| Pages in topic: < [1 2] | How important is a degree in interpretation? Thread poster: Baozi
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Kay Denney 
France
Local time: 10:54
French to English
| Who said you were stuck up? | Nov 13, 2013 |
Baozi wrote: I don't get why people have the impression that I'm stuck up and that I think I know everything there is to my languages. I never said anything close to that. Quite the contrary - I think I'm worthless and I don't even know how I'm going to survive in this world with such smart people around. I'm not "whining", I'm only asking for help to have a better idea of how things work in the translation world. Feel free to think of me anything you please. However, I would appreciate a neutral tone please, not an accusing one. If only it were as simple as to "go get a useful degree". If I could do that, I would probably not even bother contemplating about becoming a translator/interpreter - I'd just find work in that field. Law, business, medicine - I'll be honest, I don't find genuine interest in such subjects. I would firstly need to actually get in, which is hard enough (I probably can't anyway because they require strong mathematical skills and high exam results). I would have to dedicate all of my time just trying to keep up with the subject itself and I would not have the time to focus on the language aspect at all (I repeat that I would be studying in a language other than Russian or English). In addition, I have some friends studying subjects like economics and IT in our universities, and they, even though they are quite smart themselves, say that our education is complete crap and you will be taught nothing, you have to pretty much self-study everything if you plan on graduating. It's easier to just study by myself to begin with. My biggest interest - I can safely state that it is not only my interest, but my purpose in life - lies in East Asian countries, especially Korea, Japan and China (in that order or priority). Absolutely everything related to them is endlessly fascinating to me. Culture, food, politics, economics, history, music - anything, you name it. My absolute dream would be to translate from those languages, but I'm afraid I'm merely a beginner as of the present moment. I don't know how to use this passion to my advantage career-wise, that's why I'm considering more realistic subjects to translate. At this stage I am very confused about how I can make my future profession match my interests and be a decent source of money. I would really like to avoid just getting a job that pays the bills - I only have one life to live after all. As far as the part-time job goes, no, I cannot get one in Russian or English. I only have my current customer service job thanks to my (low but enough) knowledge of the Norwegian language, which is rare in my country. By the way, even if I were to get a degree in, say, economics, how would I even be able to get a Master's in translation/interpretation? Every university in the UK that I check clearly states that one has to have a BA which is relevant to translation in order to get in. However useful in translation, I don't see how economics/business/law etc can be considered as something related. In any case, thanks guys for expressing your thoughts and giving me some information to process. 
The reason you come across as a "know-all" (which describes my perception better than "stuck-up") is because you clearly say that the BA would be of no use to you. And the reason I used the word "whining" is that you twice stated that what you really want is to skip straight to the MA.
Apart from anything you're denigrating the BA courses. You might consider that on a translators' forum you're quite likely to find people who have been on such courses, enjoyed them and learnt a lot, who might just take exception to your attitude.
You say that in fact you're not taught very much at uni, a lot of what you're doing involves self-study. True, that's the big difference between secondary school and uni. Of course you could simply study by yourself (that's what I did, since I was on my own financially). The trouble with self-study outside of uni is that there is no recognition for it. If you have a piece of paper saying that you went to uni and learnt something, potential clients will be more prepared to believe you. That bit of paper also proves that you have learnt to work on your own and to hand work in at a given date, which points are both reassuring for the client.
So you don't like the BA options we put forward, OK, that's fine, neither do I! Now that you have finally told us what you're really interested in, I'll repeat myself: go for that. Either enrol for a BA in one of these languages, or go and live somewhere in one of the countries that fascinates you, learn the language, soak it all up. Read up about the country's culture, food, politics, economics, history, music. You could maybe enrol at uni there for a BA in an "easy" subject like English.
For the MA I did (in France), the requirement was any BA (or for those without a BA like me, at least five years' experience in translation and a file to show what we were capable of). Many students had a BA in languages, but they said they actually preferred candidates with other degrees and that this was preferable, with a view to specialisation. The graduates all had to sit an exam testing their language proficiency anyway. I am sure that for candidates with a high level of language proficiency acquired in an informal setting they would accept a BA in another subject.
| | | | Phil Hand
China
Local time: 16:54
Chinese to English
| Perhaps don't be so career-focused right now | Nov 14, 2013 |
I know this advice often sounds silly to people who need to work and need the money, but it remains true. By the time they're 40, most people aren't working in a job directly related to their degree. You don't have to decide your life path right now. A better way to make choices might just be to select the very best option open - whether it's connected to your ultimate job or not.
It is definitely not true that you have to have a translation degree to do a translation MA in the UK. ... See more I know this advice often sounds silly to people who need to work and need the money, but it remains true. By the time they're 40, most people aren't working in a job directly related to their degree. You don't have to decide your life path right now. A better way to make choices might just be to select the very best option open - whether it's connected to your ultimate job or not.
It is definitely not true that you have to have a translation degree to do a translation MA in the UK. If you can demonstrate that you have the language skills, you will be considered. UK MA courses are keen to get anyone they can.
But you're right that you have to get a BA. It's just really hard to get started without one. If a state university in your home country (eastern Europe?) is your only option, then you'll have to just grit your teeth and get through it. I feel for you. ▲ Collapse
| | | | Ty Kendall
United Kingdom
Local time: 09:54
Hebrew to English
| No shortcuts | Nov 14, 2013 |
...my dream is to become an interpreter in English and Russian
My biggest interest - I can safely state that it is not only my interest, but my purpose in life - lies in East Asian countries, especially Korea, Japan and China (in that order or priority). Absolutely everything related to them is endlessly fascinating to me. Culture, food, politics, economics, history, music - anything, you name it. My absolute dream would be to translate from those languages, but I'm afraid I'm merely a beginner as of the present moment
It seems to me you should decide whether to aim for your dream or your "absolute" dream. (You could do both theoretically and have a number of source languages) but it seems a bit confused as it stands. It seems to me that you are young enough to learn an East Asian language with time to spare.
Since you are so emphatic about your absolute dream, I would suggest not merely "settling" for your other dream.
There is surely room in South East Asia for a fluent/native Russian (and highly competent English) speaker to find work and give you time to learn the language, should you decide to go down this route (which as a "follow-your-heart-ist" I would advise).
Is a BA/MA degree a significant advantage when finding a job in the UK?
As someone who currently lives in the UK, and has lived here pretty much all my life (sadly), and knowing which way the wind is blowing - then I'd say a BA/MA is definitely advantageous (for most skilled lines of work). There's some debate about the value of a BA since Labour's 50% quota, but on the whole a BA will open doors, and an MA will open even more.
Unfortunately your age will go against you and it is the main factor necessitating a degree in your case. People are willing to believe you can do a job with 30/40+ years of experience - even if you don't have a degree. People are less inclined to believe a 19 year old can do something without degrees attesting to it. It's just the way it is.
I think you're going to have to bite the bullet and accept there will be no shortcuts whichever path you choose, either you will have to do a BA (which BTW I think you are looking at all wrong - you aren't spoonfed at university, self-study is the name of the game) or you are looking at the hard slog of learning another language. Of the two, the three year BA is actually the far shorter option, learning a South East Asian language to a high enough level to interpret from it will take far, far longer. (imo).
| | | | Baozi
United Kingdom
TOPIC STARTER
@Texte Style
Oh, I see, I have been misunderstood then. I am not saying that a BA course is useless, not at all. I'm saying that a BA in MY country in THAT particular subject I plan to study is useless to ME. I know that because I have heard the feedback from people who have studied there. If I were to have an opportunity to study in another country and in the English language, oh, it would be my pleasure! So I am not in any way denigrating anyone else's degree... See more @Texte Style
Oh, I see, I have been misunderstood then. I am not saying that a BA course is useless, not at all. I'm saying that a BA in MY country in THAT particular subject I plan to study is useless to ME. I know that because I have heard the feedback from people who have studied there. If I were to have an opportunity to study in another country and in the English language, oh, it would be my pleasure! So I am not in any way denigrating anyone else's degree here, please don't have the wrong impression. I do not have anything against Bachelor's studies.
Yes, I already understand from everyone's replies that a degree is almost mandatory. This was exactly my question in the beginning - how important is a degree? - and I got my answer, it is quite important without decades of experience behind one's shoulder. I didn't come here to tell you all that I don't want to do a BA, but rather to ask if doing it is worth my time and effort. Apparently, it is, just to get that piece of paper.
At the same time, I often hear about how that piece of paper could also be completely worthless. I've heard about people who have gotten a degree in economics, but who would then become cleaning ladies or such, for lack of work in their field. That's what frightens me - the idea of wasting so much time to get a piece of paper no one cares about. But I guess it's true that there are few to no other ways of showing your employer that you are capable if you don't have prior experience.
However, I have also come to realize that interpreting is perhaps not exactly my thing, I don't have a gift for that. I think translation would be much more suitable for me. Perhaps I should search for more information about that on the related side of the forum. ▲ Collapse
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Baozi
United Kingdom
TOPIC STARTER
Phil Hand wrote:
I know this advice often sounds silly to people who need to work and need the money, but it remains true. By the time they're 40, most people aren't working in a job directly related to their degree. You don't have to decide your life path right now. A better way to make choices might just be to select the very best option open - whether it's connected to your ultimate job or not.
It is definitely not true that you have to have a translation degree to do a translation MA in the UK. If you can demonstrate that you have the language skills, you will be considered. UK MA courses are keen to get anyone they can.
But you're right that you have to get a BA. It's just really hard to get started without one. If a state university in your home country (eastern Europe?) is your only option, then you'll have to just grit your teeth and get through it. I feel for you.
You're right, sometimes life is so unpredictable that it might be useless to plan it all so far ahead. Nevertheless, I'd rather at least have some kind of a path thought through in my head so that I would have some options if other doors are closed. At least start attaining some skills and knowledge in good time - language learning isn't an overnight thing after all. Maybe I just have to relax a little and not stress so much about getting a specific job.
Very clever, it is indeed Eastern Europe.
| | | | Kay Denney
France
Local time: 10:54
French to English
Baozi wrote:
@Texte Style
Oh, I see, I have been misunderstood then. I am not saying that a BA course is useless, not at all. I'm saying that a BA in MY country in THAT particular subject I plan to study is useless to ME. I know that because I have heard the feedback from people who have studied there. If I were to have an opportunity to study in another country and in the English language, oh, it would be my pleasure! So I am not in any way denigrating anyone else's degree here, please don't have the wrong impression. I do not have anything against Bachelor's studies.
Yes, I already understand from everyone's replies that a degree is almost mandatory. This was exactly my question in the beginning - how important is a degree? - and I got my answer, it is quite important without decades of experience behind one's shoulder. I didn't come here to tell you all that I don't want to do a BA, but rather to ask if doing it is worth my time and effort. Apparently, it is, just to get that piece of paper.
At the same time, I often hear about how that piece of paper could also be completely worthless. I've heard about people who have gotten a degree in economics, but who would then become cleaning ladies or such, for lack of work in their field. That's what frightens me - the idea of wasting so much time to get a piece of paper no one cares about. But I guess it's true that there are few to no other ways of showing your employer that you are capable if you don't have prior experience.
However, I have also come to realize that interpreting is perhaps not exactly my thing, I don't have a gift for that. I think translation would be much more suitable for me. Perhaps I should search for more information about that on the related side of the forum.
Thanks for clarifying!
Yes we all know about people with a degree flipping burgers. That was what put me off going to uni. But I think it was easier "in my day" to wing it, people would hire you at the bottom and you could work your way up, just by being willing to put hours in and showing a minimum of gumption. Now it seems that anyone who wants to get to the top needs an MBA at the very least. And to get even mundane jobs like project management in an agency it seems you need at least a degree of some sort.
I think the graduates flipping burgers are either people who have had a run of back luck, or people who went to uni because they didn't want to flip burgers but without knowing what they wanted to do afterwards, or not daring to pursue their dream. I remember a student of mine (when I taught English). I asked what he wanted to do and he said he didn't know, he was interested in everything. However his tone of voice implied that actually he was interested in nothing. I don't have any news of him but I'm pretty sure he must have a boring job.
There's another friend of mine, she's now doing a Master in translation and she has several projects on the go. I mentioned a book to her that I had read in English thinking that it would be great to have it in French, so she contacted the publisher and asked if she could translate it as part of her studies. Then she went to Russia for a conference on a subject she is passionately interested in, and got talking to one of the conference speakers, and so she might just be translating the speaker's book too! She was telling me about all these projects and many more, her eyes shining, and ended up with "of course I'm taking too much on". I told her that she was quite right to do this, for a start she is dynamic and can handle lots of things, but also there are bound to be some things that will fall through. She's putting her eggs in several different baskets, which is a great strategy. I know that in ten years' time she will be doing work that she loves, whatever it is, because she is putting in hard work and following her heart.
You are very obviously full of passion, so harness it, feed it, and you're bound to get somewhere!
| | | | Baozi
United Kingdom
TOPIC STARTER | Me myself and I... | Nov 15, 2013 |
@Ty Kendall
Right, I might have confused people about what it is that I really wish. I basically just want to deal with my favorite languages in my lifetime. English, Korean and Japanese are those languages. Korean in particular holds a special place in my heart. Whenever I have a rare moment from school and work to study a bit of Korean, I feel truly blissful doing so. The same goes for listening to Korean music, watching their shows, movies, talking to natives etc. Honestly, there... See more @Ty Kendall
Right, I might have confused people about what it is that I really wish. I basically just want to deal with my favorite languages in my lifetime. English, Korean and Japanese are those languages. Korean in particular holds a special place in my heart. Whenever I have a rare moment from school and work to study a bit of Korean, I feel truly blissful doing so. The same goes for listening to Korean music, watching their shows, movies, talking to natives etc. Honestly, there's nothing else in life that makes me happier (however sad that might sound haha).
If I didn't have to worry about money, I would just move to Korea, attend some language courses, do translations at a leisurely pace... ~dreamland~
I have to be realistic, though. I have to think about how to provide for myself. Moving to Korea is almost impossible since an employer has to first offer me the job, then go through the painful and costly process of getting me a visa, transporting me there, etc. I think a good compromise would be to stay in Europe, get a BA and MA while learning Korean/Japanese/more English and then do translations. You're right that I can have several source languages, that would expand my possibilities. I would learn those Asian languages regardless because that's a hobby of mine and also one of my life goals (it's certainly not a "slog" for me!). Might as well make some money out of it and expand my knowledge further!
It's true that I'm debating with myself about how realistic I should be and to what extent I can allow myself to pursue my dreams.
I just want to clear something up - I do know that self-studying is the main idea behind university. I admit though that I prefer to be "spoon-fed" if I'm paying a crazy amount of money to the university, because self-studying can be done on one's own for free. I'm not exactly looking for a shortcut. I was merely wondering if it would be wiser to spend the time and money on more useful things like, you know, learning languages and necessary skills. I guess not.
I think my biggest concern at this point is actually what subject to do translations in...
@Texte Style
Now that I think about it, you are absolutely right. The people who don't have or pursue a passion, a dream or a sincere desire don't have a high chance of being successful. When you're doing something halfheartedly, you tend not to go the extra mile to do your thing better, to develop yourself further than that basic level. Plus, you're miserable at the end of the day.
I just have a hard time believing in myself and I fear failure. I'm trying to get rid of my pessimism little by little, though. Several years ago I wouldn't have even dared to dream about working in a field I'm actually interested in! Society has been convincing me throughout the years to keep my hobbies for my free time and focus on getting a job that pays. The wall built from my very childhood is a hard one to break. I've progressed from that mindset quite a bit, but I still have many doubts and my opinion keeps swaying back and forth depending on my mood.
Your friend sounds like a person I would admire and strive to become.
Thank you for your encouraging words! ▲ Collapse
| | | | Ty Kendall
United Kingdom
Local time: 09:54
Hebrew to English
| Find a way... | Nov 15, 2013 |
Baozi wrote:
I admit though that I prefer to be "spoon-fed" if I'm paying a crazy amount of money to the university, because self-studying can be done on one's own for free.
I actually agree with you here. This is why I would never do a research MA and of the taught MAs I've looked at I intend on doing one that I REALLY REALLY want to do, regardless of how niche it is, because if I'm going to fork out many thousands of £££ for it, I want my heart to be in it.
Re: Korea
Perhaps you should look into work possibilities there? I have a friend teaching English there and he says it's a veritable land of opportunity with regards to teaching English (and I'd be surprised if there wasn't a market for Russian tuition too).
Food for thought.
Good luck whatever you do!
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Kay Denney
France
Local time: 10:54
French to English
Ty Kendall wrote:
Re: Korea
Perhaps you should look into work possibilities there? I have a friend teaching English there and he says it's a veritable land of opportunity with regards to teaching English (and I'd be surprised if there wasn't a market for Russian tuition too).
Food for thought.
Good luck whatever you do!
Ty and I are definitely the dream-chasers on this forum I was going to suggest exactly the same thing!
Maybe you could go first for a long holiday? Most countries give a three-month visa, that gives you time to check things out, see what possibilities there are. Korea is certainly a place with a buoyant economy, so you could quite possibly find some kind of job more easily than in Europe. And you'll find an ex-pat community too, they'll be able to give you tips about work/study opportunities and getting visas. I know several people in SE Asia who have been living for years out there and just do the "visa run" every three months (going to the border, leaving and coming straight back in, organising "visa runs" is a business plan in its own right out there)
| | | | Baozi
United Kingdom
TOPIC STARTER
Ty Kendall wrote:
Re: Korea
Perhaps you should look into work possibilities there? I have a friend teaching English there and he says it's a veritable land of opportunity with regards to teaching English (and I'd be surprised if there wasn't a market for Russian tuition too).
Food for thought.
Good luck whatever you do!
I think there might be some demand for private Russian teachers, but I believe there are plenty of Russians already residing in Korea who don't need a visa like I do. Maybe if I get married to a Korean...
Texte Style wrote: Ty and I are definitely the dream-chasers on this forum I was going to suggest exactly the same thing! Maybe you could go first for a long holiday? Most countries give a three-month visa, that gives you time to check things out, see what possibilities there are. Korea is certainly a place with a buoyant economy, so you could quite possibly find some kind of job more easily than in Europe. And you'll find an ex-pat community too, they'll be able to give you tips about work/study opportunities and getting visas. I know several people in SE Asia who have been living for years out there and just do the "visa run" every three months (going to the border, leaving and coming straight back in, organising "visa runs" is a business plan in its own right out there)
Your propositions sound so incredibly appealing, you got me daydreaming for sure Unfortunately, it's not that simple. To work in Korea an employer first has to make the visa for me at the very least. English teachers also get plane tickets and a place to stay. Obviously, this is too much trouble for employers. They will prefer someone who is already in Korea with a visa. English teaching is pretty much out of the question since they prefer (or even require) native speakers. I'm pretty sure working freelance on a tourist visa is illegal there.
| | | | Michele Fauble
United States
Local time: 01:54
Member (2006)
Norwegian to English
+ ...
It'll make everything else much easier.
| | | | Phil Hand
China
Local time: 16:54
Chinese to English
| You didn't hear it here | Nov 21, 2013 |
Baozi wrote:
English teaching is pretty much out of the question since they prefer (or even require) native speakers. I'm pretty sure working freelance on a tourist visa is illegal there.
Illegal, sure, but, ahem, it happens. Native speakers, sure, unless you happen to be there just as someone is looking to hire and you're good enough. It's worth browsing the TEFL websites to see what sort of opportunities there are - and if you can do the same on websites that talk about teaching Russian, you increase your chances further.
I suppose I shouldn't encourage anyone to break any rules, but I would encourage everyone to come to Asia and just be here. It's a wonderful, exciting, dynamic, contradictory place to live and be. If it's what you're interested in, then come!
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Kay Denney
France
Local time: 10:54
French to English
| For the second time today, I'm with Phil | Nov 21, 2013 |
Phil Hand wrote: Baozi wrote:
English teaching is pretty much out of the question since they prefer (or even require) native speakers. I'm pretty sure working freelance on a tourist visa is illegal there. Illegal, sure, but, ahem, it happens. Native speakers, sure, unless you happen to be there just as someone is looking to hire and you're good enough. It's worth browsing the TEFL websites to see what sort of opportunities there are - and if you can do the same on websites that talk about teaching Russian, you increase your chances further. I suppose I shouldn't encourage anyone to break any rules, but I would encourage everyone to come to Asia and just be here. It's a wonderful, exciting, dynamic, contradictory place to live and be. If it's what you're interested in, then come!
I remember being priced out the English-teaching market when tide of history washed a whole load of Bosnians up in my home town. A local firm preferred to hire a Bosnian English teacher than me, because she agreed to be paid less than my cleaning lady. When I pointed this out to her, she simply replied that she didn't want to be a cleaning lady. If it can happen in France, where there are simply tons of native English speakers, it can happen in Korea.
Your English is plenty good enough to teach, maybe not advanced students but then there are never enough advanced students to keep all the teachers happy.
What's wrong with simply going for a holiday first?
I know a kid who dreamt of going to Vietnam, and he had even signed up for a course there. Then he went for an interview at the school and came home completely despondent. He had been accepted, but he realised that Vietnam was not at all what he had expected and that it was far away (his Mum and I had a hard time refraining from saying "we told you so").
I'm not saying this might happen to you. I think it's far more likely that you would meet and fall in love with a gorgeous Korean or Japanese girl, and get married after a whirlwind romance, and be given the Korean equivalent of a green card as a result
| | | | Audra deFalco (X)
United States
Local time: 04:54
Italian to English
+ ...
Hi there.
You most definitely need an MA to interpret at the EU/UN level. Your BA can be in any discipline which is the beauty of it. I would suggest getting a degree maybe in law or something related to the topics you'll come across as an interpreter in an organization like that.
However(!) outside the UN, if you want to work in the United States, you don't need a master as there are hardly any masters in interpreting here (curious, I know. But the U.S. is a huge count... See more Hi there.
You most definitely need an MA to interpret at the EU/UN level. Your BA can be in any discipline which is the beauty of it. I would suggest getting a degree maybe in law or something related to the topics you'll come across as an interpreter in an organization like that.
However(!) outside the UN, if you want to work in the United States, you don't need a master as there are hardly any masters in interpreting here (curious, I know. But the U.S. is a huge country and, well, we're not famous for being polyglots...)
Keep honing your language skills, add another language and try to do Erasmus programs!
Best of luck. ▲ Collapse
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