…I often interpreted for acquaintances in formal and social situations. Apart from my fluent English, I also speak Arabic (Egyptian dialect), French, German and Russian, which comes in useful when working at trade fairs. I have lived, studied and worked in an international environment, which is why I am better able to understand my foreign clients: tourists, expats, and businessmen who live, travel and operate in Poland.
I was still a student when I began working at Bank Przemysłowo-Handlowy S.A. – later rebranded Bank BPH S.A., as an office assistant, translator and interpreter for a twinning project with the consortium of ABN Amro and Deloitte & Touche in the Bad Loans Department. I found myself in a perfect learning situation: on the one hand, I was working with reputable international institutions defined by their strong corporate identity and work methods, on the other hand, the bank was growing rapidly and had many clients at different stages of their business life – bankruptcies, restructuring, first marketing concepts, bad loans. I translated, among others, for the mining, metallurgy, shoemaking, menswear and textile sectors. As a member of a translating team, I translated during the bank’s privatisation process, the issue of its Eurobonds, and the introduction of banking software. Last but not least, I was also a part of the team working on the integration process with HVB A.G., a German bank (interpreting Board meetings, accompanying the Board to meetings at the bank’s headquarters in Munich, interpreting at meetings and
translation of the following types of documentation: legal, financial, accounting, bookkeeping and IT, stock exchange, credits, loans and project finance, etc.)
As a trainee at the Department of Terminology and Language Technology TLT of the European Central Bank, I acquired the tools, methods and skills of a terminologist and worked on a glossary of financial and banking terms. This is where I first came across a computer-assisted tool supporting translation (CAT). I took a course in Trados and have been using it ever since for translation.
graduate of the Masters’ Programme in Conference Interpreting at the UNESCO Chair for Translation and Intercultural Communication, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland, modelled on the European Masters in Conference Interpreting (EMCI) programme. In recognition of my excellent performance at the final exam (diploma 2003), I was able to take part in a specialised course for conference interpreters sponsored by the European Parliament, and organised by the University of Leeds.
Initially, I was combining my freelancing translation and interpreting jobs with working as a tour guide in Kraków and the region. I am passionate about history, architecture and the beauty of urban and rural landscapes, and I could convey this passion to tourists and business guests to my city. But, after my shoes literally fell apart after walking for DAYS in the rain during the exceptionally wet spring and summer season of 2003, I decided to focus on interpreting and translation only. And my efforts paid off – my tour guide license required passing many very difficult exams on the history, culture, architecture and historical monuments of Kraków and the region. Now I find it very useful and helpful in my translation and interpreting assignments.
I am continuously expanding my offer and specialisations. In 2004, I received my license of a sworn translator of English and Polish from the Minister of Justice. With my banking and financial experience, I specialise in translating for law firms, property developers, start-ups and auditors.
During my conference interpreting studies, I learnt the techniques required of a professional, high-end conference interpreter: memorising, short- and long-memory techniques, note-taking, body language, and public speaking. There is no need to worry about my preparation for your event and familiarity with the subject – in my preparations, I research available sources of information and request materials from my client. I make glossaries of terms and learn terminology. I am a very fast learner. I keep abreast of changes in the industries, political developments, etc. Live consecutive interpreting at events such as galas is my strong point. I pay attention to technicalities (the audio equipment, settings, mics, visibility and playback). I am also trained in public speaking.
I teach and train translators and interpreters
I share my knowledge and experience with my colleagues and translating candidates. From 1999 to 2009, I ran translation courses in business, legal and financial translation at the Jagiellonian University. As a conference interpreting trainer (EU interpreting services SCIC, Brussels), I also taught conference interpreting techniques at the Graduate Conference Interpreting Studies classes offered by the Jagiellonian University in Kraków, and the University of Gdańsk. Sworn translator candidates studying translation at the Tischner European University in Kraków had the opportunity to take part in my courses on translating contracts and financial documents.
From 2005 to 2009, I was the head of the English section of the Masters Studies for Translators and Interpreters at the Jagiellonian University in Kraków. At present, I design translation courses and teach at the Tischner European University in Kraków (sworn translation, financial, business and legal translation).
In order to promote the profession of a conference interpreter, I work in support of good practices of the profession and integration of interpreters. I organise many industry events. I also take part in conferences and meetings in our sector – I’ve spoken about the advantages of having professional associations and unions at the #LCTC202 – the biggest annual conference for the translation and interpreting sector.
I am interested in voice coaching and vocal techniques. I am passionate about opera, in particular baroque opera, and it is my greatest dream to use my vocal skills one day.
I work in Poland and abroad. I live with my family in Kraków. My husband, with his background in engineering (geophysics), is now a technical translator specialising in technical translation from English into Polish [link]. We often collaborate on projects that call for our joint expertise.
My place on Earth in Świnoujście, a beautiful town on an island on the Baltic Sea by the Polish-German border, with its sandy beaches and its most characteristic sight – a beacon, commonly referred to as “the windmill”. I left Świnoujście at 19 to study in Kraków but I return there as often as I can.
The Polish Association of Conference Interpreters – PSTK – is the only organisation in Poland for active professional conference interpreters. Admissions are based on members’ references and extensive professional experience (at least 100 proven conference days of experience). As of 18 January 2020, I am the President of this organisation, and I work to promote the profession of conference interpreter and the professional standards of the industry. We operate pro bono. We train, bring together and support our colleagues working on the conference market and in institutions. For more about PSTK visit www.pstk.org.pl
I am involved in the Lions Club International – a global network of volunteers working together to make a difference. My club, Kraków Bona Sforza, looks after the House of Hope in Kraków – Nowa Huta – a specialised rehabilitation centre for children and youth, which we support financially and materially. I also my volunteer translating and interpreting services free of charge in support of Lions initiatives, for example by interpreting at the Song Festival for the Blind Gala and organising events, the proceeds of which we allocate to support our pupils. More about the Lions Club at www.
Are you a member of a non-profit organisation? Do you have a project, text, documents, or are you organising a non-profit conference? Do you need a translation consultation? Contact me for potential non-profit projects.
I support campaigns for the protection of the environment, equal opportunities for all, counteracting inequalities and equal opportunities. All cultural initiatives related to music, fine arts, film and literature are also particularly close to my heart.
