| by Meng Zhang MAT ’22
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 Meng Zhang and I graduated with an MA in Translation from the Middlebury Institute in 2022. My language of study was Chinese. I am the founder and CEO of Global Strategic Initiative, LLC, in Haddonfield, New Jersey.
At the Institute, I found the career management course, career fair, and advice on my résumé from the Center for Advising and Career Services (CACS) very helpful. While still in school, I received three job offers and started working as an interpreter, translator, executive assistant, accounting specialist, and terminology specialist. Two of my Immersive Professional Learning experiences turned into ongoing work: Translators for Elders is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, providing a platform for Institute students’ practicums and internships; and IT Terminology is now a live project for an IT company.
My best advice for current students is to recognize the tremendous value of the MIIS network—my job offers are the result of networking, and I also recruit Institute alumni to work on my projects. Seek support from CACS so you are prepared when opportunity comes knocking on your door.
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.
Translation and Interpretation graduate Rachel Echeto shares how taking a chance on an internship unrelated to her degree helped her expand her expertise and launch a career as a freelance translator and interpreter.
| by Sierra Abukins
Middlebury Institute Translation and Interpretation students took home prizes at interpretation competitions held online and in Macau.
