Learning a new language?

[Miles Overton]

Hello everyone

I want people’s opinion on this,

I have been given the opportunity to go and study a language of my choice abroad to help further my career for 6-9 months in an intensive language school. As much as I doubt this will get me fluent I am sure it will get me to a very high standard and provide a great base for future development whilst working within the security/intelligence industry.

So for working as a CPO (hopefully one day a ASIS CPP) or even for working anywhere within the security Industry would it be better to,

1) Learn Arabic in UAE
2) Learn Spanish in Barcelona

I feel that over 25 years I could learn both but really need to focus on one for the first 5 years.

My father lives in Barcelona and is really keen on me learning Spanish as he can help me and support me whilst I’m not working + I could use my FAC to start competing in IPSC out there and attend the ASIS European Conference. But I was thinking surly Arabic would open loads of doors right?

I am only just 23 and currently grooming my self for better jobs within the security/intelligence/CPO industry whilst also working as a security supervisor on a large London based residential property with over 100 flats for the Past 6 months (18 months total guarding experience). I don’t hold a degree but did finish college with 3 good A levels (1C and 2B's) I worry about have no military experience except 5 years in the cadets which hardly counts, so given the opportunity I would really be interested in working for the UK government and would love to gain a quality they desire strongly to improve my chances. I am hopeful also that the right language would really open up doors in consultancy for me when I am old and full of experience. I would like a language that not only opened up doors for me and showed my true ability but also my dedication and professional work ethos, instead of just another undergraduate student!

Let me know your thoughts on this

Many thanks

Miles

[sorcerer]

The world is your oyster miles!! you choose...I'm 43 and just starting out where you are and I anticipate ending up in the same place......you've got all the time in the world....so take your time...incidentally the security services are seeking fluent Arabic speakers , as well as Mandarin and Korean etc....go for it!!!!

[andy_m]

Hey there Miles, just be aware that with Arabic there are many variants. Although the basics are the same there are nuances much the same as there is between English and American.

[chris]

Hi Miles,

I agree with both Sorcerer & Andy-m // I'll only add one thing, if you decided to learn Arabic in the UAE I wouldn't tell too many people your reasons for learning it ! Can you not do both ? Does your father speak fluent spanish ? if so hold the comms between you and him only in spanish, good luck.

[willmeg]

Miles....knowing the language in the Country you are working is pretty essential in my view. Although you cannot be expected to learn everyone, but a good working knowledge is helpful. Arabic is a great one to learn if you plan to stay in this line of work. It will give you the edge over someone else if your skills, education and experience are similiar.

Your young so it will be easier...don't wait too long, the grey matter gets slow and spongy with age.

Russ

[24/7]

Hi Miles,

With English and Spanish you are on the right track, Spanish is so widely spoken in so many different countries and dont forget you don't just want to work in the Middle East. I speak German and I 'm also trying to learn Spanish with the help of my partner who comes from Spain and this with 35 years. So as the others have already said you have so much time,so learn as much as possible in the time you have. Always do more then the rest Miles and you will find your way.

[David Meido]

Miles,

The thing to remember is that what makes you stand out from other people going for the same job is what skills you add to the team. Languages is one of the USP's (unique selling points) that you can really build a career on, and the ability to speak Arabic to a decent level is certainly something that you will be able to earn money off the back of for years to come.

Whether Spanish or Arabic really depends on where you see yourself working over the next few years. A lot of people say 'I'll work anywhere', but it is often worthwhile to identify regions or sectors that you feel you might want to specialise in, and build up the skills and resources to allow you to do that to a level that potential competitors will not be able to compete with.

One word of warning... speaking languages is a real plus - but that does not mean that you just know how to say 'Two beers please'. If you claim to speak a language, you really need to be comfortable operating in that environment, as you will be the person the TL and client/Principal will be turning to for all local-language requirements. Having said that, languages bring their own reward within themselves, and will give you a whole new perspective to the experiences you will have in those countries.

Best of luck,

David