Jingqi Zhou

What are you doing now?

I am working as Assistant to President and General Manager of Center for Translation and Interpreting with Grouphorse Group, an active participant of United Nations Global Compact and a vendor with United Nations for language services.

I also serve as visiting lecturer and interpreter trainer at several universities, companies and government bodies in China.

What did you find most valuable about your course at Westminster? How did the skills you learnt during your degree help you to shape your career?

As a professional interpreter and translator, I would like to attribute my smooth career path to the skilled-based training and members of the faculty who are seasoned interpreters, translators and highly experienced trainers.

The courses were designed to provide us with a wide range of skills and expertise, which enabled us to pull ahead of others in the job market.

What was the best thing about being a student in London?

It was exciting to discover what London has to offer, especially for those aspiring to be a professional interpreter. I listened and spoke with people of different backgrounds and accents, filling every single day with immersive learning activities that helped me sharpen my language skills and discover a framework for thinking.

What extra-curricular activities did you participate in that enhanced your time at the University?

WestMUN Society (including participation in OxiMUN), Visit to the Old Bailey, a visit to EC DG Translation, UNOG & IMO dummy booth practice, work experience from a local translation agency.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of pursuing a similar career?

• Seize every chance that could help you scale new heights
• Be resolute and confident to engage as you may see your time spent not doing so as wasted opportunities after the completion of your MA
• Keep yourself posted on the market demand and you will stand a better chance to survive and thrive
• Embrace the challenges when you feel almost ready as you can never be 100% ready
   

Why would you recommend Westminster as a place to study?

• Perfect location of campus and university accommodation
• Highly professional and responsible tutors – wholly enjoyed the intensive training and still miss it
• Diverse extra-curricular activities on campus and in London
• Support from the University – opportunities for dummy booth practice with UN and IMO, visit to European Commission DG Translation and Interpretation
• Visiting scholars, interpreters and alumni
• Cooperation with AIIC, ITI, CIOL and other professional bodies
• State-of-the-art facilities
   

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

I was a Student Rep for Chinese strand of the MA Interpreting course. It was my job to make sure the voice of students were heard and responded to.

I worked with a London-based translation agency and a Fortune Global 500 company as in-house interpreter, translator and executive assistant before moving to freelancing. Today, I recruit, train and lead professional interpreters and translators from both inside and outside Grouphorse. I understand, what it takes to be a good interpreter and translator, and the tricks to land a tailored job in the UK and China. I’m always ready and happy to share advice with you.