A study on operationalizing applied English translation programs in Turkey: An examination in terms of competencies, sector and academy

In Turkey, translator education has become an area of frequent research since the foundation of the 'Translation and Interpreting' and 'Translation Studies' departments, which provide undergraduate education. In addition, Applied English Translation programs that provide associate degree education are also included in translator training. On the other hand, the Vocational Qualifications Authority has determined the profession of "Translator" as Level 6 and this level indicates the undergraduate level. This leads to some problematic issues concerning theory and practice at the workplace. Employment of students who graduate from this program is at the forefront of these problems. In addition, it has been determined that holding a bachelor's degree is a main requirement in terms of having a position as a translator at governmental institutions such as Ministry of Foreign Affairs etc. The aim of this study is to examine the employment opportunities of the students of Applied English Translation programs and to determine the positions and sectors where the students can be employed. Thus, by increasing the functionality of the program, it will be possible to train semi-skilled staff who can speak languages for different sectors. The research was designed as a qualitative study and different data sources were included in the research in accordance with the purpose of the study. The first of these is the internship reports of the students. As a result of the analysis of internship reports, it was determined that the students completed their internships in many different sectors (tourism, industrial services, transportation, logistics, health, education, etc.) and used their foreign language skills effectively in this process. It supports the idea that students can be employed not only in the field of translation services, but also in different fields. The second data source of the research is the job advertisements offered by job advert web sites. In the process of examining the employment opportunities of the students of the Applied English Translation programs, Turkey's leading employment websites were included in the scope of the research. To analyze the adverts in a convenient way, semi-skilled worker positions that require English skills were included and analyzed. As a result of the analysis, the potential positions for the graduates of Applied English Translation programs have been found out. Findings from students' internship reports and job adverts showed that graduates of the Applied English Translator program may have different options for employment opportunities. In order to examine this situation in a more detailed way, semi-structured interviews were conducted with two different groups. These are managers from different sectors and human resources specialists. The result of the interviews supports the findings from internship reports and data from job search engines. For instance, semi-skilled staff who can speak foreign languages are needed in different sectors; the the managers from various sectors stated that the students of Applied English Translatiom programs can be employed more easily and effectively with some additional skills they will acquire. To discuss the current situation of Applied English Translation programs and to analyze future directions regarding the curriculum of the program, faculty members were invited to a focus group interview. The interview was held both in person and online and a report was prepared. Analyzing the data of the focus group interview, the problems related to the effectiveness of the program and possible suggestions for them were clarified. When the data from different sources are analyzed, it has been concluded that students of Applied English Translation programs have more employment opportunities as semi-skilled workers in different sectors. However, in its current curriculum design, it can be said that Applied English Translation programs do not provide basic skills in addition to foreign language skills in different sectors. This is also evident from the aims of the program and the syllabus. This issue brings the necessity of reorganizing the program, namely a curriculum evaluation process. It is suggested that the implementation of a modular program, content based course design and double major/minor programs are suitable for students who want to work in the sector and students who want to continue their undergraduate programs. As a result, the functionality of the program will be increased by taking the needs of students with different educational and professional goals into account.