Have you ever wondered what a professional in Spanish looks like? Would you like to become one? Read my post to find the perfect role model. I give you five telenovelas, that will leave you with tons of inspiration. Discover which one is perfect for you!
As someone who works in an international company – there is nothing more inspiring than watching a professional in Spanish. Maybe it’s because I work in an office. Maybe it’s because I grew up watching these amazing telenovelas. Or maybe it’s because I want to merge these two worlds!
Either way, after years of watching these shows – I now find myself working in the same environment. So it’s time to use those awesome tips and tricks these amazing role models have taught me and take some action. I encourage you to do the same!
Learning how to be a professional in Spanish can prepare you for different opportunities. It can help you connect with colleagues from different cultures. You may discover your preferred style of working. Lastly, it could act as the perfect guide as you navigate through a similar workplace problem. In this post, I’ll highlight different telenovelas and how the characters in each show personify professionalism.
This post is all about the best telenovelas and how they can teach you how to be a professional in Spanish.
5 Brilliant Telenovelas
– Secrets on How to be a Professional in Spanish –
1) Yo Soy Betty, La Fea / Ugly Betty
This show was first released years ago in Spanish and recently it was redone in English with America Ferrera. Needless to say, it was a huge hit in both markets. In this show, we meet a not-so-attractive Betty who can’t get a job. Never mind her level of intelligence or capabilities. People only judge her by her looks. Just when she’s down on her luck she finally gets a job at an office.
Like most office environments, there is a level of pretty privilege and politics that can impact one’s experiences and opportunities. Throughout this show, we see how Betty confronts these issues the wrong way – she was in love with her boss and he used her. And then eventually we see her confront these issues the right way. She stands up for herself. Becomes a business professional. And she eventually wins her boss’s love by being herself.
This show can easily guide you through office politics and how to spot the different characters that may cross your path.
What this telenovela teaches you about being a professional in Spanish: It is important to understand your numbers and know them well. Also, it’s important to stand up for yourself and conduct all your processes ethically and legally.
Role Model: Beatriz Pinzón
2) Velvet
Here’s another telenovela that has to do with fashion. Unlike the first one, this telenovela focuses on the day-to-day operations of the manual work completed within the fashion industry from the 50s to 60s.
This telenovela showcases the different working and professional relationships that can be created in a work environment. Also, it gives the audience a ton of eye candy with all the beautiful garments that are produced.
At the start, this is a complete Romeo and Juliet story. It is also an exaggerated interpretation of why office romances are just not a good idea. Through this show, we watch how this once great fashion house finally gets back to being profitable. Something that can not be done alone.
This show can easily guide you through the importance of workplace relationships and how to create them.
What this telenovela teaches you about being a professional in Spanish: Relationships are incredibly important. They can make or break a business.
Role Model: Ana Ribera and Rita Montesinos
3) La Casa Del Papel / Money Heist
At the beginning of the pandemic, this telenovela was all the rage. Everyone and their mother was watching it and for good reason. This show is a thriller that showcases strategy in an oh-so-satisfying way.
This telenovela explores a heist and the multitude of factors that need to be taken into consideration to be successful.
Each character has their own amazing personality. You learn what makes a great team. Also, you learn how everyone has a different part to play. And you learn how much organization and calculations go into achieving the greatest things.
It’s incredible how every calculated risk that takes action within this story was already considered and planned for. After watching this show everyone wants to be El Professor and become a mastermind of their craft.
This show can easily guide you through how to become strategic with your initiatives.
What this telenovela teaches you about being a professional in Spanish: Organization and planning are the ultimate definers of whether an operation will sink or swim. Also, negotiation tactics can many times convert an enemy into a friend.
Role Model: El Professor
4) La Reina del Sur / Queen of the South
So obviously this telenovela does not include the most ethical or legal scenario, however, there is a ton that can still be learned. And for those who don’t know – this telenovela is wrapped around drug trafficking.
This telenovela follows a woman’s journey from fugitive to the top leader of a massive organized crime operation.
From the start, the main character in this tale is put through a whirlwind of events. She doesn’t always land on her feet but when she finally learns how to take control of the situation, she is unstoppable. Unlike a lot of shows, this story is not a fairytale, there are just as many wins as there are losses.
This show will teach you how to leverage the scenarios you may find yourself in.
What this telenovela teaches you about being a professional in Spanish: Being open to new opportunities, means not always being prepared and having to learn as you go.
Role Model: Teresa Mendoza
5) Teresa
The main character in this telenovela isn’t someone you would necessarily want to be friends with or someone you think you’d be able to learn from. However, you find yourself rooting for the other characters and watch as they learn how to deal with someone so toxic.
This telenovela follows Teresa a woman who finishes school and does anything it takes to get the money and lifestyle that she’s looking for. Teresa is embarrassed about where she comes from and so she tries to leave her loved ones behind. However, you watch them find greater successes.
This show is a good lesson in learning how to move up in the world without stepping on others.
What this telenovela teaches you about being a professional in Spanish: There’s an art to making decisions. The prices we pay to get our dreams or what we think our dreams are, may not always be correct. There’s always a way to get what you want without hurting others.
Role Model: Mariano Sánchez Suárez
Here are the Five Specific Things I learned after Watching these Telenovelas
– Quick tips to keep in your back pocket –
- If you don’t stand up for yourself, no one will.
- Your colleagues become your family, treat them as such.
- Planning will always win the day.
- You don’t need to know how to do something to do it.
- Watch out for people who try to take advantage of you.
This post is all about the telenovelas you need to watch to learn how to be a professional in Spanish.
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