Business English - Is it for you?
Business English – is it for you?
Achievement in business often hinges on one single, yet significant word – communication; and in the United Kingdom, most of it happens in English. The English language is used in almost over 70 countries, and If you are a modern-day personal and professional development junkie…Business English would be something to consider.
Since many businesses choose to work across international borders, studying, not only English, but also Business English, helps students to succeed in the global perspective.
(Photo Credit : http://www.englishuec.com/wp-content/uploads/business-english-skills.jpg )
So what is Business English all about?
Taken straight out of Wikipedia, it is defined as:
“Business English means different things to different people. For some, it focuses on vocabulary and topics used in the worlds of business, trade, finance, and international relations. For others it refers to the communication skills used in the workplace, and focuses on the language and skills needed for typical business communication such as presentations, negotiations, meetings, small talk, socializing, correspondence, report writing, and a systematic approach. In both of these cases it can be taught to native speakers of English, for example, high school students preparing to enter the job market. Business English is a variant of international English. One can study it at a college or university. Institutes around the world have courses or modules in BE available, which can lead to a degree in the subject.”
Let’s look at a few of the many reasons why Business English is fundamental to your success?
Learning Detailed Business English Skills
Plainly speaking, Business English helps you build on your existing English skills. However, students also learn more multifaceted industry-specific language skills, such as vocabulary or practical skills such as creating business letters or writing up minutes from a meeting, which are all vital skills for the workplace environment.
Understanding Different Theories
In today’s business world the people who climb the ladder are the ones that characterize both creative and constructive thinking. Technology and trends are ever-changing and at a fast pace, so it’s important to understand how the world economy works, not only today but also throughout its history.
Thus, learning and reading business English allows students to understand business trends and the many reasons behind various business practices in a variety sectors.
Focus on Current News, Trends and Services
If you are part of a Business English class, you will find a curriculum that uses current texts complemented by articles from real-life publications. This means that you get the opportunity to cover everything from Digital Marketing, up-to-date technology all the way to the different academic services industries offer, to new e-commerce trends for small businesses.
Many of the projects and assignments are based on the news (both old and new), so you also get a chance to think collectively with your peers to complete your assignments.
Gaining Confidence
All of these presentations, reading exercises, listening and writing activities that the students do in the classroom, help them to gain the confidence they need both personally as well as professionally in any work place environment. You tend to develop a better understand of the often complicated business environment. Studying Business English will also ensure that you are proficient in the use of English for email communications, Proofreading, Editing etc.
Corporate Interpersonal Skills
Taking a Business English class involves regular group work and presentations, and this prepares students for working with people from all walks of life. You also get an extra advantage by sharing ideas with people from different nationalities and cultural backgrounds. Successful businesses, especially the International ones, thrive on this sense of accomplishment of their employees and of colleagues being able to work in a professional manner.
Having this superior level of English language communication skills is especially helpful if your job requires you to communicate with clients and customers from around the world in English, or if you are planning on working abroad in an English-speaking country or moving there in order to look for employment. One last pull-factor, Business English gives you the advantage to help you choose what career path to take once you step out into the big world.
Written by Biba Reyatt
LinkedIn: Biba Reyatt
Twitter: @BehindSpaces
Google+ : Beez Reyatt
