Joseph explains how he’s building his career translating French and German into English after graduating with a BA Modern Languages (French, German, Russian) in 2023.
My abiding memory of language classes at Southampton is the freedom we were given to use our languages in different contexts. In addition to submitting traditional essays, we had the opportunity to submit short stories and podcasts.
As well as using academic style language, I explored colloquial and narrative language and challenged myself to use humour in a foreign language too.
Freedom to use languages in different contexts allowed me to be highly creative in my course work.
Joseph Futter, 2023 graduate.
Playing rugby in France
I absolutely loved my year abroad working as a language assistant in Pau, a small city in South-West France. I am a big rugby fan, and the area is a real rugby heartland, which was perfect.
I joined a local club and spent most weekends doing battle against rival local teams. I also made sure to make the most of all the opportunities to go travelling, exploring the Pyrenees, the Basque Country and beyond.
Career goals
In my final year I wanted to become an interpreter at international organisations. One of my lecturers advised me on the best way to achieve my goal.
After graduating from Southampton, I did a masters’ degree in interpreting and translating at the University of Bath. Following the MA, I took the European Union accreditation test for interpreters and passed.
I am now preparing to begin my career as a freelance interpreter at the European Union. I will be working for the Commission, Council and Parliament, interpreting from French and German into English.
I am extremely excited to get started in Brussels and I’m looking forward to what the future holds.
The skills, knowledge, and confidence which I acquired over my 4 years at Southampton have really helped me to achieve this major career goal, and for that I am very grateful.