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Ziyi (Ian) Zhang's Journey from DCU to a Technical Project Manager at Zoetis

Ziyi (Ian) Zhang, a graduate of DCU’s MSc in Translation Technology, recently shared how the programme helped him bridge linguistics and technology and launch a global career in localization and AI. Read his full testimonial below:

Why Ireland?
I chose Ireland for its vibrant tech ecosystem, welcoming culture, and strong industry-university links. Dublin’s blend of innovation and international companies made it the ideal place to bridge linguistics and technology and build a global career. In addition, it was the origin where the localization industry started.

Why DCU and the MTT programme?
I studied the Master’s in Translation Technology (MTT) to move beyond pure translation into the technical side, becoming that “agency” between linguistics and technologies. DCU was the perfect fit: practical, industry-aligned modules, hands-on tooling, and a forward-looking approach right as transformers and GPT were reshaping our field. Also, the collaborative pathway with BLCU (Beijing Language and Culture University), my alma mater in China, was a major plus.

Favourite course elements
Every module proved useful in my current work. Modules on CAT tools, terminology, and MT/AI evaluation strongly influenced me. They gave me the foundations to design real workflows, such as optimizing evaluation metrics, combining methods like inter-annotator agreement and ranking, and doing targeted term mining for MT training. These fundamentals make complex projects work.

Standing out in the job market
DCU’s applied focus helped me present a clear value proposition: I could design evaluation frameworks, align terminology with domain needs, and integrate MT into localization workflows. That positioned me well for AI and automation focused roles in localization. Our course also linked closely with DCU’s Career Office, where we learned to craft strong CVs and prepare for interviews.

Career path and current role
Since graduating two years ago, I’ve been a Technical Project Manager at Zoetis. My work centres on machine translation evaluation, AI training, and localization workflow automation in the medical/pharma domain. I co-designed “Project BabelVet,” our systematic approach for AI translation and improving translation quality through tailored metrics and training. Day to day, I build AI-driven solutions, integrate terminology tools with MT, and ensure accuracy and consistency across languages.

Campus life and resources
DCU’s career office and seminars were genuinely useful, offering industry insight and networking. The programme’s practical orientation and access to tooling made it easy to turn classroom learning into real projects.

A big shout‑out to the DCU Diving Club. What an exceptionally well‑organized society with professional coaching and structured training! It gave me a welcome balance alongside academics.

Through the MELLIE programme run by SALIS, we bridged social and cultural divides amid rising xenophobia in Europe. This experience strengthened my English communication, deepened my awareness of refugee challenges, and expanded my intercultural competencies. Our final artworks from the project was exhibited at the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA).

Highlight at DCU
Being named to the Dean’s List was a proud moment that recognized the hard work I put into the programme. Another defining highlight was seeing coursework idea translate directly into a proof-of-concept my team could adopt. That confidence, watching classroom methods solve real problems, was the bridge from student to professional.

Advice for international students who want to study at DCU and work in Ireland

  • Build your network early and use DCU supports. Connect with classmates, alumni, and professionals on LinkedIn; watch for course‑related meetups, seminars, and industry events. Book the Career Office for CV reviews, interview prep, and career planning; attend employer events and skills workshops.
  • Pace yourself. Sometimes the combination of study and finding a job can be stressful. Plan assignments and exams early so you’re progressing steadily. Avoid last‑minute panic at semester end. Most importantly, make time for wellbeing and fun activities.

I’m grateful for the foundation DCU gave me and for the Zoetis Globalization team that lets me explore and build. If you’re ready to connect technology with your studies in a practical way, DCU is a great place to start.