Watch and listen.

Watch a short video with Zakia Osman from Erhverv Aarhus (Business Aarhus) who uses languages at work and recruits graduates with language and intercultural skills. Focus specifically on the part starting from 02.47 to 04.49. 

Reflect and respond.

Choose 2- 3 of the following questions to reflect on after watching the video. Write your answers in a learning journal, discussion post, or shared forum space. 

Guiding questions:

Optional extension: Connect

Choose one of the following short actions: 
•    Search for one of the companies or roles mentioned in the video and follow them on LinkedIn. 
•    Find and follow an international professional in your field. 
•    Prepare a short elevator pitch (written or recorded) to introduce yourself and your interests in a professional setting. 
 

In this video, Rebecca talks about her language studies and future plans.

Compare Rebecca’s reflections with your home country’s situation. 

In this activity, you will explore how social capital is reflected in real-world professional contexts and how your language learning experiences help you meet employer expectations. 

You will use ChatGPT to describe a project you did in your language class and then ask, “What employability skills does this demonstrate?” → This will help you make the learning-to-career connection more visible. 

Simulated job interviews or email writing tasks using AI can help students practice professional communication in multilingual settings. 

Think also about academics - teachers (and friends? and career consultants). 

Chatbot 

Hello, nice to meet you.  How can I help? 

I want to tailor my language talents so that they will stand out in job applications and interviews. 

• Where should I start? 

• Do you have some suggestions as to how language skills can be added to an employers’ wish list? 

Look at the table below. This activity connects language skills to global issues such as climate, global health, democracy and diversity and inclusion. 

Imagine yourself three years from now and reflect on how you could see yourself contributing to three of these issues. 

Create a visual representation for one or more of your chosen themes and use this to illustrate related language skills and potential career impacts. 

Optional extension for F2F workshop: Encourages students to explore non-traditional career paths where language skills play a key role. 

This activity helps you build your online professional presence by creating or improving your LinkedIn profile — with a focus on showcasing your language skills, intercultural competences, and employability. It also gives you a chance to practice writing in the target language (or bilingually).

Instructions:

1. Create or update your LinkedIn profile (you can use the platform in your target language or keep it bilingual — e.g., one section in English, another in French/German/etc.).
2. Focus on these key elements:
   • Headline: Write a short phrase that summarizes who you are (e.g., Language student with international experience | Interested in communication & cultural exchange).
   • About / Summary section: Write 4–6 sentences that describe your language background, intercultural experiences (e.g., exchange, teamwork, virtual collaboration), and your career interests. Use the target language here if possible.
   • Experience or Education: Add 1–2 experiences (e.g., courses, internships, projects) that involved using a language or working across cultures. Briefly explain what you did and what you learned.
   • Skills: Add skills like “Intercultural communication,” “Multilingual writing,” “Team collaboration,” “Translation,” “Presentation skills,” or specific language proficiencies (e.g., French C1).
   • Languages: Make sure to add all languages you speak or study, and indicate your level.

Optional extension:

• Ask a peer to review your profile and give you feedback (especially on your target language writing).
• Connect with 2–3 classmates, alumni, or professionals in your field of interest.
• Follow a company, organization, or thought leader working internationally or in your target language context.

Optional extension - Reflection (journal entry):

What was easy or difficult about writing your profile in the target language?
How do you feel your LinkedIn profile reflects your social capital and language background?

This activity helps you develop your networking and communication skills by reaching out to a former language graduate. You'll gain insights into how language skills are used in different careers and begin building your own professional connections.

Instructions:

​​​​​​​Follow-up reflection (Write 200–300 words)

Reflect on what you learned during the conversation. What surprised you?
How did the graduate describe the role of languages or networks in their career?
How might this conversation influence your own thinking about your professional path?

Optional extension:

• Summarize the interview and post your reflections in a shared forum or discussion board.
• Connect with your interviewee on LinkedIn and keep the relationship warm.