Centre for Translation Studies – Careers Fair 2024
On May 1st, 2024, the Centre for Translation Studies (CTS) at the University of Surrey held its 8th annual career fair for students pursuing careers in the language industry or industries requiring multilingual and intercultural communication skills. While AI technologies continue to advance, highly trained professionals are still essential to support global and local organisations' efforts to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
Whether translating websites, marketing materials for businesses entering new markets, subtitling or audio-describing films and live events, interpreting in business, legal, healthcare, or diplomatic settings, or developing and managing AI tools to bridge language barriers, we need skilled professionals to tackle the most demanding and sensitive tasks.
At the CTS, we educate and train the next generation of language professionals. Our annual career fair aims to:
- Foster relationships between the industry and the Centre for Translation Studies
- Provide students with opportunities to learn about career prospects after graduation
- Facilitate networking with language industry professionals
- Allow current MA students to share insights about CTS programs
This year, we welcomed familiar industry colleagues and new faces to the CTS. Nine language service providers (LSPs) attended, representing global, regional, and local companies offering a wide range of language services. Our sincere gratitude goes to Mother Tongue, Hogarth Worldwide, Oncall Interpreters and Translators, Alpha, THG Fluently, Language Line, TransPerfect, Interlanguage Translation Ltd (ILT Group), and Acolad for attending and providing our students with a valuable opportunity to engage with potential future employers. The presentations by visiting LSPs are key to helping students understand individual businesses, their place in the language services industry, and available roles after graduation.
A special mention goes to our students Emily Ruston, Jiaqi Zhu, Georgia Meakins, and Jiali Huo, who delivered an excellent presentation about CTS postgraduate degrees and the training provided by our programs.
The Career Fair is part of the CTS employability program, designed to ensure our MA students acquire not only academic, subject-specific, and professional skills but also prepare for the workplace by developing business knowledge, positive attitudes, resourcefulness, and adaptability. Our students come to us driven and passionate; our aim is to provide them with opportunities to turn that drive into a fulfilling career.