The Linguist is a languages magazine for professional linguists, translators, interpreters, language professionals, language teachers, trainers, students and academics with articles on translation, interpreting, business, government, technology
Issue link: https://thelinguist.uberflip.com/i/582271
thelinguist.uberflip.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER The Linguist 23 FEATURES projects in the classroom, developing a range of skills with teacher support, so that the placement is the natural next step. A survey of students experiencing different teaching methods found that those who had undertaken real projects felt considerably more confident in their translation skills and other areas. They had particularly valued the focus on independence, teamwork, time management and deadlines. "I liked that the whole project felt more like what we would be doing in real life, in our real professions, in contrast to translation classes," said participant Ruthild Gärther, who is studying at FTSK. Key challenges Money has been a problem. Though keen to support and train interns, many employers do not pay an adequate wage. Students need Erasmus funding to supplement their income and not all have received this. Two students had to withdraw from the scheme because London living costs were too high. The handbooks and agreements provide clear expectations on all sides, but EGPS had to remove one company from the database because it ran almost exclusively on interns, providing no proper support. Some applicants failed the employers' assessment tests or did not get past the interview stage. Feedback from employers has enabled universities to help students to improve applications, for example, a surprising number forget that their first language is a key asset to highlight. What students learned The large majority of students on placements improved their language skills and their professional skills as a translator, and learned about the industry from the inside. "I have gained a valuable insight into the life of a freelance translator, and all the good and bad that goes with it," said Laurie Munslow, who studied at Swansea, after an internship in Barcelona with Nova Language Services. "It has taught me important things about time management and communication with project managers, and has also given me the confidence to set up as a freelancer." Sergi Florensa, hired at the end of his internship with Codex Global, agreed: "I went from knowing little about project management to being a junior project manager; I took part in a variety of projects that required me to manage different kinds of unexpected situations and go beyond my limits." Most of the students on the scheme have determined what they want – or don't want – to do in their future career. They have improved their confidence and speed, become both more independent and better team workers, learned to use a wide range of skills simultaneously, and would now consider working abroad. Many found the placement had developed their knowledge of specialist terminology; specific skills, such as subtitling; their ability to manage their time and work under pressure; and their communication skills. See www.e-gps.org for more information about the project. EGPS would like to hear from employers, students and HE colleagues who are interested in getting involved. Email helen.astley@instructus.org for details. Notes 1 See Astley, H 'Translating Study into Jobs' (2013) in The Linguist, 52,6 INSIGHTS: Students gained confidence, speed and knowledge about the work, and became better team players while on placements The European Graduate Placement Scheme (EGPS) has facilitated partnerships not only between employers and local universities but also across countries. At its 'Building Strategic Alliances' conference in Barcelona in February, an innovative Placement Fair, run like a speed dating event, enabled employers and universities to find placement matches and plan future collaboration. They had 10 minutes to share information with each other before moving on. For Marta Altimira at Nova, it was the best such event she had ever attended. "We were able to make first-hand personal contacts and now have a wealth of information on the schedules and targets of many interesting academic partners," she said. The fair will be repeated at University College London on 6 November. Speed placing in Barcelona © SHUTTERSTOCK