Career Summary:

Rachael Adams is a Monash University graduate who completed a Bachelor of Arts (French Studies) followed by a Master of Interpreting and Translation Studies (French). Passionate about language and cross-cultural communication, she has built a career focused on improving access to information for culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Australia.

Rachael began her career gaining experience in communications, translation and interpreting, including roles in healthcare and language services. She joined Ethnolink as a Project Management Intern before progressing through several communications roles within the organisation.

Today, as Head of Multicultural Communications at Ethnolink, Rachael works with government departments and community organisations to develop multicultural communication strategies that ensure important information reaches people in their preferred language. Alongside this role, she continues to work as a NAATI Certified French to English Translator, supporting inclusive communication across Australia’s diverse communities.

Career Pathway:

• 2023 – Present: Head of Multicultural Communications, Ethnolink
• 2021 – 2023: Multicultural Communications Adviser, Ethnolink
• 2020 – 2021: Marketing and Communications Officer, Ethnolink
• 2020 – Present: NAATI Certified Translator (French to English), Freelance
• 2019: Project Management Intern, Ethnolink
• 2019: Interpreter Trainee, Northern Health
• 2018 – 2019: Assistant Account Manager, Careforce Group
• 2015: Au Pair, Global Work and Travel, Paris, France

What inspired you to study at Monash, and pursue a Bachelor of Arts majoring in French Studies and later the Master of Interpreting and Translation Studies?

A family friend of mine who had completed the same pathways at Monash - studying a Bachelor of Arts followed by a Master of Interpreting and Translation Studies in French and Italian - first introduced me to the possibility of a career in languages. She had been my babysitter when I was younger and later became my French tutor, so she played a big role in shaping my interest in French.

I also spent time in France during high school, including a Year 11 exchange and a gap year working as an au pair in Paris. Those experiences deepened my love of the language and culture.

Interestingly, I was initially accepted into Biomedical Science after finishing school. However, reflecting on my experiences in France made me realise how much I enjoyed language and cross-cultural communication. That led me to change direction and pursue French studies instead. That decision ultimately led me to the Master of Interpreting and Translation Studies and the career I have today.

Were there any communities or experiences at Monash that shaped your journey?

While I wasn’t heavily involved in formal clubs, the relationships I built during university had a huge impact on my academic journey.

During my undergraduate degree, I became very close friends with another student and we made a rule that we would only speak French to each other. That constant immersion helped strengthen our language skills and kept us motivated. We even travelled together through Europe during a university break, and our friendship has continued until today, and she was a bridesmaid at my wedding.

Similarly, during my Master’s there were only two of us in the French stream. As the program was intensive, we relied on each other for support. That peer support made a significant difference and helped us navigate the challenges of the course together.

How did your internships help shape your understanding of the language services industry?

My internships played a pivotal role in shaping my career direction.

Earlier in my undergraduate degree I completed a number of teaching placements which helped me realise that although I enjoyed working with children, teaching wasn’t the right career path for me.

During my Master’s degree, my interpreter trainee placement at Northern Health was incredibly impactful. Observing real hospital consultations reinforced the critical role interpreters play in ensuring patients fully understand important medical information.

However, my internship at Ethnolink was the most transformative experience. It introduced me to the broader language services industry and the many roles within it, from project management to multicultural marketing and community engagement. It expanded my understanding of how language skills can be applied professionally and ultimately led me to my current career path.

You’ve progressed from working as an intern, to Marketing and Communications Officer and now as Head of Multicultural Communications. What do you enjoy most about your current role?

The people.

I joined Ethnolink almost six years ago when the organisation was much smaller and I’ve had the opportunity to grow alongside the company. Today I lead a team of more than 50 people across project management, strategy, research and community engagement.

The diversity of perspectives within our team is incredibly energising. No two days are the same - one day I might be working with a government client on campaign strategy, and another day supporting our team on complex multicultural projects.

It’s dynamic, people-focused work, and I enjoy helping organisations bridge communication gaps across cultures.

What advice would you give students wanting to pursue a career in language services or multicultural communication?

Keep your options open and approach opportunities with curiosity.

Internships, work experience and industry placements are incredibly valuable. They provide real-world insight and often reveal career pathways you may not have previously considered. My own internship experience completely changed my perspective on what was possible within the language services industry.

How did your Master’s degree at Monash prepare you for real-world communication challenges?

The practical components of the program, particularly the work placements and industry exposure were extremely valuable.

Equally important was studying alongside classmates and lecturers from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. Those interactions helped build my cultural awareness and adaptability needed to work effectively in multilingual and multicultural environments.

What does a typical day in your role look like? 

No two days are the same.

While much of my time involves meetings and strategic planning, the work varies. My role now focuses less on translation itself and more on advising organisations on how to  communicate effectively across cultures.

This might include developing multicultural campaign strategies, participating in community consultations, reviewing multilingual communications or supporting HR and team development initiatives. Ultimately the goal is always the same - helping organisations ensure their messages reach diverse communities effectively.

What career advice would you give future students in translation, interpreting or multicultural communication?

This industry is about much more than converting words between languages.

Professionals in this field need to develop strong cultural awareness, strategic thinking and adaptability. Understanding context, nuance and human behaviour is essential, particularly as technology and AI become more integrated into the industry.

Those who thrive will be people who can collaborate, think creatively and approach communication challenges from multiple perspectives.

What trends should future professionals prepare for?

Technology and AI will continue to play a larger role in the industry, so it’s important to learn how to use these tools effectively.

However technology cannot replicate cultural nuance, trust or genuine human connection. Skills such as cultural intelligence, listening and relationship-building will remain essential.

Why is multicultural communication important for Australia?

Australia is one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse countries in the world. Without effective multicultural communication, many people would struggle to access essential information.

Ensuring that information is accessible in culturally appropriate ways helps reduce inequality and strengthens social cohesion. Whether it’s healthcare information, emergency preparedness or public services, accessible communication can have a real impact on people’s lives. Knowing that our work helps communities stay informed and safe is a big part of what motivates me each day.

whitespace

Published in March 2026