The article presents the results of several studies focusing on the evaluation and self-evaluation of translation work placement, a compulsory part of the MA studies at the Department of Translation Studies at the University of Ljubljana, undertaken by the students of Translation/Interpreting. Selected language service providers offering a three-week practical experience to trainee translators also participated. In the first part of the article, the con-cepts of mentoring and evaluation are defined, followed by the results of evaluations and self-evaluations of various aspects of translation work placement, obtained from 122 final reports and post-placement questionnaires by trainee translators from the last accreditation period for the European Master’s in Translation, combined with the data from 2023/2024. The main aim was to explore the relationship and aid provided to trainee translators by other employees, while focusing in particular on mentoring, communication and feedback during translation work placement, as well as the time dedicated to and encouragement gi-ven to mentees. Additional information foregrounding various aspects of translation work placement was obtained from six interviews with selected translation service providers and trainee translators soliciting information on various translation activities during translation work placement, the use of translation technologies and generative artificial intelligence tools, mentor-mentee relationship and future employment prospects. The findings highlight the importance of close partnership between the academia and work placement providers offering employment to the graduates of the Department of Translation Studies, underlining that work placement can serve as a bridge between the academic and professional worlds. While translation work placement offers trainee translators work-related experience in disciplinary knowledge, it also presents an opportunity for the development of soft skills, nowadays often foregrounded as a key contributor to employability of future graduates.
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