Securing a Job Promotion Through English Skills

Hi there! I’m Svitlana, hailing from Kyiv, Ukraine. Mastering English has transformed my career, unlocking a world of new opportunities. I’m excited to share my journey with you today!

I first encountered English in school, but after graduation, I hardly used it. Recognizing that English is a vital skill in today’s business world, I made several attempts to teach myself through books and various resources. Unfortunately, my motivation waned each time, leading me to give up too soon.

One day, I received an exciting job offer to become a support specialist for an international company. Although I was enthusiastic about the role, it required an intermediate (B1) level of English proficiency. Undeterred, I conveyed my beginner status but expressed my strong desire to improve quickly. That’s when I discovered the LingualNeeds platform, which became my go-to resource for enhancing my language skills.

Learning with a tutor: offline or online? 

When I first started learning English, I couldn’t speak a word. Faced with the need to improve my skills rapidly, I began my search for an expert who could guide me. My top priority was to find a local English tutor, and that’s when I discovered LingualNeeds. The platform made it easy for me to find the ideal tutor for online lessons. I carefully reviewed introductory videos, profile descriptions, and student feedback, allowing me to select the perfect tutor in no time.

What I appreciate most about LingualNeeds is the flexibility they offer in selecting tutors. This feature allowed me to explore different teaching styles and find the perfect match for my learning needs. Fortunately, my search was short-lived; my first tutor turned out to be the ideal fit!

Recently, I explored online learning through LingualNeeds Space, and I was pleasantly surprised by how effective it was—just as effective as traditional in-person lessons! The major advantage is the time saved by not having to travel to a physical location. Plus, online lessons offer the unique opportunity to connect with tutors from different cities or even countries, broadening your learning experience.

In my initial lesson, I struggled to express anything beyond my name and age. However, just a few weeks later, my confidence soared, and I began conversing with my colleagues in English. Within a few months, I was comfortably chatting with customers online! My breakthrough moment came when a foreigner in a store approached me with a question, and I realized how far I had come.

•  Do you speak English?

And I answered without a moment’s hesitation:

• Yes, I do. How can I help you?

During my time out of work, I hadn’t considered the importance of speaking English. Yet, I found myself effortlessly engaging in spontaneous conversations with foreigners. This experience reignited my passion for learning the language!

In just six months at my new job, I earned a promotion and took on the responsibility of onboarding and coordinating new team members—all while communicating in English!

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Top tips for language learners

For me, the biggest hurdle in learning is maintaining dedication, particularly during those times when motivation dips. Fortunately, my tutor has been a constant source of inspiration, helping me stay focused and committed to my goals.

From the outset, he crafted a tailored learning plan that perfectly matched my needs, featuring a variety of engaging lessons. Whether we delved into grammar or discussed a film, there was never a dull moment. My tutor’s kindness and intelligence made each session enjoyable and stimulating. As a result, I chose to keep learning with him even after I achieved my desired level of English.

I established a structured learning routine with my tutor, scheduling one-hour sessions twice a week. I discovered that having a set plan is far more convenient and effective than constantly searching for spare moments for lessons. This consistency not only cultivates a learning habit but also integrates English practice into my daily life, making it feel like a natural part of my routine.

To sum up, here are my top tips on how to learn the language and succeed:

• Identify your motivation — why you need this language and how you’re going to use it. 
• Establish a consistent learning routine by scheduling your English lessons at specific times.
• Incorporate language learning into your daily routine by engaging with enjoyable activities. For instance, watch movies in your target language, using subtitles if needed, to enhance your skills while having fun.
• Connect with supportive peers or a tutor to stay motivated in your language learning journey, even during challenging times.

The primary resources that help me stay on track and improve my language skills day by day are:

• LingualNeeds for online lessons with tutors.
• Reverso Context is a helpful contextual dictionary with tons of examples of formal and informal language usage.
• Medium for reading English articles on various topics.

So, what’s next?

Mastering English has significantly boosted my confidence in the workplace. I now proudly serve as a Software Engineer specializing in Testing and Quality Assurance at an international firm. Each day, I engage with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, enhancing my communication skills in English. Additionally, my newfound language abilities have opened doors for me to travel abroad, allowing me to explore and immerse myself in various cultures worldwide.

My next goal is to enhance my speaking skills and reach a higher level of proficiency. I’m committed to achieving my language objectives and aim to speak English with greater confidence and accuracy.

Feeling inspired? Check out our article on how to improve your English speaking skills at home.