My Top 3 Takeaways from the CIOL Translators Day: How to Future-Proof Your Translation Career

Last Friday, I attended the CIOL Translators Day Conference at the stunning venue Convene, 22 Bishopsgate. Not only was the venue breathtaking (and the food oh-so-delicious!), but the insights from the event were absolutely game-changing for me as a freelance translator.

The translation industry is shifting rapidly, and the conference made one thing abundantly clear: the future belongs to those who evolve.

Here are my top three takeaways from the event – each one a powerful lesson on how to stay relevant, add value, and thrive as a next-generation language expert.

1. AI is Powerful, but Only Humans Can Be Accountable

The role of AI in translation was – surprise, surprise! – a key theme throughout the day.

While AI-driven tools are, without a doubt, becoming increasingly sophisticated, they lack the ability to take responsibility for accuracy, cultural nuance, and contextual adaptation. Ultimately, human translators are the ones who must ensure quality and accountability.

CIOL's stance on AI is one of cautious optimism: while AI translation technology continues to present significant challenges to the language industry and language professionals like ourselves, who have had to adapt to this new landscape at lightning speed, the AI revolution is also creating new opportunities with the emergence of new models and possibilities.

Furthermore, CIOL highlighted the growing importance of cross-cultural communication skills. With the growing volume of content being translated, the demand for professionals who can refine AI-generated text, bridge cultural gaps, and advise clients on strategic language use is set to increase.

Takeaway: Instead of viewing AI as a threat, translators should embrace it as a tool that enhances efficiency. However, human expertise in quality control, cultural insight, and communication strategy remains irreplaceable.

2. Translators Must Rebrand as High-Value Consultants

One of the most insightful talks was delivered by Ilenia Goffredo from LingBox, who stressed the need for translators to rethink their professional identity.

The traditional view – where a translator simply receives, translates, and delivers a text – is no longer sufficient. Clients are now looking for more than just "translation of words"; they expect speed, seamless communication, and professionals who understand their business objectives and potentially add value to their businesses.

Ilenia convincingly argued that translators should position themselves as global communication strategists, cultural consultants, and key contributors to a business’s international success.

Ilenia also highlighted some high-stakes industries where human expertise remains essential:

• Legal & compliance

• Life sciences

• Luxury brands

• Finance & banking

• UX and tech localisation

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In these fields, precision is essential, and mistakes can be costly. A single mistranslation could result in financial loss, legal repercussions, or reputational damage.

Takeaway: Specialising in high-value industries can set translators apart from AI-powered alternatives. Reframing oneself as a consultant rather than just a service provider enhances professional credibility and creates opportunities for higher-value work.

3. Finding (and Keeping) Clients is a Strategic Game

I was thrilled to finally meet my brilliant mentor, Vasiliki Prestidge, in real life at this event. Her excellent alk, Finders Keepers, focused on client acquisition and retention – an essential skill for any freelancer.

My mentor Vasiliki Prestidge at CIOL's 2025 Translators Day Conference

One of the most important insights was that marketing should not be about chasing clients but about positioning oneself so that clients come to you (the holy grail...).

Achieving this requires building an online presence, networking strategically, and clearly defining one’s ideal client.

A key takeaway from this session was the importance of identifying the right audience. Understanding the demographics, interests, and needs of prospective clients can inform marketing efforts and help tailor a social media strategy that attracts the right opportunities.

Other key insights from the session included:

• Clients value behind-the-scenes content that showcases what translators actually do.

• Translators should view themselves as equals in the professional relationship, rather than simply as service providers.

• Consistent follow-up with clients and prospects can lead to new opportunities.

• Requesting feedback from potential clients, even after an unsuccessful pitch, can provide valuable insights for future improvements.

Takeaway: Successful client acquisition hinges on visibility, credibility, and strategic engagement. A well-defined niche, strong professional presence, and proactive follow-up can make all the difference in building lasting client relationships.

Final Thoughts

It was such an honour to meet these inspirational language professionals who spoke so eloquently about the current state of our industry and, even more crucially, the future for us as linguists. I hope the insights I've shared in this blog post will help other fellow translators navigate this new reality with courage and curiosity. While the shifts in our profession can feel unsettling at times, those who embrace adaptation rather than resist it will find new opportunities ahead.

One of the most thought-provoking questions from Ilenia’s talk has stuck with me:

What unique value or skill can you bring to the table that AI can’t?

I believe that how we answer this question will shape the trajectory of our careers over the next five to ten years. For me, these are the qualities that set me apart from machines:

• Cultural nuances and insights

• Effective communication skills

• Genuine human connections

  
  

What about you? How would you answer this question? I’d love to hear your thoughts!