Life after MA

Obtaining a translation degree is an achievement in itself. However the real challenge begins when graduates try to enter the job market with all their dreams and expectations that often clash with the harsh reality of the recession.

Sending 100 job applications and not getting any replies – does this sound familiar?

As I started job hunting after successfully completing an MA in Translation at the University of Surrey with English and Polish as my working languages, I soon realized that one’s success is highly determined first and foremost by a demand for a certain language pair. Moreover, as many graduates promptly and bitterly come to realize, getting a desirable in-house work or a dream position as a project manager is not a piece a cake, especially without any previous experience.

Experience, one of the most dreaded and despised words by most newly graduated translators or interpreters, is in fact what employers are looking for. Sadly enough it is difficult to gain experience during the period of studies because companies are looking for fully qualified candidates with a degree. Does this imply that translation graduates are caught in a viscious circle?

Not necessarily.  It might be hard initially to find desirable employment but by being flexible one might achieve this goal in the long run. One of the ways of gaining experience is to undertake a work placement at a translation company. Placements are often unpaid but one solution might be to take up another job as a source of a financial support. Most translation companies are understanding in this matter, especially when one has the possibility to work remotely.  A placement allows former students to improve and develop their translation skills and provides an excellent insight in the workings of the company. It is an opportunity to become accustomed with the application approval procedures, assessment of potential course participants and the translation of texts which are then proofread.

Another option for newly graduated translators and interpreters who also enjoy teaching is the position of teaching-translator for EAL students who are in the early stages of English language acquisition. The role is multi-tasked and combines teaching, interpreting and translation skills. As the position has been created as a result of migration, its primary aim is to facilitate communication between foreign students, schools and their parents.  Similarly for a work placement, it is a good way of gaining more experience in the translation and interpreting business.

Life after an MA in Translation Studies does not have to be a vicious circle. It is about taking the initiative, being flexible and patient. This certainly will be paid off in the future.

Anna Bernacka
Knockhundred’s Current Work Placement