How Languages Can Shape Your Career- My Chester Journey by Will

What did you study at Chester?

I studied a Joint Honours degree in Modern Foreign Languages (French and German). The course combined language learning with cultural, political, and social studies, giving me a well-rounded understanding of both countries alongside strong linguistic ability.

One of the standout features of the course was its focus on real-world application, preparing us to use our languages in professional contexts, not just academic ones.

What are you doing now?

I’m currently working as a Project Manager on a graduate scheme at Turner & Townsend in Manchester, which I’m due to complete in September 2026. Since starting, I’ve been fortunate to gain experience across a wide range of high-profile and diverse projects. These have included the Co-op Live Arena, a recording studio for Adidas, multiple education establishments spanning primary, secondary, higher education (and SEND settings), as well as data centres.

My role involves coordinating stakeholders, managing timelines and ensuring successful delivery of the project, often within complex and fast-paced environments. The skills I developed during my degree, particularly my communication and organisation skills, play a key role in my day-to-day work.

Do you have a standout memory from your time at university?

One of my favourite memories from Chester was a festive trip to the Christmas markets with the entire languages team, including our professors. After a great day out, around ten of us returned to my Uni house, where my housemates and I cooked a full Christmas dinner for everyone.

The trip to the markets really captured the close-knit and supportive nature of the staff and students on the course. The lecturers weren’t just teachers, they genuinely took an interest in us as individuals, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable.

Another highlight was taking up the opportunity for a short course in an additional language (Russian) alongside my degree. It was a nice surprise to find out that my German professor had also coincidentally signed up to the same course and we had great fun trying to beat each other in the weekly vocab test! (He will tell you that he won every week!)

What were the best things about your course?

One of the best aspects of the Modern Foreign Languages course at Chester was how approachable and supportive the lecturers were. They encouraged curiosity, welcomed questions and allowed us to explore cultural topics that went beyond the curriculum, something that proved incredibly valuable during my third year at university when I lived abroad.

The year abroad itself was undoubtedly a defining part of the course. As a Joint Honours student, I was required to spend time in both Germany and France either working or studying. As I had already studied at IDRAC Business School in Lyon in my second year, I was keen on choosing the “work abroad” route, which was more challenging both in securing placements and in organising documentation, particularly due to visa requirements following Brexit, but it was hugely rewarding.

In Germany, I worked for Volkswagen in Zwickau and taught English to junior managers aiming to progress in their careers. In France, I worked in Paris for Rider Levett Bucknall SQA, where I was first introduced to the world of project management.

Before my year abroad, I wasn’t entirely sure of my career path, but these experiences gave me the clarity and direction I needed. They confirmed my ambition to work as a project manager, in a global business whilst using my language skills on national and international projects.

What are some skills from your course that you use today?

The course equipped me with a range of transferable skills that I use daily as a Project Manager. My language skills have enabled me to be selected for key international projects.

Effective communication is a key skill. As a languages student, you’re constantly presenting, debating, and articulating ideas, in multiple languages. This has given me the confidence to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior clients and decision-makers.

Teamwork and leadership were also central to the course. Many of our assignments involved group work and presentations, which helped me develop collaboration skills and take initiative when leading tasks, something that translates directly into managing project teams.

Networking is another key part of my role, and the confidence I built at university has been invaluable. It has even led to opportunities such as becoming a board member for Generation for Change (G4C), which serves as a platform for early-career talent, apprentices, and graduates to connect, share ideas, and influence decision-makers in the construction industry.

Do you have any advice for future students?

My biggest piece of advice is to step outside your comfort zone, especially during your year abroad. Take every opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture, push your language skills and challenge yourself professionally and personally.

I’d also recommend planning early for graduate schemes, should that be the route you wish to take. Start preparing in the summer before your final year so you’re ready to apply as soon as applications open from September. The process can be timely and competitive, mine involved 5 stages culminating in a day in London presenting to a board of directors along with group work with other potential applicants. Preparation for this makes a huge difference.

Finally, make the most of your time and enjoy it. University goes by quickly and Chester offers such a welcoming and supportive environment.

Get involved, meet new people and take advantage of everything on offer!   

Make sure to check out our languages course page to see how you could start your globally-minded next step to a great career at Chester!