Languages studied for A Level
French and Spanish

Languages studied at University
French, Spanish and Italian

University
University of Wales, Cardiff

Best thing about the course
There are so many great things about studying a language! One of the greatest is the variety. A language course offers such a range of learning, in addition to the language itself you learn about the history, politics, society, culture, music, food, wine and lots more! There is also the fantastic year abroad!

Where did you spend your year abroad?
Spain - in the beautiful and lively city of Granada
France - Nantes - the city twinned with Cardiff where the 1998 Football World Cup was held

Current Job Title
Training Consultant for HRM Software, a software company

Do you think that the fact that you studied languages helped you to obtain this post?
Yes, the course taught me invaluable skills which I use everyday e.g. communication, inter-personal, listening, presentation, confidence, adaptability, ability to cope in un-familiar surroundings. My experiences helped me grow as a person making me more attractive to a prospective employer.

Could you tell us more about the nature of the job outlining main tasks and responsibilities
HRM Software develops software for Human Resources. We create applications to store staff's details - addresses, salary, absences, etc. - and analyse this data. As a Training Consultant I am in charge of the company's training. I train the HR staff at our world-renown clients (including Vodafone, Lloyds TSB, Philips) how to use our software. I often travel around the UK and abroad to deliver training at our clients' offices. Clients also come to our office in London to attend training in our specialised training facilities. In addition to delivering training I develop new courses and produce supporting material such as user guides and exercises.

I really enjoy my job. It is a very varied and interesting role. I enjoy working with people and this job involves a great deal of interaction with many different people. I find helping people to learn very rewarding. I get a great deal of satisfaction from seeing my clients progressing and understanding what I'm teaching them.

Do you use your languages frequently? If so, in which situations?
I don't use my languages every day but we have many international clients so I do use them occasionally. I have run training courses in foreign languages and used my languages to speak to clients on the phone. One of our multi-national clients has an office in France, their HR officer in France does not speak good English so thanks to my degree I was able to train her in her own language.

What other jobs have you done since leaving university?
I have worked for BT as a Customer Service Advisor. I have also worked for the Life Assurance and Pensions company Clerical Medical on the IT help desk and as a Department Administrator for the Training Department.

What is the best thing about learning another language in your opinion?
Studying a language gives you the opportunity to learn about so much more than just the language itself. You learn about the people, the culture, the country, the history, the politics. Learning a language broadens your mind because it teaches you about different ways of life.

What would you say to those reluctant to continue with their languages?
Studying a language teaches you invaluable life skills. Good communication skills are an asset in all areas of life, on a personal and professional level. Learning a language develops you as a person because it teaches you about the world and exposes you to different ways of doing things. It opens up the world to you because it means that you can easily work and travel abroad. The ability to communicate with the locals when you go on holiday will enrich your experience and offer you a real insight into the native culture. Local people will be flattered and will be keen to chat when they find out that you speak their language, so you'll make lots of friends! Studying a language isn't like studying other subjects. Studying a language becomes a way of life! It permeates and enriches every aspect of your life - from the food that you eat, to the films that you watch at the cinema; from the music you listen to, to where you go on holiday! Studying a language will offer you so many new opportunities, you won't regret it!