Hi, starting IB SA position in summer.
already speak english and french fluently, but was wondering language i should go for next?
i am thinking italian or german?
thanks
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Hey man, most popular I see requested are:
French / German / Italian / Nordics as the top (Nordics debatable, could be tier below)
Spanish / Dutch slightly behind that but still very helpful
Other languages usually not requested explicitly
Particularly given you already have one of the preferred languages above, unless you have a genuine passion for languages, I wouldn't bother learning a new one. IB / PE need people who are fluent to a native degree and unless you are a prodigy not sure you will get to the level that will be useful. The time would probably better spent preparing technically / crafting your story / focusing on becoming a top performer in your SA / Analyst stint.
Maybe some others disagree so happy to be corrected, but for context I was in a position where I was advanced conversational in one of the top languages plus English native. Mentors in PE, whose opinions I hugely respect, were all aligned that I focus on preparing technicals / story / hobbies of interest rather than trying to become native-level in that language. The basis being that I would never get to a level where PEs would take it seriously.
ok great. thanks for such a clear/logical answer!
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