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Spotlight on our freelancers – today: Caroline D.-M.

With Italian roots, Caroline grew up in a multilingual environment. So it’s quite natural that she decided to become a professional translator: it’s a job that she loves and wouldn’t give up for anything in the world.

Photo of a woman with sea in the background

Hello Caroline! Can you tell us a bit about your childhood and why you decided to become a translator?

My family is originally from Italy, but I was born and raised in Belgium. I first felt the lure of languages in secondary school, where I learnt Dutch, English and German. My teacher at the time, my passion for travel and my attachment to my roots made me want to study translation. I'm now 39 years old and glad to be doing this job.

What are your working languages and what type of texts do you translate for Apostroph?

My working languages are German and Italian. Having studied business administration after my translation studies, I specialise in marketing, management and finance. The texts that Apostroph sends me can be anything from corporate magazines and internal guidelines, to press releases, annual reports and articles for the web.

How long have you been working with Apostroph?

I’ve been working with Apostroph since 2015.

What do you particularly like about working with Apostroph?

I like the smoothness of working with Apostroph, which is really helped by the agency’s web platform (myFREELANCE): from the assignment of jobs to invoicing and delivery, everything runs without a hitch. Excellent communication with the project managers, who are friendly and professional, is also very much appreciated.

What’s the first word that comes to mind when you think of Apostroph? And why?

Efficiency. That’s what characterises Apostroph's processes, tools and working practices.

What does your working day typically look like?

I get up early in the morning to start work. It’s quiet and my concentration levels are at their peak. After five or six hours, I generally take a break to eat, get some fresh air or just relax. I then continue working in the afternoon until about 6 pm. I sometimes work at the weekend, but never in the evening because I'm not productive at the end of the day.

If you could start again from scratch, would you choose the same career path?

Yes, without hesitation. I spent a number of years working for different companies and in industries other than translation. The job of freelance translator is the one that brings me most satisfaction, because I feel like I’m accomplishing something tangible and useful. It also offers many advantages, particularly in terms of work-life balance.

Do you have any advice for future linguists or other freelancers who translate for us?

Personally, when deadlines allow, I find it most effective to return to a problem after a good night’s sleep. When you take a step back and clear your head, solutions appear from out of nowhere.

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Caroline!

You have a similar path to translation as Caroline’s or a completely different one?

Please send an e-mail to freelance@apostrophgroup.ch.

And stay tuned for more Freelancer Interviews to come in the following months.

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