3.

Choice of your first workplace after graduation

1. Define the subproblem: The subproblem that needs to be solved is how to choose the best
workplace for me as a translator and interpreter after I graduate from university. The last
product needs to respond to the following criteria:
o The workplace should match my skills, interests, and values.
o The workplace should offer me opportunities for learning, growth, and advancement.
o The workplace should provide me with fair compensation, benefits, and recognition.
o The workplace should have a positive work environment, culture, and reputation.
2. Gather and analyze data: I can gather and analyze data from various sources of information
and documents, such as:
o Online job portals, websites, and social media platforms that post job openings,
reviews, and ratings for different employers and organizations in the translation and
interpreting industry. For example, [Glassdoor], [Indeed], [LinkedIn], etc.
o Professional associations, networks, and communities that offer resources,
guidance, and support for translators and interpreters. For example, [International
Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters (IAPTI)], [American
Translators Association (ATA)], [European Society for Translation Studies (EST)],
etc.
o Alumni, mentors, peers, and professors who have experience or connections in the
translation and interpreting field. For example, I can contact the alumni office of my
university, join online forums and groups, attend workshops and seminars, etc.
o Personal self-assessment tools and methods that help me identify my strengths,
weaknesses, preferences, and goals as a translator and interpreter. For example, I can
use [SWOT analysis], [Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)], [Career Interest
Inventory], etc.
3. Develop alternatives: Based on the data I gathered and analyzed, I can develop some
alternatives for my first workplace after graduation.
o Working as a freelance translator and interpreter for various clients and projects.
This option would give me more flexibility, autonomy, and diversity in my work, but
 it would also require more self-discipline, marketing, and networking skills. I would
also have to deal with irregular income, lack of benefits, and isolation.
o Working as an in-house translator and interpreter for a specific employer or
organization. This option would provide me with more stability, security, and
structure in my work, but it would also limit my choices, creativity, and variety. I
would also have to adapt to the employer’s policies, culture, and expectations.
o Working as a translator and interpreter for a non-governmental organization (NGO)
or a humanitarian agency. This option would allow me to use my skills for a social
cause, mission, or purpose, but it would also expose me to more challenges, risks, and
stress. I would also have to cope with low pay, high workload, and difficult
conditions.
4. Rate the alternatives:

Criteria Freelance In-house NGO

Skills, interests, and values 4 3 5

Learning, growth, and advancement 3 4 4

Compensation, benefits, and recognition 2 5 1

Work environment, culture, and reputation 3 4 3

Total score 12 16 13

According to the table, the best alternative for me is working as an in-house translator and
interpreter, as it has the highest total score. However, this decision may change depending on the
weight I assign to each criterion, the reliability of the data I used, and the personal factors I consider.
Therefore, I should also evaluate the pros and cons of each alternative, and consult with others
before making the final choice.
4. Job hunting strategies

1. Define the subproblem: How to find and apply for suitable jobs as a translator or interpreter
after graduation? The last product needs to respond to the following criteria: relevance,
feasibility, and attractiveness of the job options.
2. Gather and analyze the data:
o Online job portals, such as [VietnamWorks], [CareerBuilder], and [JobStreet], that
post vacancies for translators and interpreters in various fields and sectors.
o Professional associations, such as [Vietnam Association of Translators and
Interpreters (VATI)] and [International Association of Professional Translators and
Interpreters (IAPTI)], that provide networking opportunities, training courses, and
certification programs for translators and interpreters.
o Alumni networks, such as [Hanoi University Alumni Association (HUAA)] and
[Vietnam National University Alumni Association (VNUAA)], that offer career
guidance, mentoring, and referrals for graduates of translation and interpreting
programs.
o Personal contacts, such as former professors, classmates, colleagues, and clients,
who can give recommendations, feedback, and referrals for potential employers and
projects.
3. Develop alternatives:
o Applying for full-time positions as a translator or interpreter in a specific
organization, such as a government agency, a multinational corporation, a media
outlet, or a non-governmental organization. This option requires a high level of
proficiency, experience, and specialization in the target language and field, as well as
a competitive resume and cover letter, and a successful interview and test.
o Working as a freelance translator or interpreter for various clients and projects,
such as academic papers, legal documents, business contracts, or conference
speeches. This option requires a high level of flexibility, adaptability, and self-
management, as well as a strong portfolio and reputation, and a reliable network of
contacts and referrals.
 o Pursuing further education or training in translation and interpreting, such as a
master’s degree, a diploma, or a certificate program. This option requires a high level
of

motivation, commitment, and investment, as well as a clear goal and plan, and a suitable academic
institution and program.

4. The table for rating the alternatives based on the criteria is:

Criteria Full-time Freelance Education

Relevance High High Medium

Feasibility Medium High Low

Attractiveness High Medium Low

Total 8 7 4

The decision is to choose the full-time option as the best job hunting strategy, as it has the highest
total score and meets the criteria of relevance, feasibility, and attractiveness the most.