Interviews with a Translator and an Interpreter

Do you have a passion for foreign languages? Have you ever thought about becoming a translator or interpreter? Careers in language accessibility are increasingly important with expanding global markets. I interviewed two professionals from these fields to help you get a better idea of what these careers entail as well as some advice for those looking to join. Learn more about translation and interpretation from Bénédicte and Bayda.

Bénédicte, translator:

Alexa: Where are you from and what is your native language?

Bénédicte: I was born and grew up in a small village in Alsace, in France, therefore my native language is French.

Alexa: Which languages do you translate?

Bénédicte: Currently, I translate from English and Italian into French.

A: How long have you been studying these languages?

B: I’ve studied English for a little over ten years, while I’ve only studied Italian for five years.

A: Where did you start to learn them?

B: For English, I started learning when I got to middle school, in 6th grade, whereas I started to learn Italian much later, when I started college.

A: What is your educational background?

B: I first obtained my high school diploma in sciences (baccalauréat scientifique) before really starting to lean towards languages. Once I had my diploma, I started my bachelor’s degree in Applied Modern Languages at the University of Strasbourg. I spent my third year abroad through the Erasmus Exchange Program (European study abroad program) at the University of Nottingham Trent in England. Then, I turned towards translation. I decided to apply for the Master of Professional Translation at the Institute of Translators, Interpreters, and International Relations (ITIRI) in Strasbourg. Through this program, I was able to spend a year at the Altiero Spinnelli Civic School of Interpretation and Translation (Civica Scuola Interpreti e Traduttori Altiero Spinelli) in Milan.

A: What made you decide to go into translation?

B: I chose translation because I love practicing languages and I am committed to making content more accessible to a larger number of people.

A: Do you work as a freelancer or with an agency?

B: Upon finishing my master’s degree, I decided to be a freelance translator.

A: Why did you make this choice?

B: To me, this was the obvious choice after completing my internship alongside Cindy Mittelette-Longuet, the founder of Passionatrad, who herself works as an independent translator. In general, I like the liberties that this working style offers: I like to be able to work at my own pace and at hours that I am most productive – I like to be able to choose the projects I work on, and I like to be able to make decisions that concern myself. I was also drawn to this career’s diversity; no two days are alike. In fact, as an independent translator, my schedule isn’t only filled with translation, but also with prospecting, accounting, and networking, among other things.

A: In your opinion, what are the most important qualities in a translator?

B: To name only three, I think that a translator needs to be curious, rigorous, and organized. In my opinion, curiosity and rigor are vital to translators so that they are able to create quality translations. Lastly, organization is a key element that that allows you to not become overwhelmed, to meet deadlines, and to be able to plan ahead.

A: Is there anything in your career that you dislike?

B: The most complicated aspect for me is always working in front of screens.

A: Do you have any advice for students who would like to become translators?

B: Believe in yourself and put yourself out there. Be an avid reader, do career research and don’t hesitate to ask questions. All of the translators that I have met and have had the pleasure of speaking with have always seemed open and gladly responded to my questions.

Bayda, Interpreter:

Alexa: Where are you from and what is your native language?

Bayda: I am from Syria and my native languages are Arabic and French.

Alexa: Which languages do you interpret?

Bayda: I interpret French, Arabic, and Spanish.

A: How long have you been studying these languages?

B: French and Arabic since I was born and Spanish since 1990.

A: Where did you start to learn them?

B: At home and at school.

A: What is your educational background?

B: I have a Bachelor’s in French Literature and a diploma to teach French as a Second Language. I also have a Master’s in Education – Curriculum and Instruction.

A: What made you decide to go into interpretation?

B: A love for languages and the ease of switching between languages from a very young age.

A: Do you work as a freelancer or with an agency?

B: I’m a freelancer.

A: Why did you make this choice?

B: No specific reason. I am also open to working with an agency.

A: In your opinion, what are the most important qualities in an interpreter?

B: An interpreter should be knowledgeable in a wide array of domains and should always work on expanding his/her vocabulary. An interpreter should always be careful to interpret onlywhat is being related without adding to or subtracting from what is being said by the client. One more thing, an interpreter should use “I” when interpreting for an individual.

A: What do you like most about being an interpreter?

B: Work flexibility and meeting many people from different backgrounds and different parts of the world.

A: Is there anything in your career that you dislike?

B: No.

A: Do you have any advice for students who would like to become interpreters?

B: You have to love what you do.

Hopefully these two have given you some insight into both translation and interpretation!

Interviewing Basics

It’s exciting to interview for a job you are interested in doing; however, simple things send subtle signals that you may or may not be so excited about the job. Here are some tips to help you put your best foot forward and improve your chances of getting hired. Little things mean a lot.

1. Show up on time. The idea of what “on time” means varies from culture to culture. if you’re interviewing to be an interpreter, teacher, or anyone else who needs to be punctual because others will be waiting for you, then showing up on time might actually mean showing up at least fifteen minutes early in the parking lot of the place you’re going to so you have enough time to gather your thoughts, look in the mirror, and then walk in the door. Showing up late tends to signal that you don’t care about the job or that you are presumptuous about getting hired. Life happens. If you must be late, call as soon as possible.

2. Smile. You are preparing to interview somewhere you would like to work. You may be nervous, but people like to be around people who have a pleasant demeanor. This is especially true if you are interviewing for a job that requires you to be around other people. No one wants to hire a sourpuss.

3. Avoid complaining. I once interviewed an interpreter I will never call on simply because she tossed her purse on the interview table, complained about the landscaping in front of the building, and then complained about how difficult it was to come to my office. People tend to hire people who are going to represent their company well and not cause embarrassment or a negative work environment. (See number 2.)

4. Avoid wearing heavy cologne, after shave, or other perfumed products. Less is more. Some people are allergic to heavy scents and also prone to migraines. Deodorant is fine (and encouraged), but anything else may be too much.

5. Dress the part. Think of what you would expect someone to wear if they were doing the job you are applying for. Dress shoes, slacks, a button-up shirt, dress, conservative top, and skirts are fitting for most interviews. Assume a more formal atmosphere and discuss the dress code after you get the interview. Conversely, if you get a second interview, don’t assume that you can wear casual clothing. It is better to be overdressed than under-dressed.

6. Read about the company before the interview. This is an opportunity for you to learn more about what you may be doing and how you might contribute in other ways to the company.

7. Ask not what the company can do for you, but ask what you can do for the company. In other words, don’t start discussing salary and benefits until you have shared how you would be an asset to the company.

The above tips also hold true even after you’ve been hired. Ask yourself how you can add value to the company. This may open doors to you even after you’ve been hired and can lead to greater responsibility and pay within the company.