1. What languages do you speak?
Fluent French, German and Italian, basic Russian and Spanish
2. How and why did you become a translator?
When I was 11, I came across a careers book in my school library on working as an interpreter for the EU. I was totally fascinated by the fact that there could be all of these people working together in different languages for a common good. I decided there and then that I wanted to be a translator.
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?
The PMs are always very friendly and supportive. What more could you ask for?
4. How has your localization project manager helped you to do your best work?
Always on hand to help with queries.
5. What’s the most interesting content you’ve translated?
Recent tourism and cultural texts on Saudi Arabia
6. What skills do you find critical to be an excellent translator?
Excellent language skills in the target language and good research skills for handling new or unknown terminology.
7. What is your favorite non-English word and why is it your favorite?
‘Bof’ in French, it’s one of those words that’s so natural in French, but has so many meanings in English.
8. What do you like to do outside of work? How do you achieve work-life balance?
I do lots of volunteering. My main project is running Warwickshire Cycle Buddies, a local group that helps support nervous cyclists get more confident on their bikes. I do lots to try and promote language learning in schools too.
9. Things that visitors to your area should not miss?
Warwick Castle, you can see it from my front garden, and I never get tired of the view.
10. What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received? / What advice would you give to translators who are just starting out?
Never give up and know your self-worth.
