Freelance Work As Lifelong Education
Yesterday and the day before, I interpreted at a conference in the software industry. Of course, I’ll get a check at the end of the day, or rather at the end of a few weeks, but there’s another priceless advantage that one can derive from this job, where we are, basically, observers.
Forget about insider knowledge. This was a public conference, so no confidential data was exchanged. And anyway, we work on a contract.
The interesting point is that at conferences, you don’t see the lame ducks of an industry. (Or if you do, you see how they are going to fix that). The companies that get showcased are those that are putting all their energy into building successful businesses, and those that have indeed succeeded and are striving to stay on top.
So you get to see the best. It’s not a seminar, but you get lessons live on how to succeed, how to market yourself, you get a view from the perspective of some of the most influencial players in a market. Of course we don’t see what goes on behind the scenes, so I’m not talking about taking everything at face value. But success doesn’t just happen. You have to put a lot of work and energy into achieving it.
So although using insider knowledge is forbidden, there’s no law to stop you from feeling energized, even as a tiny business, after an event like that, and lessons to be drawn.
And just think that I’m paid to get that education…
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Tags: Interpretation, Small Business
September 26th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Hi Nadine,
I agree and I feel exactly the same way about most of the English classes I teach. 95% of my students are doctors, lawyers, economists, even a judge, and they all have a good level of English already.
The conversations are fascinating and we both develop our thoughts about different aspects of life and their respective professions, as well as improving their English.
Matthew Bennetts last blog post..How to use ’some’, ‘any’, ‘every’ and ‘no’ in English
September 28th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Hi Nadine!
I’m an Italian Translation and Interpreting student, and I’ve been reading your blog for a few months. I find it very interesting and I always look forward to reading your next update. I’d like to become an interpreter someday, and I have English (B, hopefully) and French (C) in my combination.
Since I would like to attend a French intensive course in France next year, do you know any schools that teach French as a Second Language at an advanced (or upper-intermediate) level, by chance?
Thanks in advance!
Ilaria
September 28th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
@Matthew. Indeed, knowing languages is only one part of our job. The rest has to do with being in the world.
@Ilaria. Thank you for the question. I’m not familiar with courses with French as a Second Language, but I’ll definitely be on the lookout and let you know.
In standard market conditions, A & B (Italian & English in your case) are the languages you must be able to work from and into confidently (and well), C, D, etc. are languages that you work from, never into. So the emphasis will be on being able to understand all the nuances of written and spoken French, not interpret into French.