[Pangsar]

So I’ve recently gotten a full time job at a mid size public accounting firm. I started out as an intern for the tax busy season and they ended up offering me a full time position. The company mostly deals with Korean companies and I’ll be able to work on both individual and corporate taxes. I really enjoy the work environment and culture here, but my concern is the ability for me move upwards. Almost all the employees can speak Korean while I’m not able to, although I would definitely like to start learning. There’s another employee in a different department with a similar situation as me; she got a full time position from an internship there and is now a senior and also is one of the very few that aren’t able to speak Korean.

Do you think it’d be possible for me move up at this company? I enjoy constantly learning and the faster pace of public accounting (I worked part time in a government organization’s accounting department during college and it was terribly boring) and don’t really have any plans to move into an industry role.

I appreciate any advice or insights!

[aaronmo]

I don't know that anyone who doesn't work there is going to have more insight than you do. Generally…my feeling is trust your instincts; if you think the language difference is “a thing”, it probably is. That said, I bet they'd be impressed by your dedication in learning a new, difficult (as I understand it) language. I know I would be. I mean…that's TRUE commitment, and I strongly doubt knowing Korean will ever NOT be an advantage.

I'd view it as an opportunity!

To me…anyone that can speak another language, with knowledge/licensing in our system, is really writing their own ticket. They have a skill set that not many others have…in a global economy that thrives on integration. If I weren't so awful at, and intimidated by, foreign language classes, I'd learn one. Arabic…Chinese…you're really adding value. Korean is going to give you increased access to any company that touches/deals with korean companies and a large, successful US korean community (although most Koreans I know are very integrated/speak english fluently).

[MaLoTu]

It sounds like you have proof that it can happen. Maybe they will pay for you to start learning the language if you are interested. I would put in a full year or two before you start worrying about not being promoted because that will give you enough time to get some experience working and decide if that company is really where you want to be long term.

[Ne’O]

Korean isn't the easiest language to hear and mimic the pronunciation.
Still, even speaking a little impresses the snot out of most Koreans. The Alphabet which looks so daunting, is actually one of the easiest to learn. Beats Russian.

There are good resources such as Talk To Me in Korean online,
and the Korean dramas/TV are some of the best in the world [unlike Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, etc].
Frankly, it is painful to watch most American TV after you see what the small country of Korea can produce.
They make for great entertainment and listening comprehension.

The grammar and verbs are a lot more relaxed than some other languages, so I would recommend giving it a try.
It is one of two languages that I am studying now.

Newbie CPA Candidate

[Author]

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