This year, we are strategically embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Edu-Con 2025 through our theme, “Bridging Human Expertise & AI: The Future of Interpreters and Translators in Education.”, and decided to start off the new year by leveraging AI to generate suggestions for professional development goals for translators and interpreters. Check out the AI-generated recommendations below and let us know if any resonate with you.

For Language Prowess & Learning:

• The Polyglot Pivot: "This year, I'll dedicate 30 minutes a week to learning something completely outside my usual language pair – a new dialect, a related language, or even a totally unrelated one. Broaden my horizons and keep the linguistic muscles flexing!"

• The Precision Prankster: "I resolve to consciously notice and actively avoid one specific pet peeve in my work (a misused word, a clunky phrase, a go-to filler). Time to refine the craft."

• The Lexicon Lifter: "This year, I'll expand my vocabulary in my target language by focusing on a specific subject area each month. This month: culinary terms! Next month: quantum physics? (Just kidding...mostly)."

• The Nuance Navigator: "I'll dedicate time to exploring the cultural context of my work, moving beyond simple literal translation. This year, I'll become a master of implied meanings."

For Professional Growth & Efficiency:

• The Jargon Jedi: "I resolve to delve deeper into industry-specific jargon within my specialized fields. May the Force be with me when translating medical equipment manuals!"

• The Tech Titan: "This year, I'll finally master that CAT tool/translation management system/new transcription software. AI. No more tech procrastination!"

• The Project Prioritizer: "I'll implement a more efficient workflow to avoid last-minute scrambles. This year, I'm conquering the art of deadlines!"

• The Networking Ninja: "I will actively connect with fellow interpreters and translators, share best practices, and expand my professional network. Collaboration is the key!"

For Self-Care & Well-being (Because we need it!):

• The Brain Buffer: "I resolve to schedule regular breaks during long interpreting/translating sessions. A well-rested brain is a sharper brain!"

• The Self-Praise Promoter: "This year, I'll celebrate my accomplishments, no matter how small. Time to recognize the linguistic wizardry within!"

• The "No" Navigator: "I'll learn to politely decline projects that don't align with my expertise or schedule, protecting my time and sanity."

• The Posture Protector: "I will improve my ergonomics and take care of my body. This year, no more hunching over my keyboard like a linguistic gargoyle!"

Bonus - The Humorous Resolutions:

• The "Lost in Translation" Laugher: "I will embrace the inevitable moments of translation awkwardness and find the humor in them. We're all human (and sometimes hilariously inaccurate)."

• The Client Whisperer: "I resolve to master the art of explaining the nuances of translation to clients without sounding like a condescending robot."

• The "That's Not What I Meant" Maven: "This year, I'll anticipate the bizarre and unexpected turns of phrase speakers might throw at me and remain unflappable."

SMART Goals

Finally, remember to write SMART goals, which stand for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Example:

By the end of this calendar year (2025), I will achieve proficiency in using [X CAT Tool]. I will demonstrate proficiency by successfully completing “X” translation projects from start to finish using the tool and by independently resolving common technical issues related to the tool without external help. This goal is achievable because I will dedicate 5 hours per week to studying and practicing with the tool. Improving my skills with [X CAT Tool] is relevant to my professional goals as it will allow me to be more efficient with my translation work and manage larger translation projects.

Be realistic about the goal. Don't try to change everything at once. Pick one to three manageable resolutions, keep track of your progress, reward yourself, and celebrate your wins–no matter how small.  

We wish you all the best in 2025 and look forward to being a partner in your professional development journey this year. See you at Edu-Con 2025 on May 2 & 3 in Long Beach, CA!