I started translating professionally in 1995, after graduating with a BA (Hons) in Languages Translating and Interpreting with French and German from Heriot-Watt University.
After four years at a German enterprise software company, translating software UIs, documentation, training materials and the company's own marketing and other materials, I returned to the UK to become a freelance translator. I became an Associate of ITI in 1999 and gained the MITI Qualified Member status in 2000.

As a freelance translator, I have developed specialisations in technology and finance, working on diverse types of document from technical software documentation to annual reports and marketing materials. I have drawn on the training I received on the job at a software company to acquire an in-depth knowledge of software development processes.

When working in-house I was responsible for the translation department's IT requirements, including introduction of Computer Assisted Translation tools, and helped to develop some internal project management tools. In my early career I supported fellow professionals on a volunteer basis through various online fora dedicated to translation tools.

Since joining ITI in 2000, I have become more interested in how translators and interpreters are able to represent themselves and their profession to the outside world, and have contributed to the Institute's work as a memaber of conference committees (2007, 2009), Chair of the Conference Committee (2011, 2013), mentor on the Professional Support Group (2010-2012), Member of the Board (2012-2017), Chair of ITI (2015-2017). In addition, I have worked on the ITI Scottish Network, ITI German Network, ITI North East and ITI Infotech Network committees. I am currently ITI's liaison to the International Federation of Translators FIT and in 2017 was elected to FIT Council for a three-year mandate.

I maintain my skills through regular attendance at ITI Scottish Network events and workshops, and also attend the ITI Conference and other international events. In the past I have spoken at various events on the future of the profession and continue to work to improve the status of the profession through both ITI and FIT.

ITI membership category: FITI

Specialisms

• Advertising
• Annual reports
• Artificial intelligence
• Banking
• Business
• Commerce
• Computer hardware
• Computer software
• Contracts
• Control systems
• Data processing
• Finance
• Industrial relations
• Information technology
• Insurance
• Internet
• Management
• Marketing
• Public relations
• Quality assurance

Associated skills

• Copywriting
• Editing
• Proofreading
• Revising
• Software localization

Technology

• Adobe Acrobat
• Deja vu
• memoQ
• SDL Trados Studio

CPD achieved within last 6 years