Middlebury Institute graduates discuss where they are working today, how the Institute helped them get there, and what advice they’d give to current and future MIIS students.
My name is Daina Jauntirans and I graduated with an MA in Translation from the Middlebury Institute in 1997. My language of study was German. After graduation I was hired as a translator with Fry & Bonthrone Partnerschaft Language Consultancy and Services in Mainz-Kastel, Germany and was later promoted to project manager and senior translator. For 20 years after that I owned and operated my own Chicago-based freelance translation firm, Mozaika Language Services. Most recently, I joined a local nonprofit called Mercy Housing as an assistant project developer.
I initially met with a representative from my employer when they visited the Institute, and after graduation I interviewed at a conference. That fall I started work in Germany and stayed for three and a half years. I subsequently returned to the United States and worked steadily as a freelance translator for the next 20 years.
The coursework at the Institute was practically oriented and introduced me to all aspects of a real-life translation job. I was ready to hit the ground running in my first position. Since then, my MIIS education has opened doors for me in my freelance career. Now that I have changed fields, I am still thankful every day for the strong foundation in project management and attention to detail laid in Monterey many years ago.
My advice for current students is to squeeze every drop out of your graduate school experience. Attend every extra lecture, talk, and event that you can. Your education will be an excellent foundation, but don’t forget to always keep on top of trends and technologies in the industry, continue sharpening your skills, and keep networking.
Translation student Frances Chang explains how courses and advising sessions with the Center for Advising and Career Services helped her get out of her comfort zone when launching a career in the field.
| by Dawnielle Jacobson MAT '14
Translation alumna Dawnielle Jacobson describes how networking, internships, and support from MIIS faculty and staff helped her get started as a freelance translator.
| by Max Troyer
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