Tom Viart

Before ISIT?

I started with a two-year LEA English-Chinese degree (Applied Foreign Languages) in Bordeaux, before going to Sheffield, England, on an Erasmus program. Instead of coming back home after a year abroad, I stayed another year and finished the degree course at my English university.  I then spent a year in Beijing for advanced language training before completing a Master’s degree in Translation in English and Chinese in Brussels. After this long journey, I finally felt ready to join ISIT.

Why become a conference interpreter?

I have known since middle school that I wanted my career to revolve around foreign languages. I discovered translation, and then interpretation when I was 14. I chose this career because I like communication and felt unable to restrict myself to only one field. Being an interpreter allows me to discover many activities, to travel, and to use high-level English every day.

Why ISIT?

When I was in ninth grade, I looked into existing interpreting schools. I heard about ISIT early on. Ten years later, once I felt ready, I decided to take its entrance exam. I wanted to study in a demanding school and pursue a professional program thanks to which I could enter the interpretation market right after graduating. Moreover, ISIT offers several admission sessions, which is very convenient when finishing another master’s degree in May.

After ISIT?

I started to work barely a week after the final exam. Today, my plans consist in continuing on this path, proving my worth on the market and putting into practice what I’ve learned at ISIT.

Any advice for candidates / students?

• For candidates: reinforce your general knowledge because once you join ISIT, you’ll have to acquire numerous techniques, study numerous topics. Having substantial general knowledge can be useful in order to focus on the new things you will learn. Brush up on your geography, your history… be curious.
• As for the linguistic side of things, the entrance exam will give you a clear idea of where you stand. This course can be time-consuming, and an extra year abroad before joining might be beneficial.
• For students: Stay motivated.  Any time I started doubting my abilities, I would tell myself: “Others before me did it, so it’s physically possible”. With effort and work, you can do anything at ISIT. You’re in good hands. Demanding, but benevolent hands, who just want one thing: for you to succeed.