make a difference in your personal life, imagine what it could do to your career. We could make a huge list of possibilities, but let's check out some examples and situations when speaking English is crucial in the corporate world:

• Working for multinationals with headquarters and branches around the world;

• Negotiating to import and export products

• Staying up-to-date with world news and market news

• Building partnerships with international companies

• Attending lectures, events and meetings with English speakers

• Replying to emails in English

• And much more

Of course, depending on the company and the position of the employee, the use of the language can vary, but the fact remains that English is important at work in several situations. Knowing the language can provide better or international job opportunities, it can also expand your business if you are an entrepreneur. But how to improve fluency?

Breaking down barriers towards fluency

Practice! If you really want to speak English fluently, you have to practice. There are no secrets, no shortcuts to achieve this goal. Many students feel rusty or somewhat stuck at the intermediate level because they lack practice.

To break down these barriers towards English fluency, here are some practical tips:

1 - Increase your contact with the language

The goal is to make English part of your daily life. Therefore, you can read international news, listen to music and watch movies or series in English with English subtitles. Another option is to change the language of your cell phone. The important thing is to create a habit.

2 - Don't be ashamed to speak up

You must overcome your fear to speak. Otherwise you can end up being fluent in reading, listening, and writing, but maintain an intermediate level in speaking. Look for English conversation clubs and lose the fear of speaking.

3 - Know your goal

Knowing why you are learning English makes all the difference. After all, this is what will motivate you to keep on learning and propel you towards your final goal. For example, learning English to get a job spot in another country or even getting sharp in English to watch international series without subtitles. The important thing is to find your motivation.

4 - Get help

Don't try to learn everything by yourself. Part of the fluency comes from talking to other people and exchanging experiences, just as while you were growing up over the years with your native language. Get help to keep practicing English.

The importance of business English in some careers

The importance of English in technology

With the increasingly digital world, the area of ​​technology and programming has been expanded. More and more international companies have been hiring people from all over the world, but most of the time knowing English is essential, either for in-person or remote work opportunities.

In addition to the possibility of international job vacancies, in this field, English is essential in order to use new apps or tools, learn about new industry trends, use programming language ​​and to develop programming codes and commands.

The importance of English in marketing and communication

Another sector that has gained possibilities to achieve international jobs with the strengthening of the home office was the area of ​​communication and marketing. Have you ever thought of working for an international company and continuing to live in your home country, or to move to another place?

In this field, English is important to keep up-to-date with international news and trends, use typical expressions of the market, use tools, understand programming jargon ​​and communicate with different audiences.

The importance of English for entrepreneurs and business directors

For owners and directors of medium and large companies, English is essential. Language can make all the difference in growing and expanding the business, whether nationally or internationally.

Entrepreneurs and business directors need to know English to import and export products, develop international partnerships that can expand their business and, obviously, to be aware of trends and news in the sector in which they operate.

The importance of English for researchers and academics

In the academic world, knowing English makes all the difference. English is the universal language of the Education sector, so it is important to develop it until reaching fluency.

In addition to reading in English, researchers and academics need to know the English language to write scientific articles, participate in international conferences and also to obtain new research opportunities abroad.

Put English in your daily basis

Many other careers use English, but these were just a few examples. The fact is that business English makes a difference when it comes to conquering better opportunities, opening doors for international companies and also making the dream of studying or working abroad come true.

Having said that, include practicing English in your routine and develop your speaking skills to lose your fear and gain fluency. Learn more about Conversation Alive, our English conversation club, and come practice with us.