Every day's a school day!

In the past year I had the good fortune to catch up in person with some friends from my university days, beyond the usual WhatsApp chats and video calls. It brought back fond memories of my time at the University of St Andrews, Scotland: the camaraderie, the lifelong friendships and the unique charm of that environment. Those experiences have stayed with me, a constant source of inspiration. Now, many years later, I find myself in a profession that feels like a homecoming of sorts. As a translator and proofreader specialising in academic and scientific work, I help academics and researchers in Spain share their findings with a global, English-speaking audience. It's more than just a career - it's a voyage of discovery and ongoing learning. Every project I take on teaches me something new, reminding me that learning truly is a lifelong endeavour.

Academic and scientific translation: navigating a world of disciplines

Translating academic and scientific texts isn't just a job - it's a journey into the unknown. Every translation or proofreading project opens the door to a new field, from cutting edge medical research to advanced philosophical enquiry, and everything in between.

The beauty of academic translation lies in its multidisciplinary nature. Each project means engaging with different areas of knowledge and expanding my intellectual horizons. To deliver accurate and nuanced translations, I approach every piece of work with curiosity and a growth mindset. This commitment to ongoing learning means I'm constantly challenging myself to push the boundaries of my existing knowledge, discover new concepts and immerse myself in fascinating new fields of research. It's no exaggeration to say that my work often puts me on the frontlines of human exploration and understanding - and makes me everyone's favourite person to have on a quiz team!

Communicating ideas and knowledge, not just translating words

Academic translation is far from a mechanical task. It's an intellectually stimulating process that calls for the investigation and assimilation of complex subject matter. This means that I don't just translate words, but also the ideas and concepts behind them.

The stakes are high - mistranslations can lead to scientific misinformation or misunderstanding. That's why my role is so important. I bridge the language gap while preserving the integrity of the original research and texts. Whether it's an article for a prestigious journal or a doctoral thesis, I'm proud to play a small part in advancing international research, adding my wee pebble to the mountain of knowledge.

Freelance translation: beyond the dictionary

Being a freelance translator goes far beyond the actual day-to-day work. A whole swathe of skills have to be mastered to keep my business on track. Over time, I've had to learn to navigate accounting and finance, legal compliance, business planning and strategy, website design and maintenance, marketing, social media management, client relationship building, dealing with technology issues and pitching for projects - and that's just Mondays! Running a small business is a constant crash course in multi-tasking, thinking on your feet, problem solving and making tough decisions.

Every day, I juggle tasks to make sure my business runs smoothly, all while dedicating time to research, continuous learning and ensuring my clients receive excellent service and top-tier translations. It's not for the faint of heart, but it's a rewarding experience that keeps me sharp and on my toes.

Client relations: a unique and dynamic partnership

One of the most gratifying aspects of my job is getting an insight into the work of my academic clients. Their exacting requirements, high expectations and ground-breaking research push me to always do my very best. The process of reading, translating and communicating their ideas with clarity is both challenging and exciting.

The translator-client relationship is more than an exchange of documents - it's an ongoing dialogue. I take the time to learn and understand their goals, preferences and the nuances of their research. Open communication is key, whether it's clarifying terminology, resolving linguistic issues or addressing cultural content.

As the Colombian writer, poet and engineer, Jorge González Moore, once said, 'the translator is an author's accomplice'. In the field of scientific and academic translation, I embrace the role of accomplice, working closely with my clients so that their ideas resonate seamlessly across languages and borders. One of the greatest joys of this work is building long-term partnerships based on a deep respect for the scholarly pursuit of knowledge and discovery.

Stay curious, stay inspired

Every day as a freelance academic translator is an opportunity to learn, grow and make a contribution to a brighter, more informed future. I take great pride in my work, helping to make knowledge more accessible by delivering high-quality translations of pioneering research and supporting academics in sharing their work with a global audience.

This job is about more than language - it's driven by curiosity, inspiration and a commitment to lifelong learning. It's about embracing challenges, discovering new insights and expanding your own knowledge in unexpected areas. On this journey, the key is to always have an open mind and a willingness to learn. When your head hits the pillow at night, you truly can say, 'every day's a school day!'