Data analyst internship jobs offer insight into a field that’s expected to increase in demand by 35% through 2032. Interns must make the most out of the experience, learning as much as they can and making vital connections.
But if you’re not multilingual, will it hold you back? Do you need language skills to succeed in this field?
Importance of Language Skills in the Global Work Environment
Language skills are never bad for professionals, according to Capital Placement. If you speak more than one language, it will open the doors in other areas of your career. For example, if you speak English but pick up the following languages to any degree, it is beneficial:
- Arabic
- Mandarin
- Spanish
- Etc.
Globalization increases the value of language learning because you may become the main form of contact for a customer or client who doesn’t speak a certain language. You’ll also find that being multilingual will reduce frustration and also build social relationships that may not have been possible otherwise.
Language Requirements for Data Analysts Interning Abroad
Do data analyst internship jobs require you to know multiple languages? No. You can certainly offer more during your internship if you do speak multiple languages. But it’s even more important to know programming languages.
Some of the top languages that data analysts are using in 2024 are:
- Java
- Python
- R
You don’t need to be proficient in all of these languages, but knowing the basics can help a lot. Knowledge of SQL or BigQuery and running queries are other ways to make yourself stand out when applying for an internship.
However, let’s assume that you plan on going to Germany to pursue an internship. If you know English and German, you’ll have a much easier time than if you only speak English.
Why?
You’ll often connect with your coworkers on a deeper level by speaking their native language. Since over 50% of Germans speak English, your lack of German may be overlooked if you have exceptional skills in other areas of data analysis.
Benefits of Multilingualism in Data Analytics
When you work in an international environment, being multilingual is always going to be beneficial. You’ll benefit from:
- Easier experience trying to gain insight into certain target audiences and markets
- Understanding how certain cultural preferences and behaviors lead to customer decisions
There’s immense power in the ability to speak and understand someone’s target language. You’ll truly excel in the workplace if you can talk to others in their native tongue, and if you analyze data sets across languages, your skills will be crucial to your success.
In terms of customer service or asking customers for detailed information, it’s much easier if you speak their language than asking them to translate into your own language.
Important details may be lost in translation when speaking to customers or clients, and this can have a negative impact on your ability to understand certain key data points.
Challenges of Not Being Multilingual
Entering into a data analyst internship abroad is an exciting, invigorating experience that can kickstart your career in ways that are impossible otherwise. You’ll find that if you land in a country and don’t speak the language – at all – you’ll be at a disadvantage because:
- Creating relationships with your coworkers will be more challenging.
- Analyzing certain datasets may not be possible.
- Everyday life is impacted, including small things that you never thought about, such as ordering food from a restaurant.
If you do have to analyze multilingual datasets, knowing certain languages may be a requirement of the internship and immediately disqualify you from being approved.
Alternatives and Supports for Non-Multilingual Interns
If you want to work in an international environment and are not multilingual, your options are:
- Seek internships where you’ll speak and work only in your native language.
- Select countries where you know that the main professional language spoken is your own.
Research your opportunities and ensure that you select those that are the best fit for you and your respective skills. Do not try pursuing an internship in a country where you don’t speak the language because it may not provide the experience that you expect.
Even if the professional work environment does speak your native language, spend time learning the local language because it can make the internship even more beneficial. A few phrases and words can go a long way in helping you make connections and friends.
In Conclusion
Being multilingual will always be an asset in the workplace and make you an invaluable part of the team for an employer. If you hone your skills and reach even B1 fluency, it can mean the difference between you being hired or landing an internship over someone else.
Any professional who wants to increase their value to employers can start to learn a new, in-demand language that is a good fit in the region in which they plan on seeking employment.
