Name: Rachel
Age: 25
Degree: French & German
Year of graduation: 2004
Current Job title: Account Manager
Background
I am from Lincolnshire and went to Horncastle Grammar School. I studied French, German and Maths A Levels. Before University I took a year out to do a ski season in the Austrian Alps working as a Chalet Host followed by working in a luxury hotel in Cap d'Antibes, South France. The choice of these areas wasn't necessarily made with my degree choice in mind (I had applied to defer entry to Manchester so I knew I had a place), it was mainly made to cater for my winter sports passion and a fun summer environment in which to work. I had the time of my life during this gap year! The by-product was that it did also help my languages enormously.
Why Manchester and why languages?
The University of Manchester has an excellent reputation so it was that, coupled with its vibrancy as a city, which made the choice simple. Both the University and the city have so much to offer and made the years there both enormously fun and rewarding. Sport is also important to me and Manchester competed at a high level in many sports. Both an aptitude and keenness for proficiency in languages made the degree choice obvious for me.
Year out
My third year out of the four year degree was spent on work placements in both Düsseldorf, Germany and Lyon, France. I opted to gain skills in business environments (A shipping firm and Renault Trucks Engineering respectively) to boost my experience upon graduating.
What next?
I was fortunate enough to start my graduate job, and current position, at Thomson Financial, London, in the Autumn of 2004, shortly after graduating.
Where are you now?
I live in Central London with a short walk over the river to my job in the City. My role as an Account Manager for IFR Markets - a real-time financial news and analysis product - ensures I make good use of my language skills with frequent travel to European financial capitals. I've gained great experience and knowledge of the Financial Markets and am responsible for ensuring our clients' financial information needs are met. I was hired for this role on the basis of my language skills (required a 2:1 or 1st in both two European languages) and I certainly wouldn't have been considered without them. The Financial Markets aspect was to be learnt whilst in the role if I had no prior knowledge, which I didn't.
Do you still use your languages?
I use my languages on a virtually daily basis communicating with clients - I used my German this afternoon! It certainly is key in my role; I could in theory get by without them as the international financial community can almost all conduct business in English, however it is much appreciated and valued, for the effort alone, if I speak their language. Forming firmer business relations with clients is nearly guaranteed if the effort to speak their language, in their country, is made. On a personal front, on foreign trips and holidays, and even in cosmopolitan London, things are much simpler, more appreciated, and more pleasurable being able to communicate in their native language. Plus you're instantly more welcome - especially in France!