IMPORTANCE OF ENGLISH IN EMPLOYMENT

The strong influence of globalization has pushed the entire Indian population to learn English, atleast the ones aspiring to get jobs in the corporate world. After the British left, English naturally became the language that connected people from various cultures, regions, states and also connecting us to people across the world. Since the British ruled most parts of the world, a lot of countries speak the English language. This happened without the British intending to. Globalization encouraged everyone to think beyond their nations. But how important is it for employment? Here are a few points that tell you why and what:

1. Main tool for employability: As private sector companies have gained major ground in becoming all the more competitive because of the change in world economy, employees are kept on their toes. Ones who do not take good care of their professional growth can easily perish. When employees can use English language efficiently, then they are seen as an asset to a team. It is much needed in order to remain employable. Knowledge of written and spoken English, good level of fluency is a must for career growth.
2. It is considered the most ‘common language’ for business: All international companies use English as a common language of communication. Even if large companies like Nokia did not start off with English, they did eventually have to get a workforce that fluently spoke English. One may be bilingual, but if the company you want to work for does not find a way to use the language you know, then they do not view you as employable. So knowing English is one the best things to get yourself ahead in career.
3. Knowing English well puts a lot more information at your fingertips: Most information found on the internet, international sources of information, magazines and research papers are all in English. There is a good chance you cut yourself off from a lot of relevant information if you can’t speak English. Even if you think you can translate, you lose time. This is another reason why companies prefer English speaking candidates – they see it as a time saver.
4. Your accent can affect your employability: Accents can actually affect your employability. Employers view heavy MTI or mother tongue influence in your spoken English to be a disadvantage as it can come in the way of communicating with team members and clients. Generally, even the best people in the corporate world may not like to discriminate you based on your accent but it sure forms a basis for making assumptions. A person with an accent is seen as an incompetent person or someone who is politically weak. They are assumed to be bad negotiators who cannot take decisions. Clear spoken English is extremely important for executive roles. When you speak well, you naturally impress!
5. Know which one is the Standard English: The pronunciation of Indians in English varies from region to region. So one may wonder is American English right? British English? Or which one of Indian accents? Well, during the beginning of Globalization, British English was naturally considered as standard. But with the rapid growth of American economy, American English became the standard in the tech companies at least.
6. Miscommunication can hamper your reputation: When you can’t communicate what you mean properly, especially if English is your second or third language, there is a good chance of miscommunication. Even if this does not cost you a lot of money or your job, it can sure have the capacity to ruin your reputation.

Communication essentially means exchange of ideas, information, thoughts and feelings. In the job world though, communication also means effective and positive transaction. This is why English is a must to make anyone employable, more so for people in the IT industry. THRIVE INFOTECH(TIT) trains its students not only in technical skills, but also in effective spoken English giving them over all grooming to make them more employable.