In my last post, I spoke about taking time during the pandemic to redirect some attention to refreshing my brand logo and launching a professional website. Another positive side-effect of the current global situation is the increased use of video conferencing tools that allow us to ‘zoom’ through time and space for virtual events. This week I was delighted to make a virtual return to my alma mater of UL in Limerick, where I was invited to present on the topic of ‘Working with Languages at Home and Abroad’.
I spoke to a group of enthusiastic Year 2 language students on the BA in Applied Languages, BA in European Studies and BA Arts programmes, many of whom are unfortunately unable to travel abroad for their cooperative education placements on account of current travel restrictions. We discussed the opportunities and challenges for the ‘language professional’ as well as the transferable skills commonly developed within degree programmes with significant language and intercultural components. The students were also invited to reflect on their goals and aspirations as emerging language professionals, and we discussed some of the key issues facing those working within a multilingual environment today.
The event took the form of a short presentation followed by Q&A and discussion. With over 20 students of French, German, Irish, Spanish and Japanese in attendance, this was a varied and insightful debate with lots of fresh ideas and thoughtful contributions. Thank you to Dr. Jean Conacher, Senior Lecturer in German and Course Director of the BA in Applied Languages at the University of Limerick, for the opportunity to play a small part in shaping the future of the language professionals of tomorrow!
You can watch the recording of the event here: https://youtu.be/eYbwkQdGMAY