<p><span class="p-body">Like many translation and interpreting professionals, a deep passion and curiosity about languages is what brought Instructor Roxana Dinu to the field. With a Master's in Philology from the University of Bucharest, Romania, Dinu's love for language was the driving force behind her as she pursued further studies, including a <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/certificates.html">Paralegal Certificate from NYU SPS</a>.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">We recently spoke with Dinu to learn more about her background, her experiences so far as an instructor at NYU, and her advice for incoming <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-translation.html">MS in Translation & Interpreting</a> students.</span></p>
Teaching Is In Her DNA
<p><span class="p-body">Dinu's connection to NYU runs deep, with her children both being graduates, and her teaching career at NYU starting back in 2002. When NYU SPS launched the MS in Translation & Interpreting program in 2012, Dinu eagerly joined the program, continuing her mission to share her expertise in the field with students.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Teaching comes naturally to Dinu, who comes from a family of educators. For her, teaching is a shared experience where both teachers and students learn from each other. She shares, "They bring so much to the table: curiosity, eagerness to learn, enthusiasm, new ideas, to mention just a few. Teaching is a two-way activity, an exchange, and a shared journey."</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">The MS in Translation & Interpreting program at NYU SPS attracts a diverse group of students, from seasoned professionals to beginners. Regardless of their starting point, Dinu's students leave the program with a deep understanding of the profession, improved skills, and a solid foundation for their careers. Many of her former students have gone on to find success in the language industry or have pursued further graduate studies.</span></p>
The Challenges of Academic Rigor
<p><span class="p-body">Dinu's greatest success as an educator is seeing her students thrive as professionals and become her colleagues. However, teaching is not without its challenges. Students often need time to adjust to the program's rigorous demands, which are designed to prepare them for the realities of the language industry, where following instructions, meeting deadlines, and delivering quality work is crucial.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">One of Dinu's key messages is that translation and interpreting are far more than simply converting words from one language to another. It requires language skills, cultural awareness, and technical expertise. "This is why client education and professional advocacy need to be ongoing efforts on our part," she adds. As technology continues to advance, Dinu emphasizes the importance of staying informed and adapting to new developments.</span></p>
Staying ahead of the curve would imply several steps: staying informed about new developments, deciding which ones to incorporate into our work and how we want to incorporate them, and constantly developing new skills. If we shy away from technological advancements, we will just be pushed out of the competitive field of the language industry."
A Word of Advice
<p><span class="p-body">Dinu's advice to current students is simple: act professionally in every situation. Success in any career, especially in translation and interpreting, is built on a foundation of professionalism, reliability, and continuous learning.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">For those considering a career in translation and interpreting, Dinu encourages them to approach it with both intellectual rigor and heartfelt passion. It's a profession that bridges linguistic and cultural gaps, giving voice to marginalized groups and making the world a more connected place. For Instructor Dinu, the rewards of making a difference are as significant as making a living.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Take the next step in your career when you pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-translation.html">MS in Translation & Interpreting</a> at NYU SPS.</span></p>