Mastering translation project management: what, when, and where

Abstract

ABSTRACT The paper presents the findings from a survey of 43 translation project managers (TPMs) in Lithuania, focusing on assessing Translation Project Management (TPM) competence. Utilizing a revised version of Plaza-Lara's (2022) TPM model, the study identifies the market's expectations regarding when TPM competencies should be acquired. The results reveal that the majority of skills and abilities, particularly those within ‘(Extra)linguistic,' ‘Psycho-psychological' and ‘Strategic' domains, are preferably acquired before entering the role, while ‘Translation project management' and ‘Instrumental' sub-competencies can be developed in a short time frame. Notably, attributes like language proficiency, effective communication and responsibility are universally acknowledged as pre-requisites. Skills attainable after a few months at work or training correspond closely with the academic syllabi of universities that have already included TPM in their curricula. This underscores a significant convergence between educational curricula and the prevailing demands of the job market that universities should look into to better equip graduates for diverse career opportunities.