May 25, 2023

PALA Alum Spotlight: Eva N.S. Boatwright, MS in Translation & Interpreting

Center for Publishing and Applied Liberal Arts (PALA) alum Eva N.S. Boatwright worked as a project manager in the language industry for eight years before deciding to open new career avenues by earning her MS in Translation & Interpreting. Eva recently chatted with us about her experiences in the program.

Tell us a bit about your background.
I earned my bachelor's degree in French and Communication Studies from the State University of New York at Oswego in 2011. I didn't begin working on my master's degree at NYU SPS until Fall 2019. I transitioned from my role as a project manager to being a freelance translator about a year after graduating. Apart from translation, my passion is color guard. I was an avid member of multiple competitive teams, and a coach for many years.

Did you have any favorite classes during your studies at NYU SPS?
My favorite class was definitely Literary Translation with Jenny McPhee. My favorite class discussions and readings were in that class, and beyond that, it set me on the path to becoming a literary translator. It wasn't an area of expertise I had really considered before. I also enjoyed the Audio Translation class with Ana Lis Salotti. It was interesting and fun, and it illuminated many facets of the translation industry I didn't know much about.

Did any of your instructors leave a lasting impression on you? If so, how?
Sandra Smith was my instructor for Contrastive Stylistics as well as my thesis advisor when the time came. Since graduating, she has continued to be a mentor of sorts and an incredible industry contact to have. I have to give credit to Jenny McPhee too, since her course introduced me to the world of literary translation in such an inspirational way. She has also been an invaluable contact since graduation. Academic Director Annelise Finegan was a great source of mentorship and support—I cannot sing her praises enough!

What advice would you offer someone thinking about enrolling in the MS in Translation & Interpreting?
Take advantage of every opportunity you have through NYU SPS. It will be a lot of hard work, but the payoff will be worth  more than I can say. Before applying, attend one of the informational webinars. I did before I applied, and it answered questions I may have otherwise been too intimidated to ask. Additionally, you may recognize some names or faces once you begin taking classes, which helps break the ice.

How do you feel the MS in Translation & Interpreting has equipped you for your current position––and the future?
I fully believe I wouldn't be where I am professionally without the MS in Translation & Interpreting, nor would I have the clear vision I now do for my future professional endeavors. It gave me the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed, and making it through the program also instilled in me a self-confidence that I didn't have before. Even as a fully virtual student, my Violet pride runs deep!

A translation and interpreting degree can help you to take charge of your career, whether you are new to the field or already working in the language professions. Apply for PALA’s MS in Translation & Interpreting, a fully online, 36-credit graduate program.


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