In today’s interview of our translator series, we have Ann-Charlotte Storer, who has managed the feat of bringing finance, law, and languages together.
Ann is a native speaker of Swedish with complete fluency in English, which makes her an integral part of our team for professional Swedish translation. Moreover, she also has working proficiency in Danish and French. Keep reading to know more about her multicultural background, her experience as a language expert and her advice for all up-and-coming translators.
1:Hello and thanks for attending this interview! We'd love to know more about you and where you’re from.
Anna:
You’re welcome, so glad to be speaking with TBH today! I am currently located in the Philadelphia region in the US. I am Swedish but have lived abroad for the past 20 years. Before coming to the US, I lived in Luxemburg in central Europe for almost 10 years, where I worked as a financial analyst and consultant. My husband is English and our joint family is spread all over the world with relatives in Scandinavia, UK and as far as Australia.
2:Please tell us about your educational background and work experience.
Anna:
I have always loved languages, but in the early years of my career, I worked in finance and banking. After moving to the US and having children, I decided to follow my love for languages and train to become a translator. I have a Masters degree in Economics and a Masters degree in Social Sciences which I followed up with language studies and a BA in English.
3:What would you have done differently at the start of your career if you knew then, what you know now?
Anna:
I would not have changed anything – my experience from the financial sector is a great asset for me as a translator because I focus on corporate, financial, legal and marketing material.
4:How has being multilingual helped you? Is there one language you prefer thinking in over another language?
Anna:
My native language is Swedish, but at home, we speak English. Besides these languages, I know Danish from having worked in a Danish international bank for many years, and I also have a good working knowledge of French.
TBH
Those are quite a few languages that you know!
5:What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Anna:
To believe in yourself even when you are new to a profession.
TBH
I think we can all relate to the fact that being new to a profession can take its toll on a person’s morale and motivation but like you said, believing in yourself makes all the difference.
6:What does a normal day in your life look like?
Anna:
I work intensely until mid-afternoon when I usually take a break to cater to my children’s needs as they get back from school, and then I usually work again in the evening, sometimes until quite late as I am a night owl.
7:What has been the most interesting project you’ve ever worked on?
Anna:
I have worked on many exciting and interesting projects but one of my favourites was a long-lasting legal case dealing with competition law and market monopolies. The material was so interesting that it was impossible for me to put it away even though each assignment was extensive. Eventually, the dispute was settled, which was a very good resolution but I missed the weekly job as it had been quite exciting.
TBH
In that case, we better check with our operations team if there are any similar projects in the pipeline for you!
8:As a translator, what surprising lessons have you learned along the way?
Anna:
This may not have been a “surprise” as such to me, but I think it’s important to let people know what material you want and prefer to work with. As a new professional translator, some might feel that it’s too risky to turn a job down but surprisingly this can be a positive.
TBH
You’re absolutely right. We love working with translators who are transparent about their strengths and abilities.
9:What has been the most rewarding part of working with us? Could you please describe your journey?
Anna:
With TBH, communication is always very friendly yet precise, and expectations are clear. I have also been able to work with material within my specialisation and with multiple assignments for the same client, which is good for everyone. As a translator, when you get to know the company and long-term clients, the quality of output is better and clients are increasingly satisfied with the material.
TBH
Thanks, Ann. We enjoy working with you too, and appreciate your professional approach.
10:Could you please teach us some new phrases in your language?
Anna:
Sure! “Vabba” is an interesting Swedish verb that means to stay home from work to care for a sick child. “Välfärdsbrott” means taking undue advantage of the welfare system.
TBH
Thanks!
11:What advice would you give to an aspiring translator?
Anna:
Follow your passion, believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to take on new challenges or respectfully reject jobs that you think are outside of your register/specialisation.
TBH
You couldn’t have said it better! Ann, thank you so much for your insights and for joining us for this interview.
Anna:
Well, I’m most pleased to participate. Thank you for this opportunity!
