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"Being a languages student really enables you to be more open-minded in an ever-changing world."

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I now work on some of the world's biggest sporting events where not only is language proficiency itself invaluable but even more so are the transferable skills that come hand in hand with a languages degree at Queen's.

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'Studying Irish here  has broadened my insight into the language and I have a better understanding'

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"I think regardless of whether or not you wish to make languages the focus of your career, the skills you learn will help you in so many professions. The course at Queen's was really varied and we studied everything from business   to classic literature. Once you graduate, find every opportunity you can to keep your languages up and don't be afraid to really sell the skills you've developed in interviews."

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"Thinking of studying a language – Go for it! There is so much to gain from a language degree, it opens up wonderful new worlds. Take advantage of all the online materials available – lots of great language learning apps which are a really fun way to build your skills and so many fantastic films and series in the original language on Netflix. Practice makes perfect!

About to graduate – make the most of your newly acquired skills when on the job market – not only can you work with another language, but you have adapted to living and working abroad, have acquired astute cultural awareness, communication, presentation and analytical skills, knowledge and understanding of other cultures, already gained substantial professional experience during your degree. Look for jobs abroad too, the world is your oyster!"

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"Ludwig Wittgenstein had it right when he said, “The limits of my language are the limits of my world”. Being native English speakers, we unfortunately don’t feel the impetus to learn another language. What we don’t realise when ‘considering’ another language is that it should never have been a question in the first place. I feel very lucky to have chosen a degree that allowed me to continue my love of languages and a career that challenges my knowledge constantly. If you are already in the midst of discovering a new language, stay curious! Learning a language is not a linear process. Don’t think of it as a chore. We can learn so much by taking small steps to make it part of our daily life. When you’re reading up on local news, check out that country’s top headlines while you’re at it. Listen to a short podcast on your walk or add subtitles to that Netflix show you’re binging. Better yet, change the language settings on your Instagram for some ‘constant’ practice. "

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"If you are passionate about languages, I would say: don’t hesitate in choosing to study a language degree. It is a skill that you will never lose, and the transferable skills to any career, no matter what it may be, are endless. Studying a language alongside a business degree was a great combination for me. It made my studies interesting and varied, and has opened up a lot of doors. I would recommend it to anyone.

If coming to the end of your degree, I would say: don’t limit yourself. A degree in languages is unique and sought after, even in industries that you wouldn’t originally think of. Remember that you can always take your career in any direction, and exploring different options is not unusual in the early stages of your career. If you are keen to use your language skills, apply for multinational firms that you know will open up international opportunities in the future."

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"For those currently studying a language, I would say to take advantage of every opportunity offered to you both at home and abroad. I remember my lecturers telling my cohort that our undergraduate degree would pass by quickly and that is so true. View the assessments as a way of showing what you know/can do instead of viewing them as tests that are there to catch you out. In addition, your language degree can take you in many directions both within and outside of the field of languages - it is a highly valued subject area in the workplace. As long as you work hard, it will be worth it in the end.

For those considering a language degree, I would say to give it serious consideration. It is a great course however the compulsory year abroad is something to be aware of from the outset. You will graduate as a more independent, resilient global citizen."

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"Studying languages truly does open so many doors. So when someone asks what you can do or what you want to do with languages, tell them “whatever I want”! Become a teacher if that’s your passion but don’t feel like that’s your only option. A language degree equips you with so many transferable skills that can be useful in various fields. After my degree, I studied a master’s in history and am now working in journalism in Luxembourg. In the future, I may well apply for jobs in the EU institutions or for civil servant positions, all of which require strong language and communication skills as well as other skills developed during a language degree. It might be cliché, but the world really is a language graduate’s oyster."

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"Studying a language opens doors that would otherwise be closed to you. It gives you an opportunity to travel and experience other cultures. You will be able to communicate with people from different backgrounds and learn about other ways of doing things. It will open your mind and your heart. It also gives you skills that will help you excel in the world of work. You will have an advanced knowledge and craft of your own language that you can use to your advantage. You will have a strong ability to decipher, analyse and communicate information. But don’t forget the fun part, it’s not all about work. Learning a language means that you can go to parts of the world that many people are unable to. Enjoy yourself! "

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"My advice to anyone who is even remotely considering studying languages at university would be to just go for it. It is very easy to be influenced by family, friends and teachers to do something ‘sensible’ with a language in order to increase your career prospects, or to even avoid studying languages altogether because ‘everyone speaks English’. I faced these nonsensical opinions on a day to day basis during sixth form, but I can honestly say that choosing to study Spanish and Portuguese was the best decision I have ever made. My short time at Queen’s was a joy from start to finish, and getting the opportunity to learn a brand new language from scratch was a major highlight for me! The opportunities that I have been given in the few short months that I have worked at PwC as a direct result of my linguistic abilities are testament to how much of an asset multilingualism is in major international firms, so go for it!! I promise you won’t regret your decision to study languages, especially if you choose to study at Queen’s."

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"Look for opportunities you might not have thought of looking for. It might take you a while to find your path but you’re young and have loads of time to figure it out."

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"It’s not just teaching or translation! There are so many different jobs out there, so be ready to put in the hours of research and accept that it may take a few roles before you find what’s right for you."