Swansea University has launched a new initiative to help enhance language students’ future career prospects.
The Modern Languages, Translation, and Interpreting (MLTI) department now boasts its own industry panel designed to forge stronger relationships between students, academic staff and future employers.
The initiative has been developed by Dr Giovanna Donzelli. who will lead the panel, along with her colleague Tanya May. It will meet twice every academic year and its key functions include ensuring the department’s programme of studies meets industry needs as well as giving students the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships and work placements.
Dr Donzelli said: “This is a pivotal part of our commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry. The panel’s work will continue to ensure that our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a fast-evolving professional world and become the global leaders of tomorrow.”
A successful launch event brought together employers and academics to begin cultivating closer relationships.
Head of department Dr Rocío Pérez-Tattam said: “We had representation from a variety of sectors which employ our graduates, and the discussions on graduate attributes and future directions were constructive, useful and well-supported by members of the MLTI team.”
Honorary Consul for Germany in Wales Marlies Hoecherl emphasised just how important the field of language and translation is. She said: “Openness to and empathy with other cultures is of paramount importance in cross border business and the ability to communicate fluently in another language is key in achieving this.”
Among the industry representatives taking part were alumnae Nuria Avalos, now Conference Interpreter and Language Support and Logistics Officer at TINTA, and Joelle Drummond, successful entrepreneur who was awarded an honorary master’s degree by Swansea University. They congratulated the MLTI team on a successful launch and an inspiring initiative that brings together language specialists from an impressive range of language-related industries to collaborate with the aim of enriching future students’ career prospects.
Dr Non Williams, who established a similar panel within the Department of Media and Communication, also shared her positive experience of external collaboration. She said: “An industry panel enables staff to keep abreast of current sector developments, enriching the student experience and their future prospects.”
Professor Richard Thomas, head of the School of Culture and Communication, told participants: “The information, the intelligence and the inspiration you give us will have an impact on our courses and our students’ future.”
Industry Panel co-lead Tanya May added: “This initiative has been warmly embraced, marking the beginning of a journey where new heights will be achieved for the benefit of our students.”
