After being introduced to conference interpreting during her time as an English language assistant near Strasbourg, Bath alumna Alison Graves instantly knew that the varied and rewarding career was for her.
Read on to discover her journey from late nights at the University library studying for her postgraduate diploma, to becoming director for interpretation at the European Parliament.
Why did you choose to study at Bath?
As an undergraduate, I’d spent a year as an English language assistant near Strasbourg and it was here where I first saw conference interpreters working. I was amazed that such a profession even existed!
In my final year of my undergraduate degree, I found myself considering what to do next and saw a poster on the French department notice board advertising the postgraduate diploma in interpreting and translating in Bath – and that was that! I knew what I wanted to do! I was intimidated by Bath’s fearsome reputation but applied to the course anyway, braved the interview process and never doubted for a minute when I was offered a place.
Did you have a particular career in mind when you chose your course?
To be honest, no! As the course went on, I found myself gradually realising that interpreting was what I really wanted to do, but it somehow seemed unattainable.
Persistence paid off, and Bath’s excellent contacts with professionals in the field gave me the confidence and advice I needed to take this career path.
Can you tell us about your experience of studying here?
The course was very intense. We were a small group who spent a lot of time working hard and trying to figure out how to get better. Learning new skills was very satisfying and certainly, in retrospect, a lot of fun!
While most of my memories are from the classrooms, I did love the city. Our favourite nights out were at a place we ‘fondly’ called Bog Island: a club in converted public toilets. Tells you all you need to know!
Describe your career journey since graduating.
After my final exams, I passed the European Parliament’s accreditation test and spent the next two years as a freelance interpreter, living in Brussels and working hard to build up my skills, knowledge and experience.
I became a staff member in the European Parliament, spent 20 years as an interpreter in the English booth – which I loved! – then became a manager working mainly on training and testing, including a few years in our translation department.
Today, I am director for interpretation at the European Parliament: a role that lets me draw on everything I’ve learned as we seek to ensure we can continue to provide the highest possible quality in 24 languages... and sometimes more! A typical day is long and varied!
How did your studies help you to develop, professionally and/or personally?
I can honestly say that it was Bath that got me where I am today. The course gave me the skills, the competence and the contacts to make a start on my career in the EU. I also did a placement as a translator in the Council of Europe, which was a very significant milestone on my path towards a profession as a linguist.
What advice would you give to prospective students thinking about studying your course at Bath?
I would say ‘do it’! The course is very vocational but at the same time gives you lots of transferable and marketable skills.
The language industry is booming, so don’t get too focussed on any one niche. Explore the wide range of careers that will be available to you and be patient; the learning process is a long one and there will be setbacks. But be brave and go for what you want.
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