Language studies offers a versatile skill set that cut across occupational boundaries. Whether in health, sales and service, trade, transport, or manufacturing, the competencies gained through language learning are eminently transferrable. This underlines the universal applicability of linguistic proficiency in an ever-transforming job landscape. 

Studying a new language with the Department of World Languages and Literatures at Simon Fraser University will equip you with not only strong communication skills but also cultivate a skill set that aligns with the evolving demands of an ever-diversifying labour market. Our language courses would make you a versatile and adaptable professional across different in-demand sectors like health, sales, trade, and manufacturing.

In Today’s Job Market, active listening, speaking, and reading comprehension are in high demand. Critical thinking and monitoring are key competencies. Judgement and decision making, complex problem solving, and social perceptiveness will drive nearly 40% of job openings by 2032 (Labour Market Outlook Report 2022).

The demand for people-oriented skills like active listening, critical thinking, intercultural competence, complex problem solving, and reading comprehension, are becoming non-negotiable as we transition into global workspaces. According to the Labour Market Outlook 2022, to thrive in the contemporary workplace, along with these people-oriented skills you require competencies like judgement, decision making, and social perceptiveness. The projected statistics showcase how these skills will influence 40 percent of expected job openings by 2032. (Full report here)