Life after a Languages Degree – my presentation at the University of Central Lancashire
An article by Lucy Kikuchi
What do you do when you have all the drive and ambition to work in the world of translation, but no experience or knowledge of the industry? – This is what I went to talk about with students on the Japanese degree course at the University of Central Lancashire.
“Japan Day” was an event organized by the university’s Japanese department and student-led Japan Society that saw 200 students and staff come together on campus to celebrate all things Japanese. Students showcased their Japanese language skills in an exhibition of their work, there was a traditional Japanese dance display, and stalls selling Japanese snacks or offering the chance to try Japanese calligraphy.
Alongside the fun and games were lectures by myself and the Minister of the Japan Embassy in London, Mr. Hideki Asari, and it was an honour to be in such distinguished company. In fact, it was all quite nerve wracking. Once I arrived at the university, however, and saw the students with their unabated enthusiasm for a language that has shaped my own path in life, the nerves melted away and I thoroughly enjoyed speaking about Japanese, translation and EVS Translations. After the lecture, there was a fifteen minute Q&A session filled with questions and then my role in the day came to an end. I listened to Minister Asari’s lecture with keen interest as he explained why Japan is “Cool, Fun and Serious”, and I enjoyed speaking with staff and students afterwards as they watched all their hard work come to fruition.
My final impressions of the day were, firstly, that the university’s Japanese department, lead by Takako Amano, is powered by a dynamic staff that has created a community within which students can excel and take advantage of opportunities beyond the classroom. Indeed, one of the students has recently received the prestigious MEXT Scholarship (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology) which offers the chance to study at a Japanese university as a research student under the Japanese Government.
Secondly, for budding linguists it seems that working in the translation industry is a highly attractive prospect. Their enthusiasm is palpable, but needs a little guidance. After graduation there is still much work to be done in order to become a successful translator: develop professional writing skills, learn to produce quality work within tight deadlines and become familiar with CAT Tools (computer assisted translation tools). But having met the students at the University of Central Lancashire and seen the glow of ambition in their faces, I’m pretty sure they will succeed if translation is the path they choose.
Many thanks to Takako, her team and all the students for a wonderful day.
