Networks - the heart of the ITIcommunity
Since joining ITI just over two years ago I’ve made a conscious effort to travel to various corners of the country to take part in a range of ITI Network events – mostly social activities I admit – but also a few practical workshops and other training activities. So, when board member Dean Evans suggested that I might like to come along to the ITI French Net’s in-person workshop in Norwich last month, I confess that I didn’t need to be asked twice. Given my professional background in cultural heritage, the idea of spending a couple of days in a city filled with many fine buildings was clearly going to appeal, but the opportunity to spend a day in the historic Dragon Hall was just a side-attraction in this case. The real draw was the prospect of spending time with our ITI members, catching up on their news and views.
ITI Networks
For those who aren’t familiar with ITI, our Networks are, essentially, special interest groups. At present we have 43 Networks organised under four themes – geographical, language, specialist subjects, and support. All our Networks are run entirely by volunteers and each of them operates differently in response to the varying needs of their members. However, there are a few common characteristics that ensure that they offer value to professional translators and interpreters:
Connecting with a community
Networks offer a place for our members, and others, to come together around a shared interest – whether that’s a language like French Net or a specialism such as Beauty, Fashion and Luxury. Having had the pleasure of attending several social events (historic pub crawls, canal boating, and walking to name a few) I can attest that translators and interpreters are a friendly bunch of people who enjoy making everyone feel welcome. Given that many linguists work on their own, our Networks provide a valued and valuable place for meaningful and life-affirming connection with colleagues.
Continuing Professional Development
Updating skills and keeping abreast of sector developments are instrumental to maintaining professionalism. Networks supplement the core ITI training programme with their imaginative programming. The high-quality CPD activities – including webinars, workshops and visits – developed by Network committees provide opportunities for members to hear from specialist speakers and to explore topics in depth.
Collaboration
A number of Networks run regular co-working days, which provide a welcome change of scenery, and indeed conversation, for people who often work at home on their own. Networks also provide a space for members to expand their personal networks, which can also foster favourable conditions for professional collaboration, opening doors to referral opportunities and potential business partnerships.
Career development
Networks provide practical support to help professional translators and interpreters build successful language careers. Members regularly share their business insights and experience with each other, and the specialist focus of many Networks helps members to develop their expertise in lucrative niches and to stay informed about industry best practices.
Networking in Norwich
So how did I get on in Norwich? Well, the experience easily exceeded my (high) expectations. We began with a tour of the hidden medieval street below Castle Meadow on Thursday evening, followed by a convivial dinner with lots of lively chatter. In the morning we moved on to the serious business, with a well organised workshop that included a variety of elements. In the morning we enjoyed a practical session on translating children’s picture books and a “snippet slam” (a quick-fire session where translators tackle short but challenging texts e.g. marketing slogans). Although my modern language skills are limited, I was encouraged to join in with the debates about how to best convey meaning from French into English. Happily for me, I was on safer ground in the afternoon when we embarked on a deep-dive into marketing language services and finding the perfect client.
Reflection
Attending the ITI French Net workshop reinforced my conviction that the professional value of ITI Network events extends far beyond the event itself. The people who take part return to their desks having gained new skills or enhanced existing skills, but they will also have benefitted from exposure to fresh perspectives, and having made stronger personal connections that will support their professional practice for months to come. This is why Networks are such a vital part of the ITI experience and fundamental to nurturing the #ITIcommunity.
So, if you work in translation or interpreting and haven't yet connected with an ITI Network, I'd encourage you to take that step. With 43 to choose from there's certainly one – or more! – that will match with your interests. Explore the options on our website, and discover the wonderful connections, collaboration and community they offer.
