After graduating from Kent with a degree in French and Hispanic Studies, Peter went onto complete his master’s in Interpreting and Translation Studies, before being offered a job at the world’s largest translation company, TransPerfect.
Describe your career path since leaving Kent?
After graduating, I spent 2 years teaching English in Asturias to students of all ages. Then, I got my master’s degree from the University of Wake Forest in interpreting and translation studies. I was then offered a job at TransPerfect Translations International, Inc., the world’s largest translation company, at their headquarters in New York as a Quality Manager.
What are you doing now?
I was recently promoted to Senior Quality Manager, and I both translate and proofread medical files for international clients in both French and Spanish.
What do you enjoy about your work?
My work is constantly varied, and I love that I get to use my French and Spanish on a daily basis. I’ve also enjoyed learning a lot about the medical field and the terminology associated with it.
Do you have a typical working day?
For the most part, yes. I work 9 – 6, although there are times when I might have to stay late in order to meet a client deadline!
How do you think your degree helped you to find work?
My degree from University of Kent was indispensable to my career path. It gave me the linguistic base on which I was able to build my translation and interpreting skills. The things I learned during my time at Kent helped me while I was studying for my master’s degree, and I still use them every day in my job now.
Did you spend a year in industry or abroad?
I spent a semester in Lyon and another in Oviedo. The year abroad was not only one of the most enjoyable years of my life, it also boosted my linguistic abilities and my understanding of different cultures.
Did you take part in any volunteering activities?
As captain of the Ballroom and Latin Dance society in my final year, I helped organise and took part in volunteering activities and events to raise money for local charities. I really enjoyed being able to give back to the community.
How has your time at Kent helped you in your career?
The University wasn’t just a place that gave me the degree that I needed to continue my studies, it also taught me invaluable lessons such as time management, teamwork, and working hard to achieve my full potential.
What are your plans for the future?
I love my job, and I am very excited to see myself progress within the company. I also might get a PhD, but I haven’t fully decided on that yet!
What careers advice did you receive at Kent?
My professors were all very helpful and knowledgeable about potential career paths for me, and I met with a careers advisor who was able to give me practical ways of reaching my career goals.
What would you recommend about studying at Kent?
Kent offers a wide range of modules that help to create a well-rounded alumnus. There is also the possibility to study abroad or to do a year in industry. They are both hugely beneficial in giving you experience that you can use later on in life. The faculty at Kent are also fantastic because they are helpful, and they really want to see you succeed.
Any favourite memories of Kent you’d like to share?
My favourite memories from Kent come from the friendships I made with the professors and other students. I fondly remember the time I spent learning with others and growing as a person through interactions with friends that I still communicate with to this day.
Any advice for prospective students?
Kent is a wonderful university. You’ll build solid friendships, and you’ll really feel part of a community. The staff do everything in their power to help you on your academic journey. Don’t be fooled though, you will definitely have to work to get a University of Kent degree!