Future Translators Prepare for Professional Life

On Thursday, April 30, 2026, Izmir University of Economics, Department of English Translation and Interpreting hosted a training session titled “From University to Professional Life: Job Applications, Protocol, and Representation Simulation for Translators,” under the guidance of Senem Kobya (CEO of Dijital Tercüme Ltd.). The event drew significant interest from both our students and those from other universities.

Senem Kobya began her comprehensive presentation, which aimed to help students confidently transition into professional life after graduation, by teaching them how to introduce themselves in job interviews. The event proceeded as a simulation, where Kobya personally portrayed a candidate to demonstrate the entire interview cycle, from the initial greeting to the final farewell. During this process, she emphasized critical factors such as appropriate professional attire, the use of formal and industry-specific language, effective use of facial expressions and tone of voice, the pivotal role of body language and posture. She further shared detailed insights on subtle yet important etiquette, ranging from proper seating posture to the correct way to consume offered beverages according to protocol rules.

Stressing that job interviews extend far beyond verbal communication, Kobya demonstrated how maintaining a confident stance and proper eye contact can set a candidate apart from their peers. To provide practical experience, she included a student in the simulation to model these professional behaviors in real-time. Beyond the interview itself, Senem Kobya addressed the preparatory stages, outlining the essential characteristics of an impactful résumé and Curriculum Vitae (CV). She highlighted the importance of showcasing sector-specific competencies and maintaining a professional resume format as decisive factors in career advancement within the translation industry.

The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, during which participants had the opportunity to discuss the details of the presentation.