Catherine
Job Title
Export Manager
Company and Location
Pritchitts-Lakeland Dairies, Barcelona
Industry sector
Import & Export/Foodservice
Background
Ballymena Academy Grammar School
Queen’s University, Belfast
Why is Spanish important for your job?
Knowledge of the Spanish language and its dialects, Spanish culture and business style were prerequisites for this position.
Permanently residing and working in Spain requires consistently high levels of communication in Spanish in both my professional and personal life.
On a daily basis my job brings me into contact with a range of people from different backgrounds, from bakers to managing directors of multinational companies. I am constantly using Spanish on the telephone, in meetings, during presentations, translating marketing materials, emails to clients etc.
Having a modern language degree has certainly opened new directions for me. The range of opportunities instantly broadens on graduation. Graduates who can freely converse in both English and Spanish are a widely sought after asset in today’s international employment market given that Spanish is now spoken by over 400 million people.
Do you speak any other languages?
I speak French, conversational Italian and am trying to tackle Catalan!
What do you enjoy most about your job?
My experience with Pritchitts has been very positive. Not only have I been fortunate to travel extensively but I have also gained invaluable transferable skills, which will enhance my CV for any future career plans.
Having the freedom and flexibility to determine my own timetable, organising trips, planning events and a diverse workload are some of the most rewarding elements of my job. It is a daily challenge contending with the various obstacles that inevitably arise, however this has taught me so much in terms of the world of international business; a world I didn’t realise was open to me. I have gained experience in sales, marketing, PR, consultancy and learned how to analyse sales figures and create reports. When I read newspapers or watch television I often find that I gain a sense of how other people think, feel and react. This is essential in understanding how business works. It isn’t just about figures and forecasts!
I think previously a language degree was underestimated when compared to more traditional paths like law or medicine. However the presentation skills, the ability to converse in a non-native language and the cultural awareness gained are beginning to be recognised as an invaluable basket of skills by employers.
What other job skills were needed?
Strong organisational ability, a self-starter, the desire to succeed, drive and determination were some of the specified skills for this position.
The mandatory year abroad certainly sets language students apart in terms of their ability to adapt and demonstrates independence and a flexible attitude to change.
Source:Consejería de Educación