SPS Stories
Alumni Spotlight
Mariam Moustafa
Class of 2023
MS in Translation & Interpreting
Translating a Student's Dreams into Reality
Fast Facts
- Moustafa grew up trilingual in Arabic, French, and English
- Her favorite SPS course was Literary Translation
- Was promoted within six months of completing her NYU degree
<p><span class="p-body">The ability to communicate across cultural and linguistic barriers is more valuable than ever, and NYU SPS alumni like Mariam Moustafa are the cultural bridge builders of our community. Mariam earned her <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-translation.html" title="MS in Translation & Interpreting">MS in Translation & Interpreting</a> at our Center for Publishing, Writing, and Media, and her journey from a trilingual upbringing to a career in translation and interpreting speaks to the resilience and adaptability at the heart of NYU SPS.</span></p>
Mariam's Multilingual Roots
<p>Mariam's passion for languages was cultivated early, as she grew up communicating in Arabic, French, and English. However, it wasn't until an internship that involved translating The Bilingual Revolution: The Future of Education is in Two Languages from English to Arabic that she discovered her calling. "I never considered going into the language industry until I had the opportunity to work on an English-to-Arabic translation during my last year in college," Mariam recalls.</p>
<p>Choosing NYU SPS for its MS in Translation & Interpreting program was a decisive step towards fulfilling her ambition. The program promised not just academic excellence but practical, real-world preparation. For Mariam, it was an opportunity to immerse herself in a global community of industry leaders, trailblazers, and, importantly, like-minded peers passionate about the future of their industries.</p>
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A Word to Prospective Translation & Interpretation Students
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<p>Reflecting on her time at NYU SPS, Mariam speaks fondly of the Literary Translation course, which became her favorite. "I believe that translated literature connects people from different backgrounds and helps us realize that what unites us is greater than what separates us," she asserts. </p>
<p>Moustafa's advice to prospective students is heartfelt and practical. This advice resonates with NYU SPS's ethos, where every student's path is unique, yet no one travels it alone.</p>
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Make sure to connect with your professors and colleagues; they're not only experts in the field and a great way to build your network but they're also your support system and the most honest and caring advisors you can have."
What's Next for Mariam?
<p><span class="p-body">The skills and connections Mariam gained at NYU SPS have propelled her career forward. She joined Human Touch Translations as a translation project coordinator, quickly rising to the position of project manager. "The skills I gained from my coursework at NYU SPS helped me thrive in the workplace," she notes, attributing her swift career advancement to the practical, hands-on learning experiences offered by the program.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Mariam Moustafa's story is part of a growing narrative about the opportunities that await those who are driven, curious, and resilient. At NYU SPS, she found not just a program, but a launching pad for a career that transcends boundaries and fosters understanding. As she continues to work on literary translation projects in her free time, Mariam embodies the tenacious dedication that NYU SPS instills in its students who are ready to take their places at the center of their chosen fields.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Ready to add your chapter to our never-ending story? See if a <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-translation.html" title="Master's in Translation & Interpreting">Master's in Translation & Interpreting</a> in-person or online is right for you.</span></p>
