Preparing for the profession: Leiden’s Career Week in Focus

From 4 to 8 November 2024, the MA Translation at Leiden University organised its first-ever Translation Career Week – a week dedicated to preparing MA students for the transition into the professional world.

Throughout the week, five events were organised to help MA Translation students navigate the translation industry, build professional networks, and develop skills essential for internships and future job opportunities. The initiative brought together students, translation companies, freelance professionals, and industry experts, creating opportunities for direct engagement and insight into the translation profession. Alongside fostering these connections, the week addressed service provision competences, including networking with fellow translators, understanding the role of professional associations, and navigating institutional frameworks.

Kicking off the week, the "Industry Speed Date" session (see featured image) connected students with potential placement institutions in a fast-paced networking event. Twelve Dutch and international organisations from the translation industry participated, introducing their companies and engaging with the MA Translation students. These were: Helena Technical Translators, Taalcentrum-VU, AzTech Solutions VoF, MediLingua Medical Translations, Instituut voor de Nederlandse Taal (INT), Nuanxed, Coolblue, Ludejo Studios, Scriptware Translations, KennisTranslations and De Juiste Vertaler.

The event aimed to connect students seeking internships or jobs in the translation industry with companies offering these opportunities. Beyond networking, it offered a low-pressure environment for students to refine their interview skills, exchange business cards and CVs, and follow up with potential employers. For many, it was their first real interaction with the industry—an exciting yet nerve-racking milestone they openly discussed before and after the session.

In the second session, "Working for the European Union," Jan van Oosten, Field Officer at DG Translation of the European Commission, shed light on the various translation career opportunities within the EU institutions. He introduced the Blue Book Traineeship program, outlining its structure and eligibility criteria, and explained how translation plays a crucial role in ensuring that all official EU documents are available in every member state's language. He also discussed the career paths available within EU institutions and what it takes to secure a position as a translator.

For many students, the idea of working for the EU can feel intimidating. One of the students shared her thoughts: "Before the session, I saw the European Union as this huge, somewhat intimidating organization—especially as a student without prior work experience. But this talk really broke things down. It was incredibly useful to learn about the different EU branches where translators can work, and the explanation of the concours process helped make it seem much more approachable. The fact that we also got a glimpse into the daily life of an EU translator made the idea of working there feel more tangible and achievable."

The third session, "Staying Connected, Staying Informed," featured a roundtable discussion with five translation associations: Auteursbond, Expertisecentrum Literair Vertalen, KTV Kennisnet, Nederlands Genootschap Tolken en Vertalers (NGTV), and Sense. Each representative introduced their organization and later answered questions from students about the role these associations play in supporting translators.

A key takeaway from the session was that professional associations offer much more than just membership—they provide mentorship, training courses, networking events, and legal guidance. The speakers emphasised that staying engaged with these networks can make a significant difference, both during studies and in the transition to professional life.

One of the students reflected on the session: "Learning about the mentorship programs was a welcome surprise—it reassured me that even after graduation, I wouldn’t be navigating the field alone. The advice to actively participate in social events was also valuable. It showed me that a strong professional network exists, full of people who have been in the same position and are willing to help."

The fourth and fifth sessions, “Finding an Internship, Finding a Job,” tackled one of the biggest questions for students: how to take the first steps in the translation industry?

The first session focused on finding a job, with two experienced professionals sharing their career insights. Petra Molenaar, an interpreter, and Anne Oosthuizen, a freelance translator and founder of Tip of the Tongue, spoke candidly about the realities of freelancing—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. They offered practical advice, from where to get interpreter training to how to set freelance rates and handle the administrative side of running a business.

A student summed up the impact of the session: "The networking advice was incredibly useful, especially for someone just starting out. The tips on handling the business side of freelancing—like setting rates, opening a business account, and working with an accountant—were eye-opening. But what stood out most was their personal stories. It was reassuring to hear that you don’t need to have everything figured out from day one. Their experiences showed me that career paths can take unexpected turns, and that’s okay."

The second session of the day was all about internships—how to find them, what to expect, and how they can shape your future career. The guest speakers Sam van Steenkiste and  Jochem Zentveld were alumni of the MA Translation program who had first-hand experience navigating this process. What made their stories particularly compelling was that they both ended up working at the very companies where they interned. One speaker now works at a subtitling company, while the other pursued a career in publishing. They shared insights into their internship experiences, the transition to full-time employment, and the ways their internships helped them develop key skills for the industry.

A student shared their perspective on the session: "It was inspiring to hear that translation and language-related companies genuinely invest in their interns. It was also eye-opening to learn how much personal and professional growth an internship can bring—it’s not just about getting experience, but about finding your place in the industry."