Shane White
"I was pleasantly surprised by how close-knit the CTS department is and how approachable the lecturers are. Within a few weeks, I really felt like I knew almost everybody in the department, both fellow students and the teaching staff."
Entry year
2022CHOOSING SURREY
My sister graduated from Surrey in 2012, so I already knew the university quite well having visited her on campus and attending her graduation ceremony. I liked the fact that the campus is very close to Guildford town centre. It’s easy to spend an afternoon in town or travel to London for the day. Since the Surrey Centre for Translation Studies (CTS) is the leading such department in the country, I felt confident that the staff would be able to guide me in my future career.
I was pleasantly surprised by how close-knit the CTS department is and how approachable the lecturers are. Within a few weeks, I really felt like I knew almost everybody in the department, both fellow students and the teaching staff. The regular one-to-one tutor meetings are an important way of raising any issues and I know I can approach any of my tutors any time for support.
YOUR COURSE
I love interpreting and translation because I can use my skills to connect countries and cultures.
I was very impressed by the credentials of the CTS department; students are trained to a high level and the interpreting qualification is in line with the standard used by the National Register of Public Service Interpreters (NRPSI).
CAREER SUPPORT
"Each week we have PEP talks, which is where an external guest speaker visits campus and speaks about the translation and interpreting industries. These talks focus on career support and have helped me work out whether I would prefer to follow a translation or interpreting path".
My time at Surrey has had an extremely positive impact on my employability since I have gained a much greater knowledge of the practical disciplines of interpreting and translation. Specifically, I am now able to use software such as GIMP and Trados, both of which are important in the translation sector. I've also gained greater appreciation for the skills required to be a more effective interpreter.
The best moment at Surrey came with the realisation that I can actually make a career out of translation, not just interpreting.
LOOKING FORWARD
I have become far more optimistic about my future because I now have a clear idea of what I wish to do at the end of this course. I plan to translate at least one book from Spanish into English and to have this published by the start of 2025. I am seriously considering starting a PhD in September 2023. At the same time, I might come back to Surrey to do an MA in simultaneous interpreting, which would open up more areas of work for me.
"Most of my fellow undergraduate friends chose to go straight into the world of work, but I am really glad that I carried on studying as I can really focus on choosing an exact career".
ADVICE FOR FUTURE STUDENTS
The financial side of postgraduate study can be quite daunting but remember that you can work part-time to supplement any student loans you may receive. Around six months before your course starts, you should already have a clear idea about how you will finance the course. This will alleviate any stress and will make your experience far more enjoyable.
