Tell us a little bit about your background...
My name is Siyu (Luna) Luo and I'm from China. I was on a dual master's degree program between Nanjing University of Finance and Economics (NUFE) and University of Strathclyde from 2015 to 2018. I studied MSc in Business Translation and Interpreting at Strathclyde and graduated with distinction in 2017. After leaving Strathclyde, I finished my final year of postgraduate study at NUFE and thereafter have worked as a translator based in Shanghai.
What inspired you to study your chosen subject at university?
I had great passion for translation when I was an undergraduate studying English Language and Literature in China. I enjoyed facilitating the communication between two different languages/cultures. Moreover, the skill-focused design of the course was appealing to me, which I believed would sharpen my competitive edge in the job market.
What advice would you give to someone considering studying your course?
Be a sponge and absorb knowledge from various fields, be it finance, automobile, healthcare, etc. There is a saying that goes "a translator must know something about everything", which from my personal experience is indeed the case. Often I found the challenge in translation lies not at the linguistic level but in the lack of related knowledge. When doing translation, the background knowledge is essential to a sound understanding of the source text/speech, which then enables a solid output in the other language.
Do you have a highlight from your time at university?
I interpreted for a 3-week training course on Integrating Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Professional Education that was organised by HaSS for Tianjin Municipal Education Commission (TMEC). I really appreciate this opportunity offered by HaSS, which provided me with valuable hands-on experience in interpreting and a lovely and memorable time with TMEC group. A big thank you to David and Amy who helped coordinate and offered me this precious opportunity.
Where are you working now?
I'm currently working as a translator at the Shanghai office of Boston Consulting Group, a global management consulting firm. I translate case materials from English to Chinese and vice versa.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is being constantly exposed to new knowledge and the latest trends in different industries.
How did your time at Strathclyde help prepare you for this role?
The translation theories I learned and the practices I had at the course enabled me to be a professional translator. Specifically, the CAT tool (SDL Trados) that I learned from the course is the software I'm using in everyday work; the translation project done with my classmates gave me insights into the processes and challenges of a real translation project.
What are your ambitions for the future?
As a "newcomer" to the translation industry with around 1.5 years of experience, I aim for higher proficiency in both translation and interpreting with broader knowledge across sectors.
Any final points, or words of wisdom?
All of my lecturers and my supervisor at Strathclyde were very helpful and supportive. It was a wonderful and unforgettable experience to study in Strathclyde and also live in a city with marvellous buildings and warm-hearted people.