Martina Urgesi

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What did you study at Saarland University and when was that? 
I studied Business Science and Economics from 1993 to 1995 and Translation from 1995 to 2001.

What job did you do after your studies?
I worked as a translator and subtitler for a while before founding my own company for subtitling, audio description and translation of audiovisual media.

What did you particularly like about your studies at Saarland University?
It was great for me that there was an institute for interpreting because I could change subjects without having to change universities or cities. I was therefore able to study in the department of Applied Linguistics, Interpreting and Translation in Saarbrücken.

Why did you choose Saarland University? 
I was allocated a place for Business Science and Economics in Saarbrücken by the National Coordinating Office. I liked it so much in Saarbrücken and at Saarland University that I stayed there even though I changed subjects.

Do you have any tips for current students?
In my field, there is growing fear that people will be replaced by technology. I think it's good to be aware of technological developments and to know how to use the tools for your own work.

Do you have a special anecdote or story from your time at Saarland University?
My housemate back then was studying Computational Linguistics. It was really interesting and fun to look at language and translation together from two different perspectives.

What was your favourite place on campus?
The main campus lawn.

Why did you study these subjects specifically?
I initially chose Business Science and Economics because I attended a business school before university. I then changed my subject to Translation because I was more interested in applied language studies. Having Business Translation as my supplementary subject fitted my focus better.

How did you make the transition to working life?
After moving to Berlin, I did an internship with a translation and subtitling company that I had heard about during a colloquium at Saarland University. I was then offered a position there and gradually took on further areas of responsibility.

How would you sum up your time at Saarland University in one sentence?
It was an amazing time during which I made friends who are still important in my life.

What do you wish you had known when you started your career?
That the field of subtitling would come to be so strongly influenced by technological developments. And that accessibility in media would create completely new and interesting professions and areas of activity.

What surprised you during your studies?
How much I would enjoy translating.

What would you like to experience again at Saarland University?
Some form of class reunion.

What other alumni services would you like to see? 
More profiles of other alumni.