After spending an entire week in Acapulco, Mexico, I have come to a few realizations. First, college is almost over and this spring break is one of the last times that I will have the freedom to hang out with my friends WHENEVER I want. Second, college students are crazy, period. Third, which actually relates to this blog, is how little Spanish I remember since high school, yet how important foreign languages are in the business world. I stood by feeling unintelligent, able to understand only some words, while my friends that actually took Spanish in college carried on full-blown conversation with natives of Acapulco. I should express my utmost gratitude for their fluency, as they saved us mucho dinero on cabs, dinners and drinks. 
While not all consulting firms are international, even domestic firms work with clients within the United States that speak different languages. At some point in your career, you are bound to have some encounters where you wished you knew another language . You are at a great advantage over other candidates if you can comfortably communicate in a foreign language because those who are bilingual are few and far between.
Even if you have not taken foreign language courses in college (I know, they are dreadful) it may be a good idea to brush up on whatever you took in high school. If you can show a company that you have taken initiative that will improve client relationships in the future, an interviewer will be impressed. Communication is extremely important in the consulting industry in terms of making sure that the professional understands a client's needs and that the client knows the services that will be provided to them.
Here are some great sites to brush up on your foreign language skills:
Or take a FREE online language course!




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