Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.46672/zsl.10.11.9
THE IMPACT OF MULTILINGUALISM ON THE PROFESSIONAL MOBILITY AND INTERNATIONAL CAREERS OF STUDENTS
Martina Majić
; Sveučilište VERN
Siniša Jovčić
orcid.org/0009-0009-5129-5383
; Sveučilište VERN
Magdalena Bednjanec
orcid.org/0009-0007-0975-5302
; Tehničko veleučilište u Zagrebu
Abstract
This paper analyzes the correlation between multilingualism, professional mobility, and career development among students at Croatian universities within the context of international careers and mobility. The research was conducted on a sample of 250 students from the University of Zagreb, VERN’ University, and Libertas International University during the 2024/2025 academic year. The primary objective was to determine the extent to which foreign language proficiency influences employability, career progression, and readiness for the global labor market, while also assessing the level of institutional support for language learning in higher education institutions. The results indicate that multilingualism exerts a significant positive impact on professional development: 87 % of respondents believe that proficiency in multiple languages enhances competitiveness in the labor market, while 79 % state that language skills provide opportunities for international careers and participation in Erasmus+ programs. However, institutional support remains inconsistent. Only 32 % of students perceive that their institution actively encourages the learning of additional languages or participation in international projects. The study suggests the need for the systematic development of language policies in higher education and the integration of multilingual competencies into university curricula as a key factor for employability in a globalized economy.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
343919
URI
Publication date:
31.12.2025.
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