Foreign languages

In today’s global world, speaking several languages is a must that opens up a wealth of opportunities. By learning a new language, you can expand not only your horizons but also your job prospects – while at the same time finding joy in the process. Whether you choose to stick to the most widespread languages like Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, or Spanish or let your heart decide, you can always use it to your advantage. With this newfound knowledge, you can work (or take a side gig) as a tutor, an interpreter/translator, a content creator (anything from social media posts to vlogs) or simply enhance your skills within any profession. 

Where to start: 

  • make learning a new language a part of your daily life with apps like Duolingo (iOS or Android), Drops (iOS or Android),  Quizlet (iOS or Android), or Clozemaster (iOS or Android)

  • challenge yourself to take an online/offline course (a language course at ITMO’s Foreign Language Training Center, for instance)

Copywriting

If you are already well-versed in languages, you can find your next playground in copywriting, the art of creating original texts for marketing purposes. It can take any form: from blogging to making posts for social media platforms or creating email newsletters. This is an excellent field for all those who share love for both writing and marketing yet don't want to go all into one particular field. But while it may seem easy to get started, remember that being a successful copywriter requires a whole lot of expertise in other fields, too, including psychology, marketing research, and so on.

Where to start: 

  • learn how to write your first texts by taking some courses on Skillshare (a free one-month trial available)

  • practice by starting your own blog and getting a name for yourself on Medium

Credit: Campaign Creators (@campaign_creators) on Unsplash.com

Credit: Campaign Creators (@campaign_creators) on Unsplash.com

Sales and marketing

If you do want to step into the shoes of sales and marketing people, there are plenty of other options. Though marketing may seem like a real challenge when you don’t know squat about it, it is definitely worth the time and effort put in. Google Ads, web analytics, SMM (social media marketing), SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and SEM (Search Engine Marketing), and affiliate marketing – there’s no way you won’t find something for yourself in such an expansive field. 

Where to start: 

Graphics, photography, videography, or podcasting

Creatives are in, too, and what’s important, you don’t really need to be a “true” artist to embrace your creative self. Especially in today’s day and age, when so many new activities don’t require traditional art skills yet still foster creativity. You can, say, learn how to create artwork or designs with digital tools, capture or document memorable moments, as well as turn photos and videos into impressive productions, or even put up your own podcast.

Where to start: 

Coding

In our smart world, everything seems to run on code, so if you haven’t sent your first “Hello, world!” out there, it’s high time to learn how to do that – and more, if you have a knack for it. With numerous programming languages available, you can always find something that suits your interests and goals and get yourself a career that will stay in demand, be it in web, app, or even game development.

Where to start: 

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