The RDS in Dublin will next week host a Careers Fair seeking to hire students and graduates with the right mix of vocational skills and a foreign language. It will be hosted by gradireland in partnership with the Higher Education Authority (HEA), with the aim of promoting languages as a key focus of third-level study and with a view to promoting the many career opportunities which language fluency brings. Minister for European Affairs and Data Protection Dara Murphy has urged students of all disciplines to pursue language studies as part of their academic development. "The ability to communicate and do business in a foreign language is a huge asset. We want to see Irish people succeed and thrive in all sectors of this now globalised world of employment. Whether in business, entrepreneurship, the EU Institutions or international organisations; having a second language can open up doors to all sorts of varied careers at home and abroad. It also has the added benefit of connecting students to different cultures and peoples. By taking language modules or participating in exchange programmes such as the EU's Erasmus Programme, students can add an international dimension to their study." Last year's Language Fair saw attendees registering fluency in a total of 76 different languages, which highlights the diversity of language skills available in Ireland, gradireland said. Employers will be recruiting on the day (March 4th) for roles both in Ireland and abroad, across a range of sectors and a host of languages. Recruiters are particularly looking for engineers, marketers, sales, legal, management and IT skills; languages in demand include: French, Italian, Spanish, German, Russian, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, Mandarin and Nordic languages, although many employers will recruit the right candidate with any second language. For more visit www.businessworld.ie