Name
Marie – Claire

Title of job
Civil Servant

Languages studied for A level
French and English

Languages studied at university
French and Italian

University
Cardiff

Best thing about the course
Year abroad

Where did you spend your year out?
Nantes, France

Do you think that the fact that you studied languages helped you to obtain this post? It has certainly helped and will be extremely useful for the future. I am sourcing beauty products from both France and Italy to sell in my boutique, so speaking the local language is s definite bonus.

Could you tell us more about the nature of the job outlining main tasks and responsibilities?
I am in the process of setting up my own luxury cosmetics, skincare and perfume boutique.

Do you use your languages frequently?
Liasing with French and Italian suppliers and when I go to France and Italy to source new cosmetics and perfumes it is always useful to speak the local language. I get better deals speaking to the supplier in his/her native language, than I would if I just spoke to them in English.

What other jobs have you done since leaving university?
I worked at the Hilton on leaving university in 1999. My knowledge of French and Italian certainly came in useful when the French and Italian rugby teams came to stay for the 1999 World Cup!

What is the best thing about learning another language in your opinion?
The ability to speak to people in their own language and seeing their surprise and delight instead of being lazy and just speaking in English.

What would you say to those who are reluctant to carry on with their languages? You will always regret it later on in your life. On that holiday to France or Spain, when you want to book a room, order a meal or ask directions and you can't remember the phrases - you'll kick yourself.