ITI Profile: Jo Stocks Student

I became aware of the ITI before I had even really begun my journey into translation, when I first began researching options for how I could pursue my interest in languages as a career.  I contacted the ITI to ask about routes into the profession and was immediately struck by the wealth of help and advice that was available. 

I originally graduated with a degree in French and Business from Keele University and via a slightly winding career path became a secondary school languages teacher, teaching French and Spanish.  After more than twelve years, I was looking for a new challenge that would hopefully offer me the opportunity to work more flexibly but still make use of my language skills.  I have loved learning about new languages and cultures ever since I was at school myself, and my passion for it has never waned.  With a young family and a recent house move, life was certainly busy, but I opted to grab the opportunity with both hands and signed up to a full-time one-year MA in Translation and Cultures at Warwick University.

A couple of months into the MA, representatives from the ITI West Midlands Regional Network visited us to talk about their experiences of translation as a profession.  I decided to take advantage of the benefits of joining a professional association and the discounted student membership on offer.  So far, I have been bowled over with the variety of workshops and webinars that are available, (many are even free) and I have already attended the online event aimed at those of us newly launching a career as a professional translator. The regular newsletters are also full of useful insights and interesting articles, I learn something new every time!

The translation module of my MA confirmed my interest and enthusiasm for pursuing translation as a profession. I enjoyed learning more about the theories behind it, and having many practical opportunities to hone my skills has been thought-provoking and extremely satisfying.  I can’t wait to take on more challenges, and have particularly loved looking at more creative options for rewriting.  I have enjoyed it so much, I may even apply for a PhD in the future.

As I come to the end of my Master’s degree and begin setting myself up as a freelance translator, I know I will be able to rely on the ITI for help and guidance.  In the early stages of launching a completely new career, with the challenges of establishing my business, forging client relationships and refining my areas of specialism, having the ITI for support and information will no doubt be invaluable.