Translation Studies | Career Centre

Have you always had a talent for languages and found it easy to learn, comprehend and use different languages in your day to day life? Do you have a passion for language and want to pursue a future career using your knowledge of a foreign language? Offered on the Glendon Campus, a major in Translation Studies will allow you to develop skills necessary to translate the intricacies of language without losing meaning and emphasis, and conveying the author’s intended thoughts. You can follow bilingual or trilingual options as part of the International Bachelor of Arts as you take advantage of small class sizes and focus on one-on-one teaching.

Career Options in Translation Studies

Below is a sample list of some future choices to explore following studies in Translation Studies. This list is not exhaustive but it provides a solid idea of what fellow graduates have gone on to do and what potential careers a Translation Studies degree can offer. Some options are more directly associated with specific areas of Translation Studies than others.

Author
Archivist
Blogger
Corporate Recruiter
Diplomat
Entrepreneur
Freelance Writer
Foreign Service Worker
Health Policy Advisor
Historian
Historical Site Coordinator
Human Resources Specialist
Human Rights Advocate
International Development Worker
Interpreter
Journalist
Labour Relations Representative

Lawyer
Legal Aide
Lobbyist
Media Correspondent
Non-Profit Organization Director
Politician
Professor
Project Coordinator
Public Relations Representative
Public Policy Advisor
Publisher
Social Service Worker
Speech Writer
Teacher
Translator
UN Representative

Some of these career choices may require additional education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential education or professional formative courses and exams. For a more in-depth description of some of the careers mentioned above visit Career Cruising (login information can be found on the home page of the Career Centre's online system) or the National Occupational Classification website.

Skills Developed through a Translation Studies Degree

A background in Translation Studies ensures that you develop the skills and mindset to tackle many different professional challenges. Here are just a few of the skills a Translation Studies degree can help you develop:

Core Translation Studies Skills

Fluency in and comprehension of at least one foreign language through close work with instructors in a small-group classroom atmosphere.
An ability to express your thoughts and opinions clearly and in an organized fashion in written work as well as oral presentations in a second (or third) language
Exposure to different media and methods of translation in contemporary professional settings.

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
The ability to learn new information and apply this to professional demands
The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument
The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas
The skills to collect various types of information, assess them, analyze and incorporate potential linkages from different fields, put them into writing and efficiently convey your message and the goal of your work

Management and Teamwork Skills

The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project’s intended and successful end result
The capacity to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds
Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing the industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field. The following is a selection of organizations related to the field of Translation Studies that you may want to visit as you research career options for Translation Studies graduates.