The Career-Boosting Perks of Being Bilingual

A bilingual student in a job interview.

May 2, 2024

In today’s globalized world, the ability to communicate in multiple languages stands out as a significant career advantage. At St. Augustine College, we recognize this truth and have tailored our programs to unlock the full potential of bilingualism. Here’s why being bilingual is not just a skill, but a transformative asset in the workplace.

The Benefits of Being Bilingual in the Workplace

One of the primary benefits of being bilingual in the workplace is the substantial increase in job opportunities available to you. Studies show that bilingual individuals have as much as 35% greater job prospects with their ability to bridge cultural divides and facilitate communication in multicultural environments. According to The U.S. Committee on Economic Development (CED), businesses lose over $2 billion annually due to language and cultural misunderstandings. As businesses become more globalized, the demand for bilingual talent continues to increase.

Higher Earning Potential

Do bilinguals get paid more? Absolutely. Studies show that bilingual employees on average can earn a bilingual salary differential between 5% to 20% more than their monolingual peers. This bilingual pay advantage is attributed to the added value bilingual individuals bring to the company’s ability to expand and offer their services to larger audiences. A survey completed in 2019 by the ACTFL found that 9 out of 10 employers rely on having bilingual employees with 56% reporting that they will have an increased need for bilingual speakers. 

Is Being Bilingual A Skill?

In a world where understanding cultures is as crucial as technical skills, being bilingual isn’t just about speaking another language. It’s about cultivating a set of cognitive skills that are highly prized in any professional setting. Bilingual individuals often excel in problem-solving, multitasking, and decision-making—all critical skills that employers value. Being bilingual is a major resume-boosting skill that makes you stand out from the other candidates.

Our Commitment to Bilingual Education

At St. Augustine College, we recognize the benefits of bilingualism in today’s workforce. We were founded in 1980 as the Midwest’s first bilingual higher education institution, and we are dedicated to empowering individuals of Hispanic descent and other underrepresented groups through bilingual education. Our programs are designed to help students learn English and assimilate into English-speaking cultures providing an education that prepares them for successful careers. 

With 95% of our staff and faculty being bilingual, we offer personalized support and a nurturing environment for students to enhance their English proficiency and develop critical workplace skills. Our accelerated ESL Program enables students to progress to academic ESL courses and pursue a Certificate, Associate Degree, or Bachelor’s Degree. By integrating listening, speaking, reading, and writing, we ensure our graduates are equipped with the necessary skills in work/life situations, academic competencies, and basic computer literacy to thrive in the competitive job market.

Join Our Bilingual Community

Are you ready to increase your career opportunities and earn more? Join us at St. Augustine College, where your bilingualism is backed by academic excellence and a supportive, multicultural environment. You can contact us to learn more about our programs and register for our ESL placement exam so that you can enroll in your ESL classes and take the first step towards a promising future.