<p>Hi,
I am planning in working in business in New York in the future. (I graduate in 2014) I would be planning to get into management consultancy or investment banking.</p>
<p>Looking into the future, what would be the best 2nd language to have to sweeten my resume?</p>
<p>I was thinking Chinese or Indian due to their economic growth?</p>
<p>You might look at large economies too. Germany and Japan are right up there. You might investigate the type of business you will enter as well.</p>
<p>Most European business people do speak English–probably true for the Japanese as well.</p>
<p>Chinese (Mandarin) is my vote. But as far global use, French is 2nd.</p>
<p>Spanish is good–think Latin American business. Also Portuguese, because Brazil will increase in importance. </p>
<p>Try to plan some sort of immersion experience, hopefully for more than a summer, so that you really will have a useful facility in the chosen language(s).</p>
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<p>There is no language called “Indian.” It’s called Hindi (हिंदी).</p>
<p>Mandarin, Arabic which covers China + Middle East</p>
<p>brown, you are too ambitious on the languages you are trying. Take up one first see if you can handle. The eastern language courses taught in the American schools are very light and it will not make you fluant in it unless you go to the country and spend a few YEARS to master. To say you want to learn Arabic and Chinese together with other subjects is absurd.</p>
<p>For English speaking business majors who wish to work in overseas, the best second language is actually English. As English is actually used worldwide in business communities. You can learn the second language when you really need it in the business you are in. It is the well rounded business skills you should be concentrated on while at the school, which is only 4 years, a very short period of time in your life. You can take a few language course just to show your ability to learn a second language, mastering the language to be used in business should not be your primary goal and most likely you will not succeed.</p>
<p>Seeing as China’s economy is on the rise, I think that Chinese (Mandarin) would be the best bet. However, I would resort to the native language of wherever you have a desire to work (if you change your mind about New York). </p>
<p>It surely will not be easy to master a language, but it certainly will not hurt to have a command over a second language.</p>
<p>yea i didnt mean it like that…both are extremely ambitious</p>
<p>It’s so much easier to learn a language if you have ANY interest in the culture and literature because that’s how you WILL learn the language in your classes. If you can’t stand the idea of learning about Chinese culture and be part of it, then DO NOT STUDY CHINESE. You will be much more motivated if you have a serious interest.</p>