Sarra Chtioui

I majored in English civilization, language and literature. I am currently working on my MA thesis in translation studies in the Higher Institute of Humanities in Tunis. I have been a volunteer of the Tunisian Publication House ”D.B” in their translation project of the young adult novel “Shut Up”. I have also been a part of the Tunisian Environmental Association “Ateecren” which focuses on the preservation of the natural Tunisian landscape and the emancipation of women in rural areas.

I am an introvert through and through. I enjoy detail-oriented tasks and mentally-stimulating activities. I like mentally stimulating activities such as various creative outlets: Art, music, theatre, cinema, and debate. I would say that my best attributes are my thirst for knowledge and curious mind.

Career Goals

As a 24-year-old MA student in translation studies, I have been faced with the infamous question “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” one too many times. In fact, I have mixed feelings about the question. On the one hand, it helps the person retrace his/her steps and ground himself/herself in his/her career path. On the other hand, from the perspective of a novice, it can be quite difficult to envision the future while trying to fully take advantage of present opportunities.

This essay is a presentation of my personal career goals, based on my current situation and my vision board.

As I am in the process of working on my MA thesis in translation studies in Tunisia, I want to have the opportunity to have a different experience while pursuing my Doctorate. I would like to travel as a visiting scholar to Geneva, one of the world’s leading cities in translation to experience at first hand, the translation world on the international level.

I would like to have the opportunity to collaborate with my teachers in the translation studies department. I want to get to know them as colleagues and mentors, in the field. I want to show them my gratitude for their patience and dedication by putting what they taught into practice.

As a novice freelancer, I am now trying to build a portfolio of respectable agencies and potential clients. I would like to expand my portfolio and have enough experience to make a name for myself in the freelancing world. I want to achieve a balance between building strong long-term collaborations and defining rates and work hours that would allow me to see what life has to offer.

As a Tunisian, I would like to have the opportunity to proudly represent my country. I would hope to win an international translation prize. Becoming a recognized published translator for transferring a critically-approved publication to my First language would bring me the greatest pleasure.

Finally, I would like to collaborate with new people from all over the world and make an impact via basic human communication, which is the ultimate function of any form of translation.

Lastly, I am at the beginning of this journey and I intend to enjoy every second of it to the fullest.

Sarra Chtioui is a Summer Intern 2018 at Modlingua