Career Summary

Marcus is a dedicated professional with a passion for language and translation. After studying English as a second language, he furthered his education by completing a Master of Interpreting and Translation Studies at Monash University in 2012. Since then, Marcus has actively pursued opportunities to practise his love for language.

In 2014, Marcus had the privilege of translating for China's President Xi Jinping, showcasing his exceptional language skills and ability to navigate complex diplomatic settings.

During his studies, Marcus secured an internship at Chin Communications, a leading Chinese translation company. Impressed by his abilities, Marcus has remained a valued team member and currently serves as their Language Manager.

Career Pathway

2020 - Present - Language Manager, Chin Communications
2017 - Translation Coordinator and Senior Translator
2012 - Present - Translator and Interpreter
2012 - Internship

Why did you choose to study at Monash University?

While completing my bachelor's degree in New Zealand, I began exploring universities in Australia for further studies. One aspect that caught my attention about Monash University was its NAATI certified courses. This was particularly appealing to me because my career aspirations revolved around translation and interpreting. Having the NAATI accreditation was important in providing confidence for my future in this industry.

What drew you to studying the Master of Interpreting and Translation Studies?

I have always been passionate about exploring the intricate details and nuances of language, literature, expressions, and communication. My undergraduate degree in English from the Shandong University of Finance and Economics provided me with a solid foundation, so it seemed like a natural progression to study and pursue a career in translation and interpreting.

What were the standout opportunities Monash offered?

Monash University offered internship opportunities to gain practical experience in the field, and Chin Communications stood out as an excellent choice due to their specialisation in Chinese language services. Being an international student, this perfectly aligned with my interests and seemed like a valuable learning opportunity. Through my research, I discovered that Chin Communications was an industry partner with Monash, so I reached out and applied. To my delight, they accepted me and provided an exceptional experience that allowed me to develop my skills in a hands-on manner.

Following a successful internship period, I was offered a position as a casual employee. Upon completing my master's degree, I became a full-time member of the Chin Communications team. I was fortunate to receive a work visa from the company, and after two years, I obtained permanent residency, which was a significant milestone.

I also had the opportunity to be involved in various Monash Translation and Interpreting events and seminars. These experiences not only helped me enhance my knowledge but also improved my communication skills.

What are some of the most important skills or knowledge you learned from the master?

The most important aspect of translation and interpreting that I learned while studying at Monash was an understanding of how communication and language work.

While many people may think that translation and interpreting are just a process of exchanging words between two languages, the theoretical foundation that Monash provided, demonstrated that there is always a greater purpose behind translation. The Skopos theory of translation was highly influential and impactful on my professional and career decisions, as it taught me to always keep the purpose of translation in mind.

Did Monash offer any knowledge or facilities that surprised you?

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Monash provided booths for interpreting training. Conference interpreting, which involves on-the-spot translation and interpretation in real-time, is considered the most advanced form of interpreting. Having access to these booths was incredibly beneficial as a student, as it allowed me to gain practical experience in this specific environment. It was a wonderful surprise to find that Monash offered such valuable resources for learning.

Furthermore, I was pleasantly surprised by the range of theoretical content covered in the program. Monash incorporated translation theories from various countries and cultures and this exposure to diverse perspectives was instrumental in broadening my understanding of the field.

What was it like to interpret for the Chinese president in 2014, and how did you gain that opportunity so early in your career?

Interpreting for one of the world leaders was an unforgettable experience. It was a surreal moment in which my only focus was to do the job correctly. I was fortunate to be part of the Chin Communications team that had the opportunity to work at the event. It was early in my career, but I felt able to take on the challenge because of the confidence and understanding that my Monash studies had given me. It was an incredibly exciting moment, something that I could not have anticipated.

What does a day in your role at Chin Communications look like now?

I'm currently the language manager for the team at Chin Communications. I'm still translating and interpreting; however, more of my work involves researching industry trends, observing the team's performance, helping other translators and interpreters perform better, and building training structures.

A typical day in my role as a translator and interpreter involves a variety of tasks. I would begin by managing and translating projects, and then sending them out to the relevant team members. I would then focus on creating a training session for our team, to improve their understanding of theoretical backgrounds and creative copywriting.

What sort of translation projects do you typically work on?

At Chin Communications, we translate a wide variety of topics and genres. We are responsible for the translation of many important projects, ranging from medical device interfaces, financial documents for investors, real estate projects, studies for clinical trial institutions, to media content for tourism authorities.

Personally, I am very interested in creative translation, so the projects I am currently working on are videos to be subtitled.

What are some of your highlight accomplishments to date?

It’s difficult to pick just one, but my greatest achievement has been honing my translation skills and increasing my expertise. My goal is to always enhance my abilities and get better at this craft.

Some career highlights have been translating for Xi Jinping - our current Chinese President - and some governors as well. I’ve also had opportunities to travel around regional Victoria to serve as a translator for a few different companies which has made my job more fun and fulfilling.

As the current language manager at Chin Communications, one of my proudest accomplishments is developing the ability to look beyond myself and provide guidance to the translation team. I have been striving to create a system that can benefit everyone, and I'm happy with the results.

Would you recommend the Master of Interpreting and Translation Studies?

I encourage everyone to study at Monash. If you have a passion for language, communication, and assisting others, pursuing a master's degree in translation and interpreting is a fantastic choice. Unfortunately, some people underestimate the value of this degree and think that it’s just skill and doesn’t require further education. However, Monash offers an exceptional program that combines theory and practical training.

If you have a genuine passion for this field, you will witness the strong connection between theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice. The program will not only enhance your career prospects but also benefit your everyday work.

What advice would you give to future Master of Interpreting and Translation Studies students?

My advice used to be: always keep training. It is a highly skill-based profession, and developing an automatic mechanism to perform, overcoming stage fright, and striving to perform better are essential for providing optimal assistance to others. Simultaneously, it's crucial to learn how to maintain neutrality and explore its definition and boundaries. Neutrality is not a black-and-white concept, particularly in the realms of business and politics, so understanding where one's alignment lies is vital.

More recently, my advice is: Keep up with the trends so you stay relevant. The field is constantly undergoing technological changes, and it's essential to adapt and find our place within that evolving landscape. It's crucial to continue honing and enhancing our skills, stay informed about the latest technologies, and preserve the human element in our work. I believe future students will find these changes in the industry intriguing and rewarding.