<p>I think someone asked this question before, but they didn't specify, so...
I'm just wondering if knowing quite a few foreign languages would help increase my job opportunities if I major in Chemical Engineering. Or should I choose a different career that will not make my knowledge of language a waste?</p>
<p>So far, I can speak in three languages fluently: Indonesian (1st language), English, and Japanese (I'm going to take AP Exam for this language this thursday. Wish me luck).
I'm now taking French class in school, and learning Italian by myself. FYI, I learned Japanese by myself too (watching anime and playing games helps, I tell you).</p>
<p>Also, a little bit OOT here, but do colleges care about how many languages you know?</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>Languages may help if you work at a company with branches in places speaking those languages.</p>
<p>Lehigh requires a language proficiency. I am sure there are other engineering programs that also have language requirements, which you probably would pass out of.</p>
<p>[Lehigh</a> University - Course Catalog - Courses C - Part One](<a href=“http://www3.lehigh.edu/academics/catalog/html/coursesc.html]Lehigh”>http://www3.lehigh.edu/academics/catalog/html/coursesc.html)</p>
<p>And I agree with ucbalumnus - in the workplace there are many companies that need employees that can communicate in other languages.</p>
<p>You may be able to do a study abroad more easily if the school of your choice has study abroad in a country for your language.</p>
<p>Honestly, it can give you great advantage or it can give you none, it really depends on what field you work in, what position you want, and where you want to work. As far as the field, some industries are location specific. For example, I’d imagine learning Spanish, Russian, Arabic, or Farsi might help if you want to go into upstream Petroleum. Position-wise, something like project management or consulting might bring you into contact with international clients or employees at your company’s international branches. My previous employer had plants in Puerto Rico, Austria, and Singapore while also having suppliers from France and Sweden. However, if you were to go into validation or process control, you probably will have no use for a foreign language. And, if you decided you want to relocate to say Berlin, obviously knowing German would be beneficial for job placement.</p>