A new academic year is just around the corner. The hallways are busy, the smell of lecture notes and coffee fills the air, and plans for nights out are being made… and there’s that constant question on your mind, whether you’re a freshman or about to graduate: “Am I on the right path?”
Maybe you didn’t get into that one program you dreamed of. Or you’re worried you chose the wrong set of courses. Maybe you’re wondering how you’ll ever find a job in your field after graduation. Sound familiar?
Relax. You’re not alone. We’ve all been there!
Today, we want you to meet Anamarija, our translator, whose story begins right where you might be now – at the crossroads of unexpected decisions and hidden opportunities.
When “Plan B” Becomes the Best Decision of Your Life
Anamarija is now fluent in languages, but her first choice wasn’t the Faculty of Humanities. “My first choice was actually Speech Therapy in Zagreb,” she admits. “Unfortunately, the enrollment quota was very low, and there was an entrance exam, so I didn’t get in.”
For many, this might sound like a disaster, but Anamarija didn’t see it that way. The Faculty of Humanities in Osijek became just as dear to her, and, as she says, “in the end, everything fell into place perfectly.” By enrolling in English and Pedagogy, she had the opportunity to discover new passions and develop in directions she had never considered before.
From Zoran Vakula to Dictionaries: How a Love for Translation Was Born
Did you dream of an unusual job as a child? Anamarija did.
“As a kid, I wanted to be a meteorologist! I was always checking the forecast and pretending to be Zoran Vakula from HRT,” she laughs. “Even today, I have a ton of weather apps on my phone.”
Her passion for translation wasn’t love at first sight; it developed gradually alongside her growing interest in English. When it came time to choose a focus for her master’s studies, translation was the natural choice.
“I admire professors, but because of my more introverted nature, the translator’s job suits me better. Besides, I was fascinated by the art of conveying thoughts and information in another language – how to express what someone wants to say precisely, but in a completely different linguistic framework.”
“You have no experience” – The Phrase We All Fear. How to Overcome It
Now, the key question: how do you land your first job in the field? Anamarija’s story of finding a job at Sinonim is a perfect example of how opportunities sometimes create themselves – if you’re ready to seize them.
“Sinonim contacted our professor for a recommendation for a student to help with administration. She recommended a colleague, my colleague recommended me, and that’s how it all started.”
At that time, Anamarija’s only experience was volunteering to translate for TED Translators and Translators without Borders. But that was enough. She showed initiative.
“At first, I wasn’t translating; I was helping with administration. But I soaked up everything: how the process works in an agency, how certified translations are done, which tools we use… As the work expanded, I started getting my first translation projects too.”
Anamarija’s Golden Tips for Finding Your First Job:
- Be active from the start: Don’t wait for your diploma. Join volunteer work, workshops and university projects. Every item on your CV counts and builds your confidence.
- Networking is everything: Connect with colleagues and professors. Word-of-mouth recommendations often open doors faster than any application.
- Be persistent: Send open applications, include examples of your work (even volunteer work). “It may not pay off immediately, but heroes are recognized through effort. Someone will definitely notice you.”
A Day in the Life of a Translator: From Auto Parts to Wrestling with Word
Today, after more than three years at Sinonim, Anamarija says the best part of the job is the sense of satisfaction after completing a huge project and receiving positive feedback from a client. “It really gives you a boost!”
In this job, she says, you learn all sorts of things. “Every day I research something new. The best example is that now I know how to change a windshield, even though I’ve never done it! Every new translation is a new topic to explore.”
Of course, not everything is perfect. The less enjoyable part? “Everyone dreads those huge documents with tables where you move one thing and the whole Word collapses. I think every translator knows that,” she laughs.
Final Words (and More Advice) for You
To conclude, Anamarija leaves a few key messages for all future translators and language enthusiasts:
- READ. A lot. Both in your native and foreign language. This builds a sense of style and vocabulary.
- TRANSLATE. Everything. It may sound funny, but translate an online article, a Bolognese recipe or headphone instructions. There’s no better practice than hands-on work, and every small translation shapes you as a future professional.
- MAKE AN EFFORT. Be curious, active and show initiative. Take every critique as a learning opportunity.
Good luck with the start of the new academic year! Let Anamarija’s story remind you of one thing: your career didn’t start the day you enrolled at university, nor will it start the day you submit your diploma. It begins the moment you decide to take concrete action – translate an article, attend a professional workshop or apply for a student internship. Good luck!
