Why do you enjoy reading MultiLingual magazine?
I find great enjoyment in reading MultiLingual magazine primarily because it offers diverse perspectives. This is particularly useful for me as it allows me to broaden my horizons beyond my Polish translation world, thereby helping to shape my global viewpoint. I make it a point to read the magazine in its entirety and generally find equal enjoyment in all its sections. There’s always something interesting to learn and find!
How did you get involved in the translation business?
From a young age, I had aspirations of becoming an actress and was also a fan of Harry Potter. The Polish translation of the book included a glossary explaining the origins and meanings of various terms, which piqued my curiosity. I was proficient in English from a young age (also thanks to reading the Harry Potter books in English, because I couldn’t wait for the translator to finish his work!), which set me on the path to studying Applied Linguistics with English and French at the University of Warsaw. After graduation, I began working for KTLC (The Translation Conference + Konferencja Tłumaczy) as an assistant, and I am currently the Head of the English part of the conference. I also work as a project manager for Textem, which is one of the KTLC organizers.
Since you entered the translation industry, how has the business landscape changed?
Having graduated in 2014, a decade ago, I’ve had the opportunity to witness the remarkable rise of machine translation (MT) and the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI). During my studies, effective MTs were virtually non-existent. However, the landscape today is drastically different and significantly more technologically advanced.
Could you share your experience working with your first client or on your first project?
Upon joining KTLC, I had the opportunity to meet a diverse group of individuals from every facet of the translation industry, which was truly an eye-opening experience. The theoretical knowledge we acquire during our studies and the public perception of translation often differ greatly from the practical realities of the industry. It was this realization that solidified my decision to pursue a career in this field.
Do you believe it’s a good time to enter the translation business?
I currently cooperate with the Institute of Applied Linguistics as a lecturer, so I’m in touch with the new graduates and students. What I always tell them is that while a degree in this field does not guarantee success or necessitate a career in translation, it does open up a myriad of opportunities. Despite the negativity that some individuals may harbor towards the translation industry, it’s important to remember that it’s not the only path. In fact, many other industries value multilingual skills and translation expertise. Therefore, one might find that the best course of action could be to explore roles related to, but not directly within, the translation industry.
Where do you see yourself professionally in the next 10 years?
My aspiration is to continue organizing KTLC, ideally with an increasing number of supporters. I plan to persist in my networking efforts and in providing assistance to others. While there is a lingering concern about AI potentially replacing our jobs, I remain optimistic. Given the diverse range of tasks I perform on a daily basis, I doubt that AI could fully replicate my role. And it certainly doesn’t bring a lot of smiles to the industry like I do!
What predictions do you have for the future of the translation industry?
The landscape of our industry is certain to evolve. Given the significant changes we’ve seen over the past decade, it’s challenging to forecast precisely what lies ahead. The industry’s perspective today is a stark contrast to what it was when I graduated. I am confident that humans will remain essential for certain tasks, potentially even new ones that will emerge with time. Regardless of how the industry transforms, I remain optimistic about our continued relevance.
I also foresee an increase in the number of people attending in-person conferences such as KTLC. The need to exchange experiences is something that machines can’t do for us! Join us in the last week of September, and if you’re unfamiliar with KTLC and would like to learn more, I encourage you to visit our website at translation-conference.com or reach out via email at info@translation-conference.com.
