Hi, I’m Katya, the Marketing & Communications Manager at ICLS and a native Russian speaker. My own journey of career development is deeply intertwined with mastering the English language. As an international student in the United States, I quickly learned that being smart and ambitious wasn’t enough. Here’s how improving my English skills transformed my professional life — and how it can do the same for you.
1. English as a Key to Networking
When I started Masters at Duke, I was eager to connect with professionals and attend networking events. But without strong English skills, my ambition fell flat. Networking is about building relationships through effective communication. I found myself struggling to keep up with conversations and missing out on opportunities.
Back then, unfortunately, I didn't know about ICLS English for Professionals classes that combine all these activities, I immersed myself in English workshops, joined public speaking clubs, and practiced every chance I got. As my English improved, networking became less intimidating and more about genuine connections. It was no longer just about business cards — it was about building a professional community.
2. Standing Out in Presentations
Being able to present ideas clearly and confidently is crucial in any career. Early on, my accent made me self-conscious, and my speech often felt rushed. I knew my ideas were valuable, but I struggled to communicate them effectively.
I focused on improving my pronunciation, practicing in front of mirrors, recording myself, and even working on my accent with an accent coach. Targeted pronunciation practice like what ICLS offers in the English pronunciation classes pays off! I went from being just another voice in the crowd to a recognized leader, landing a marketing manager role. How you say something can be as important as what you say.
3. Listening: The Underrated Skill
In my master’s program, I quickly realized that professional meetings were a whole new ball game. Conversations moved quickly, often with multiple accents and viewpoints. Keeping up was challenging, and there were times I felt lost in the conversation. But I knew that to contribute effectively, I needed to enhance my listening skills.
I trained my ear by listening to news podcasts, watching authentic resources like TED talks, and engaging with diverse speakers. As my listening skills improved, so did my confidence. I became an active participant in meetings, contributing insights and engaging in discussions, which made me a more valuable team member.
4. Cultural Fluency
Language is more than just words — it's about understanding cultural nuances. Working in a diverse environment, understanding cultural differences — whether in humor, business etiquette, or communication styles — has been key to building strong professional relationships.
I learned to adapt my communication style, respect different perspectives, and navigate cultural differences effectively. This cultural sensitivity allowed me to lead international projects and collaborate successfully with global teams.
5. The High Stakes of Language Skills
The stakes are high when it comes to language skills. They have a direct impact on your salary, promotions, and overall career success. In my own experience, demonstrating advanced English proficiency has led to higher-paying job offers and faster career advancement. Employers value employees who can communicate effectively with global partners and clients because this ability directly contributes to business growth.
Improving my English skills wasn’t just about personal development; it was a strategic career move. It equipped me with the tools to perform at my best, achieve my goals, and excel in a competitive job market. It’s not just about getting the job (even if it's your first job in the US at all) — it’s about thriving in it and opening doors to new opportunities.
A Journey Worth Taking
Looking back, the journey to mastering English was challenging but immensely rewarding. It wasn’t just about learning a language; it was about unlocking my potential and positioning myself for success. Whether you’re an international student like I was, a professional aiming to climb the corporate ladder, or someone looking to expand your career horizons, investing in your skills to use English in a professional environment is a game-changer.
At ICLS, we understand that mastering business english is not just about grammar and vocabulary — it's about opening doors to new opportunities and enhancing your career prospects. Our English for Professionals courses are designed with your professional growth in mind, offering a blend of language instruction and cultural insights to help you communicate effectively in any situation.
Whether you prefer private lessons tailored to your specific needs or engaging group classes where you can learn from peers, our experienced instructors are here to guide you 😊
