Alumni Stories

Graduates of our MA program in Translation and Interpreting share where their educational experience has taken them.

Recent Alumni Updates

Jiyeon Portnoy is currently working as a language analyst contractor for UnitedHealth Group & Meta

Krista Maine is teaching French Language Arts; recently translated a website for a Canadian box chain store; recently translated a children's book written by an assistant principal in her district. The English book is called, “The Girls: The Wild and Wondrous Lives of Jean Wallbridge and Mary Imrie” by Tyson Mastel & her translation is called, “Les filles: les vies sauvages et merveilleuses de Jean Wallbridge et Mary Imrie”. Both are available to purchase through Amazon. Excitingly, author Tyson Mastel has received funding for a second book & has asked Krista to translate that as well!

Timothy Gregory has a recent book translation, "Suleima's Ring" by Rima Bali, published by interlink Press in August, 2026 LINK

 

Alumni Spotlights

  • Hebba
    Hebba Abulsaad
    MA 2023, Arabic<>English:“In addition to adding to my knowledge, (the program) helped me embrace new technology, which significantly enhanced my productivity and accuracy as a translator and interpreter. Through assignments, practice sessions, and evaluations, the program offered constructive feedback that helped me identify areas of improvement and refine my skills. Being part of the...
  • Jordan Eason
    Jordan Eason
    MA 2023, Portuguese<>English:“Having the ability to do the program completely remote was definitely a motivating factor. Once I got into the program, I really enjoyed my instructors. I really think the level of professionalism they had was amazing. Also, the course variety was really good. I wish I could go back and take some of the courses I couldn’t squeeze into my schedule. I really...
  • Koeun Lee
    Koeun Lee
    MA (2023), Korean<>English: "The program offered a flexible schedule, which was the most important for me to work and study both, and relatively manageable cost, and the faculty who had expertise in specific areas I wanted to explore … This program equipped me with theoretical insights to articulate the strengths and limitations of AI translation and the ability to effectively...
  • Benjamin Steel
    Benjamin Steel
    "U of l's Translation and Interpreting program afforded me the opportunity to pursue graduate study in my chosen field without having to step away from my full-time job. As a language professional with 16 years of experience doing translation and language teaching, I found U of l's courses both practical and theoretically enriching. I continue to use the skills I've acquired in the program in my...
  • Abdulmajeed Alajaji
    Abdulmajeed Alajaji
    Earning a Master's degree in Translation and Interpreting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign equipped me with the most essential skills to excel at my work as an instructor at the Saudi Electronic University, where I apply the knowledge and skills gained while studying at UIUC to help my students and improve their experience. The invaluable lessons and great moments of learning...