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 Frances Chang and I graduated with an MA in Translation from the Middlebury Institute in 2017. I have a BA in Russian Language and Literature from National Chengchi University in Taipei, Taiwan, and an MA in International Business from the University of Warsaw in Poland. At the Institute, my languages of study were Chinese and Russian. While at MIIS, I interned with STAR Group in Bangkok, Thailand, where I was offered a full-time position as a project manager upon graduation. In 2019 I joined Andovar (a Singapore-based translation and localization firm) at their production center in Bangkok, where I am now overseeing the company’s global operations.
Attending the career management course at MIIS, career advising sessions with the staff of the Center for Advising and Career Services, and two major career fairs pushed me to think of a career early on and prepare for it. Along with the challenging academic programs and strong support network, the Institute helped me to step out of my comfort zone in job hunting, which would have otherwise been a daunting task.
My best advice for current students is to keep career planning in mind throughout your studies, explore the resources available at the Institute (and beyond), and pursue what really interests you. Take advantage of being in such an encouraging environment to make meaningful connections and contribute to one another’s growth.
| by Jason Warburg
Conference Interpretation graduate Ioana Lobontiu recently passed the accreditation exam for the European Union (EU) and is looking forward to interpreting for EU institutions as she begins the next phase of her career.
The best way to start a career is to set yourself apart from the crowd. MIIS is an important piece in any journey to strive for excellence in your career. Not only will it give you recognition in the field, but it will also give you the skills required to continue to earn recognition through awards, certifications, and successfully tackling your career market after graduation.
| by Nina Fink MATI ’12
Translation and Interpretation alum Nina Fink shares how she landed a career as a freelance translator and interpreter.
