I’m Jess, a final year French and Hispanic Studies student. As the end of my degree nears, I have been reflecting a lot. One thing I have discovered over the course of my degree is how much I do enjoy translation. If I am being completely honest, up until this year, I always associated translation with exams. However, after undertaking 2 translation modules this year, my love for translation really has grown and I now see it in a whole new light. I have come to realise there is such fun in researching the different vocabulary and grammar, learning about and incorporating the many theories and finally that proud feeling upon finishing my translation. I have always been so set on my postgraduate career and whilst this is still my plan, I do still want to continue translating. For this reason, I attended the Languages, Cultures and Film (LCF) 2026 Translation Careers Day.
From start to finish, not only did I thoroughly enjoy it, but I also learned so much, which really has solidified my passion for translation. Through several different sessions, there were many different tips and pieces of advice on how to succeed in the world of translation, alongside how translation skills can assist us in many different aspects of life.
The first session was an online talk regarding Language Careers in National Intelligence. This session was extremely insightful as we received in-depth advice on applying for roles at GCHQ as well as lots of information regarding how our language skills are of use to National Intelligence.
Up next, we had an excellent online workshop with Claudia Benetello discussing translation and transcreation in marketing. This interactive session allowed us to put what we had learnt into practice. We received our own brief and had to create our own slogans for a particular product, which was so enjoyable and gave me an insight into a job I had never considered before.
Then, we had a brilliant in-person session with Ra Page from Comma Press. As an avid reader, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how several of the books Comma Press has published came to life. In this session, I learnt lots of tips regarding how to get into the publishing world and especially the importance of specialising in a topic. I’ve also always thought that networking is quite a nerve-wracking skill, but this session showed me that networking is so important, and once you take that first step, it really can reveal so many opportunities.
Next, we had an online discussion with John Worne, from the Chartered Institute of Linguists, and Fiona Gray, from the Institute of Translation and Interpreting. They both discussed many different aspects that I had never considered before, but the most important aspect I took from both of their ideas was that we never stop learning, and we should not let our worries hold us back. I think this advice will stick with me in the future, not just regarding translation, but in many decisions I will make in the future. Additionally, there is often the idea that translation can be quite a lonely experience, but both speakers constantly referred to the sense of feeling part of a community, which was so lovely to hear.
The day ended with a discussion with postgraduate and master’s students. Once again, the main takeaway was that we are always learning, and with translation, we not only develop our academic skills but also life skills. I found it particularly interesting that in the master's course, there is the option to undertake a translation work placement. Those who did this completed such interesting placements alongside using their translation skills for many different projects, which not only seemed so rewarding but also showed the importance of applying translation skills to practical situations.
At the start of my degree, I never would have believed I would gain such a passion for translation, whereas now I do hope to carry on translating even after finishing my degree. From the translation modules to the Translation Careers Day 2026, I cannot thank the LCF staff, students and guest speakers for their inspirational words and advice because they truly have solidified my interest in translation.