During the first two months of my Erasmus internship, I have been gaining valuable knowledge about both the business and practical aspects of the translation industry. The internship combines theoretical discussions with hands-on experience, allowing me to continuously develop not only my translation skills but also my understanding of how a professional translation business operates. Throughout this period, I have been gradually taking on more responsibilities while receiving regular guidance and feedback from my host, which has helped me improve both my professional competencies and my confidence in working in an international environment.
During the first month, I learned about the foundations of running a translation business. My host explained the legal, administrative, and financial aspects of operating a company, including invoicing, taxation, client management, and everyday business organisation. We also discussed the differences between the Polish and Spanish translation markets, comparing customer expectations, pricing strategies, and ways of building long-term professional relationships. I shared my knowledge of the Polish market, while my host introduced me to the realities of the Spanish market, which gave me a broader international perspective.
A significant part of this stage focused on marketing and communication. We analysed different methods of promoting translation services, especially through social media and online platforms. I contributed ideas related to current social media trends and online visibility, while my host explained how to attract new clients, prepare quotations, communicate professionally, and maintain high standards of customer service. We also discussed how communication should be adapted to different types of clients in order to build trust and long-lasting professional relationships.
During the second month, I focused mainly on practical translation work. I completed general, technical, and business translation assignments of gradually increasing complexity, which helped me improve my accuracy, confidence, and efficiency. My host helped me deepen my knowledge of professional CAT tools by demonstrating more advanced features and explaining how they can be used to optimise translation workflows in a professional environment. Together, we developed terminology databases and discussed methods for maintaining consistency across different projects. Each translation was carefully reviewed, and I received detailed feedback that helped me improve both my language skills and my understanding of professional translation standards.
Throughout these two months, my host has also spent considerable time explaining how to successfully manage a translation business. I have been learning about project management, client acquisition, pricing strategies, financial planning, and the importance of combining strong translation skills with effective business management. Overall, these first two months have significantly strengthened my professional translation competencies and expanded my understanding of the translation industry from both a linguistic and a business perspective, providing a strong foundation for the remaining part of my internship.