Thriving in the language industry

In Hungary, university-level training of language mediators began at the Faculty of Humanities of Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) fifty years ago. To commemorate this anniversary, the Department of Translation and Interpreting at ELTE has conducted a comprehensive survey of graduate students' career development, their employment status in the language industry and their feedback on the training they received in light of their professional experiences. The online questionnaire was distributed via social media platforms and the Department's alumni mailing lists, garnering 381 responses from former students. Data analysis indicates that although graduates are generally satisfied with the quality of their training and most of them secure positions in the language industry, a relatively high dropout rate persists among fresh graduates. Based on the survey results, this paper aims to shed light on the challenges and difficulties faced by translator and interpreter graduates as they enter the profession. Respondents voiced concerns about livelihoods and future prospects due to the rapid advancement of technology—particularly the growing role of AI, which has emerged as a key trend in the European translation market (see ELIS, 2025). The findings may be more broadly applicable to translator and interpreter (T&I) training programmes across Europe and could inform enhancements to curricula, supporting the smoother transition of graduates into the industry (EMT Expert Group, 2022). Such improvements have the potential to enhance students' employability and foster the profession's long-term sustainability.