Should engineers learn a foreign language?

For engineers looking to work in a foreign land or expand their start-up to a foreign country, learning a new language can be very important. Choosing a language may depend on the area of engineering that you would like to work in and where your expertise lies. For instance, Italy is known for machine tool manufacturing, electromechanical machinery, shipbuilding and construction machinery. As an engineer, if you would like to pursue a career in any of these areas or would be interested in working with an Italian company, learning Italian could be an added advantage to you. Of course, your engineering skills would be the primary requisite.

Learning a new language helps you gain a new perspective

Engineers are known for their innovations and inventions that prove helpful in many ways to the local people. Regional preferences, needs, social life can all influence these innovations. Learning a new language helps gain a wider perspective on different cultures and societies which in turn can help with innovative ideas that suit the living styles and current situations of a society if you work in a new country which is different from yours.

Gain many intangible benefits that can give tangible results

Learning Italian or any new language is associated with many benefits that help in personal development. These include better cognitive abilities, logical thinking, multi-tasking, better communication and even being open minded and receptive to new cultural ideas. Though these qualities may not be measured in terms of financial gains directly, they can highly influence the personality of an individual. These qualities are highly valued in today’s competitive world and can help an individual perform better in professional life as well.

How can you learn Italian as an engineer?

Whether you are pursuing your engineering course or have started working as an engineer, you can learn Italian online from the comfort of your own space. This allows you the flexibility to schedule your learning without disturbing your personal or professional commitments.

Learning Italian may or may not help you directly as an engineer. However, Italian is the language of music, art, fashion, design etc. Italy also has many cultural and heritage sites. Learning Italian can help you enjoy all these.

Once you attain the required proficiency level, you can even help others learn the language. Your Italian skills can be useful in learning other romance languages.

Professional development definitely plays a major role in choosing a foreign language to learn. However, many times people choose a foreign language based on personal interest. If you are inclined towards learning Italian, then there could be no better reason.

As an engineer if you are interested in learning Italian, find a strong reason that motivates you to put in the extra effort and time required to learn a language.  

Finally, learning a new skill or language always has its own benefits either directly or indirectly. Thus, if you are passionate about learning Italian, just go ahead with it.

You can book a free demo session with Multibhashi to start learning Italian today.