1. What languages do you speak?
My native languages are English and Mandarin and I also speak German.
2. How and why did you become a translator?
I became a translator by chance when I was exploring my options after leaving the hospitality industry to spend more time with my family. Interestingly, my background in biological sciences came into good use when I discovered opportunities to translate medical documents between my native languages. I realized that my hospitality career had helped me develop an eye for details and honed my communication skills. This combination of technical knowledge and soft skills gave me a strategic advantage in this field.
3. What do you like most about being a part of the EC Innovations’ Community? / What do you enjoy most about working with EC Innovations?
While being a freelancer allows me to enjoy much-desired flexibility, the worst aspect of it is the isolation. Therefore, being a part of the ECI community helps me combat freelancer loneliness. I also love how project managers would recommend me to their colleagues as this genuine form of recognition motivates me to do better.
4. How has your localization project manager helped you to do your best work?
The project managers I’ve worked with have been very accommodating. They do their best to find out about my availability and pass on feedback quickly to help me deliver the best work to the client.
5. What’s the most interesting content you’ve translated?
the most interesting content I’ve had the opportunity to work on would be research papers on breakthrough medicines as they have the potential to change lives for the better.
6. What skills do you find critical to be an excellent translator?
As a translator, I believe it is most important to continue learning in your chosen field. It is imperative that we keep up with the times, either gaining specific technical knowledge or using software that will help us improve consistency and efficiency. It is also important to hone our communication and writing skills on an on-going basis to maintain a high level of quality.
7. What is your favorite non-English word and why is it your favorite?
My favorite German word is ‘wanderlust’ which means a ‘desire to wander’. It perfectly describes how I live my life as I think it is important to never stop exploring ideas and places.
The word has also been picked up by English speakers to mean ‘a love to travel or wander’.
8. What do you like to do outside of work? How do you achieve work-life balance?
I love going on long walks in the forest around my homeas we are located right in the middle of a UNESCO biosphere. I also enjoy baking bread and cooking with ingredients from our garden and from the neighboring farms. To achieve work-life balance, I meet up regularly with my friends and we usually go for a run or a walk while catching up with each other. It is also important for me to spend quality time with my family over meals and board games.
9. Things that visitors to your area should not miss?
Bad Urach is a beautiful small town famous for a 37-metre waterfall that is hidden in its ravine forest as well as its therapeutic thermal baths. Situated within the Swabian Alp UNESCO biosphere, the historical town is also known for its well-preserved timbered buildings from the 15th and 16th centuries. Visitors are spoilt for choice with a large selection of hiking trails along which one can enjoy fabulous views over the town, explore castle ruins and even discover caves!
10. What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received? / What advice would you give to translators who are just starting out?
Don’t be afraid to try new things.
To translators who are just starting out, translation can be a full-time job that not only pays well, but also brings you satisfaction.
