How I Got Hired: Translator, United Nations

My name is Amy Fruchter, and I graduated with an MA in Conference Interpretation from the Middlebury Institute in 2018. My language pairs are English, French, and Spanish. I currently work as an English translator for the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in Santiago, Chile.

In my role, I translate Spanish-language publications, parliamentary documents, and other texts focused on economic and social development. Right now, my team is working on a position document for the 50th session of the commission, which is centered on productive development policy (also known as industrial policy).

Without question, the constructive feedback and professional expertise of my professors in French and Spanish translation and interpretation were the greatest resource that the Institute offered. The greatest resource MIIS offered me was. Their insights were instrumental in helping me achieve my goal of becoming a United Nations translator.

Before joining the UN, I gained valuable experience through an internship at a Paris translation firm and practicum workshops with interpreters from the United Nations and the U.S. State Department.

Embrace the Feedback and Keep Improving

If you are in the translation and interpretation or conference interpretation programs at the Middlebury Institute, you will receive a lot of feedback. I know it can be hard, but try to set aside hurt feelings and embrace the criticism. Nothing helped me improve more than the straightforward feedback from my professors and respected peers.

My best advice for current students is to be open to feedback and use it as an opportunity for growth. This mindset will help you not only at MIIS, but also in your professional career.