Translation studies leads to employment

Two MA students from the School of Welsh are celebrating new jobs in the world of professional translation.

Ellen Carter and Hanna Medi Merrigan, who are studying for an MA in Welsh and Celtic Studies, have secured jobs with the National Museum of Wales and translation company, Clear Translations.

Ellen graduated with a BA in Welsh from the School in 2016, after joining as a second-language student in 2013. Speaking about her academic experience and her new role, she said: “We have had fantastic opportunities to study and experience the world of professional translation during the MA programme. In addition to being offered the opportunity to work part-time with the University’s translation unit, we have had the opportunity to experience live translation, legislative and literary translation as well as sessions with experts such as Alun Ceri Jones, who translated the graphic Asterix books into Welsh. I undertook a period of work experience to the archives at St Fagan’s and it is great to look ahead to potentially working there as I join the National Museum as an Assistant Translator. This really is my dream job.

“Without a doubt the experiences I’ve had at the School, and the support it has provided, have given me the confidence and the skills to join the translation profession in Wales.”

Dr Siwan Rosser, co-ordinator for the MA programme at the School of Welsh, added: “I would like to congratulate Ellen and Hanna on their new roles. They have both worked diligently during their studies and deserve the new opportunities available to them. I think it is important also to acknowledge Ellen’s success in particular, having joined us through the second-language pathway of the BA in Welsh. Her commitment to her academic and professional development is commendable.”

Similarly to Ellen, Hanna is looking forward to becoming a full-time translator in September with the Cardiff based Clear Translations. Hanna agrees that the work experience opportunities available at the School of Welsh, alongside the unparalleled support it offers, has contributed to her success in securing her new role: “While studying translation this year, we have been afforded a number of opportunities to gain practical experience and been able to engage with a range of invited speakers, which has enhanced my personal profile and experience.

“The School of Welsh has a very good relationship with the University’s translation unit, and I have been fortunate to work there part-time while studying. I’m grateful to Professor Sioned Davies for arranging this. This experience has enabled me to put the theories of the classroom into practise. I have had a number of opportunities which proved valuable when I applied for the role at Clear Translations and the School has been very supportive helping me with my CV and application forms.”

Dr Rosser added: “The School has a history as a centre for research and teaching excellence and a strong reputation for translation studies, which is an increasingly important field in contemporary Wales. We are also keen to support and promote our students employability skills, understanding that it is vital to balance education, expertise and practical experience in order to compete in the employment market. Work experience is therefore a key element of our undergraduate and postgraduate provision.”

A number of School alumni have entered the world of professional translation, working with companies such as Trosol, Prysg and with national institutions such as the National Assembly for Wales. In addition, the School is leading the way in terms of translation theory and methodology research, under the direction of Dr Jeremy Evas.