| A bit leftfield, but... Although it remains to be seen what will happen to languages - learn a second language (human) fluently. I always thought that being a native English speaker put me at such an advantage compared to people from other parts of the world in business, but a lot of my peers in Western Europe are fluent in English and of course fluent in their own language, if not fluent in another as well. If you're in the USA, it might be less of an issue (I'm in the UK), but I think it will be an increasingly important differentiator, particuarly if you work for a company which is looking to diversify overseas or is a multi-national. It will also bring many other benefits
1. Freedom to travel lots of places (ok, you can get by on English in most places, but being fluent in either French or Spanish opens up a whole new world of places you can travel to confidently) 2. If you travel a fair bit, it just makes you a more confident person. (I haven't travelled much myself, but obviously friends etc have and those who have travelled are more confident, more outgoing and probably more likely to succeed) 3. Having being involved in work for clients overseas, although they can speak fluent English - there is kudos and also deeper understanding if you can speak their language as well. As well as programming languages, learn a second human language, I sure as wish I had kept up some of mine. It will keep you in good stead for both business and life. |