5 Ways to Further your Career with Business English Lessons

Being fluent in English is a necessary and sought-after skill for anyone working in an international environment. If your role requires travel, managing an online presence, and dealing with suppliers, partners or clients from around the globe, you will likely use English for many purposes throughout your day-to-day.

In many cases, this is considered in the hiring stages, and people aiming for such roles start focusing on developing their English at the early stages of their education and career. Thus having an advantage over other applicants and being able to perform their tasks and communicate easily.

While becoming fluent in English is necessary, developing your language skills in business and your specific work area is also important. This is where business English lessons come in.

What is the difference between General and Business English Courses?

In General English courses, one learns the basics of grammar, sentence structure, pronunciation and vocabulary through everyday topics. In Business English lessons, you not only build upon what you learned in General English. As it is a type of (ESP) English for a Specific Purpose, it focuses on specific business topics and contexts. It includes vocabulary, grammar, and communication methods customised for business tasks, including meetings, presentations, negotiations, emails, reports, and networking.

Why is Business English needed?

In the same way, other skills critical for your role keep evolving, and so must your English skills. While general English courses and obtaining a high level of English will help you get ahead, they are not enough. Your Business English communication skills need to be on par with your native language, whether it’s for functional language such as debating, sharing opinions, delivering presentations, or even when it comes to industry terms. In today’s globalised world, where English is the universal language of the business world, it is crucial to communicate effectively and professionally.

Do I need Business English if my level is C1?

Even if you have reached C1 in English, Business English can still be highly beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, Business English involves highly specialised vocabulary specific to industries and professional contexts that, as a C1 student, you might not be familiar with. Business English lessons help target areas that will fill the gap between being fluent in English and fluent in English for work. Additionally, business communication involves cultural norms and etiquette specific to the business world, not only language for proficiency. Therefore, it will allow you to learn how to navigate the international business world better.

5 Ways to Further Your Career with a Business English Course at BELS

1. Improve networking skills

Our school brings professionals from various backgrounds and industries to share ideas, contribute to discussions, and develop their skills. Apart from being academically rewarding, Business English courses provide a great atmosphere for networking and opening up to new perspectives. Practising networking in the school environment will, in turn, give you the confidence to do it in real-life contexts.

2. Know current trends and news

At BELS, our business English group courses are delivered with a communicative approach to encourage student participation. The course content is planned using relevant case studies and practical business scenarios to replicate a real-world business environment. By having exposure to authentic materials in the lessons, you will stay up to date with the business world and be given the skills to use these materials in your daily work.

3. Sound more professional

Your expertise in your field is undeniable. However, conveying that expertise effectively in international business settings requires strong Business English skills. Business English bridges this communication gap, ensuring your ideas and expertise are clearly understood by international colleagues. This fosters stronger relationships, collaboration, and, ultimately, professional recognition. By overcoming language barriers, fine-tuning your skills and mastering business jargon, phrases and idioms in your Business English course, you can take your career to the next level.

4. Have personalised course content in individual business lessons

In addition to group courses, which deal with general English, individual business English lessons can address your specific challenges at work. During your first lesson, your teacher will conduct a needs analysis to learn more about you, your English needs, and your business area. After that, a learning plan that meets your aims will be designed. This will include material relevant to you, and with your teacher, you can work on practical content that can easily be implemented for your daily tasks at work. They can also help you prepare for any upcoming meeting, presentation, or job interview.

5. Obtain an Internationally recognised certificate

At the end of your courses, you’ll receive a BELS certificate of attendance showing that you have taken a Business English course. Our certificate has several local and international accreditations. This will greatly add to your resume and application and help open new global business doors. You can also add it directly to your LinkedIn account.

Email us at [email protected] to speak with a consultant for a personalised learning plan and quotation.