Dot Roberts, a graduate of MA Translation and Interpreting Studies shares with us some insights into her time at Manchester and how it has helped her career. Now running her own freelance translation and subtitling business – Dot Roberts Translation, she translates German and Dutch into English, specialising in environment/sustainability, entertainment/arts, and marketing translation. On top of this, her career involves subtitling movies, TV shows, documentaries, whilst also hosting her own podcast: Meet the Translator. 

Why did you originally choose to study your course at Manchester?

The university had a good reputation, and I liked the idea of living in Manchester. I also wanted to do my MA part-time, and I liked that I had the option to do that at Manchester.

Did you always know you wanted to do the career you’re in? Did your course or time at the University help influence this?

I just followed the path of what I enjoyed the most. My favourite subject at school was German, so I did a BA in German with Dutch at the University of Nottingham. My favourite module was translation, so I decided to do an MA in Translation Studies. I actually started freelance translating in the second year of my part-time MA, and it was going well so I just continued down that path after I finished my studies. One of my favourite modules of my MA was audiovisual translation, so I made subtitling a large part of my job. The audiovisual translation module definitely influenced this decision, and my audiovisual translation dissertation further helped me to go down this path. 

How did your course set you up for your career path?  

My course had a lot of relevant modules which were really helpful when it came to starting my career as a translator. I learnt how to use translation and subtitling software, how the industry works – with a guest from a translation agency who was able to answer our questions, I learnt about different areas of translation such as literary translation, and the theory modules were somewhat helpful too. 

What was the most surprising takeaway from your course that’s helped you in later life?

I think the most surprising takeaway for me was actually the difference it makes in the translation industry when you have an MA in Translation. I do understand it because I learnt so much and really improved my skills, but having the MA made it a lot easier for me to gain new clients, because it was a way of proving that I had the necessary skills. 

What advice would you give to a student looking to start your course and/or join the University? 

I would say, take the modules that interest you the most because you’ll do better if you’re enjoying what you’re doing. Also, and this is advice that I give to anyone who wants to get into the translation industry: Network! Start by getting to know your fellow students and make an impression with your lecturers and tutors. Outside of university, I’d recommend attending translation events (the North West Translators Network is a great association in the North West of England that hosts events and webinars), and network on LinkedIn. Many of my current clients found me either through LinkedIn or because one of my LinkedIn connections recommended me to them.  

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