SPS Stories
Alumni Spotlight
Preparation for Government Service at NYU SPS
Fast Facts
- Secured a job with the Department of Defense as an analyst before graduating NYU SPS
- Believes the skills she gained at NYU SPS prepared for her entering the workforce while working in another language
- Lived in five states before eventually settling in Maryland
<p><span class="p-body">Originally from Maplewood, Minnesota, Hannah Josephson moved to Louisiana in 2017 to attend Louisiana Tech University. From there, she moved to Virginia for a few years before applying to NYU SPS to pursue an MS in Translation and Interpreting (MSTI) from the Center for Publishing, Writing, and Media.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">"I felt like the classes offered and the emphasis on professional translation made me feel like it would really prepare me for the workforce," she recalls. "Specifically, getting to take a legal translation and an intergovernmental translation class, which are exactly what I was interested in."<br />
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When transitioning into actually translating from my new language at work, the translation skills I learned at NYU were such a lifeline," she reveals. "Knowing that I had a strong foundation with techniques and the ability to use them properly made it much less scary to start working in a language that I didn't have as much experience with."
"Incredible" Coursework in Translation Theory
<p><span class="p-body"><i>Theory and Practice of Translation</i> was another incredible course, according to Josephson. "I think there can be a pretty big knowledge gap with the actual theory of translation in the translation community," she muses. "I feel like getting to take that class gave me a significant advantage."</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Josephson was lucky enough to secure a job in the translation field shortly before graduating from NYU SPS. She still holds that position and is currently a resident of Maryland, where she is a language analyst for the Department of Defense. Through her job, Hannah has had the opportunity to spend a year and a half in long-term training learning a third language. </span></p>
A Lifeline to a Meaningful Career
<p><span class="p-body">Josephson is planning to transition into a new team at work in the coming year, where she'll be doing a lot of the same work she does now, but with new topics and vocabulary to learn.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">An <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-translation.html" title="Master's in Translation and Interpreting">MS in Translation and Interpreting</a> can help you to take charge of your career, whether you are new to the field or already working in the language professions. Start the next chapter of your career with a degree from the Center for Publishing, Writing, and Media.</span></p>
