Name: Helen Kennedy

Work: Professional Development Coordinator, Careers Wales West

Languages studied for A level: French and Spanish

Languages studied at university: French and Spanish

University: UWIC

Best thing about the course:
Being on work placement in Lille, France – I worked for a bank called Credit Commerciale de France.

Where did you spend your year out?
Lille (It wasn’t a year, only 3 months, as my degree was not pure French, but languages combined with Business Studies, and it was only a 3 year degree).

Do you think that the fact that you studied languages helped you to obtain this post? Not my current post.

Could you tell us more about the nature of the job outlining main tasks and responsibilities?
As a Professional Development Coordinator with Careers Wales West I organise a range of Professional Development Programmes across South West Wales, for teachers and lecturers (primary/secondary/FE/HE), so that they can improve and update their knowledge and skills, raise commercial awareness and enhance their teaching in relation to the business dimension and work related curriculum, and their skills in relation to management issues.

I am also responsible for marketing these programmes and ensuring teachers/lecturers and business partners participation in these programmes, in order that they impact on as wide a range of participants (and thereby students) across the Careers Wales West area as possible

Do you use your languages frequently? If so, in which situations?
I like going on holidays to France as often as possible, and have friends in Paris, so I like to practise my French then.

What other jobs have you done since leaving university?
I worked for Abbey National for 6 years as a Financial Advisor, followed by 2 years working for HSBC as a Financial Planning Manager. I taught Business Studies for a year before starting work with Careers Wales.

What is the best thing about learning another language in your opinion?
People from other cultures always appreciate it when you communicate with them in their own language, rather than expecting them to speak English, and you certainly build up a better rapport with them. I also think learning another language keeps your mind agile and is great fun!

What would you say to those who are reluctant to carry on with their languages?
I think that learning a language is becoming more and more important, many British companies are expanding into other countries, or are indeed being taken over by foreign companies for example Abbey National is now owned by Banco Santander in Spain. I think learning a language can open up many careers opportunities to you, especially if you are prepared to travel. It always looks impressive on your cv if you can speak another language.