Title of job
HR Adviser for a National Children's Charity

Languages studied for A level
French, Spanish and English

Languages studied at university
French, Spanish and European Studies (1st year)

University
University of Wales, Aberystwyth

Best thing about the cours
There were so many parts of the course that I thoroughly enjoyed. There was such a diverse range of modules on offer that I found it easy to find something that interested me. My favourite parts of the course were the Art, Film and Literature modules which helped give me such a great insight into the art and culture of another country. I remember the buzz that I felt when I first watched a Spanish film without subtitles and read a classic French novel in French! It was a great feeling! The course definitely opened up another world to me!

Where did you spend your year out?
I spent my wonderful year out in Rouen in Normandy in France and in Seville in Spain.

Do you think that the fact that you studied languages helped you to obtain this post?
Definitely. I think that my ability to speak Welsh was very marketable to my employer as it is a skill that I now use everyday at work with employees throughout Wales and has proved invaluable. I am a strong advocate of learning languages and spending time abroad for the skills and attributes that this experience will bring you; self-confidence, communication and interpersonal skills (crucial to any job!) adaptability, an ability to manage in difficult situations and diplomacy. All of these things are crucial to my work as a Human Resources Adviser!

Could you tell us more about the nature of the job outlining main tasks and responsibilities?
I give Human Resources advice to managers who work for the charity on often quite complex issues. I advise on procedures, employment law and how this has an impact on practice, training….the list is endless!

Do you use your languages frequently? If so, in which situations?
I use Welsh everyday on the telephone, in meetings and via e-mail. I also speak Spanish with a colleague from Barcelona. I also use my languages with friends that I am still very much in touch with from my year abroad. I also have a sister in Spain who I visit frequently.

What other jobs have you done since leaving university?
When I left university I worked in an international call centre in South Wales, using French and Spanish daily. I then returned to college to complete the postgraduate Human Resources qualification, CIPD. I then entered the Civil Service and worked in a HR department, moved to the Careers Service and am now working in the voluntary sector.

What is the best thing about learning another language in your opinion?
Languages help you to broaden your horizons and your mind. Being able to visit another country and converse with the locals is a very satisfying and personally rewarding experience. Languages are the passport to living and working in other countries. They give rewards on both a personal and professional level.

What would you say to those who are reluctant to carry on with their languages?
I would strongly advise them to continue with their studying of languages for all the reasons I have stated above. Learning a language is both fun and rewarding on so many different levels. They will give you an opportunity to experience life outside of the UK, to make friends all over the world and will help you to stand out from the crowd when looking for a job. They would be crazy not to!