Our anniversary translator series features some of the top translators who have been with Day Translations since the early years. Folks like English to Spanish translator, Ramiro, are the people behind our famed human powered translations.
Ramiro’s expertise is part of the engine that makes Day Translations hum, and that keeps bringing back glowing reviews from our happy and satisfied customers. Let’s get a closer look at what Ramiro’s work is like as an English to Spanish translator in the field, and one of Day Translations’ top translators.
Related Post: Meet Day Translations Top Translators in Our Anniversary Feature – Part 1
Ramiro’s Background
We’re looking for insights into where top translators come from, what makes them tick, and why they chose translation as a career path. Let’s get a glimpse into what motivates Ramiro in his work, and where he’s coming from.
1. In what languages do you specialize?
Spanish and English. I was born and raised in Mexico until age 15, and then lived in the U.S. for the next 13 years. I learned both languages/cultures while attending school as a teenager in the U.S., so I was learning the language/culture without “trying.”
2. Is understanding the two cultures important to the quality of your work?
Yes, especially with culturally/socially sensitive translations. I read newspapers/magazines and watch documentaries in both languages.
3. How did you get into translation?
At first, it was a way of earning a second income, but it soon became my primary occupation, and I left my English teacher job. It could be an inspiration, since it was something I had in mind for about 10 years before I decided to give it a try.
Related Post: Meet Day Translations Top Translators in Our Anniversary Feature – Part 2
Top Translators Have to Work Hard
If you’re thinking about becoming a translator, it helps to have some insights from people who have been down the path before you. What does a top translator have to say to beginners? Ramiro gives us some pointers so you know what to expect.
4. What advice would you give someone thinking about going into translation?
Always strive for perfection in all aspects of your life. Always stay current/ahead of any work and have daily targets for pending work. My main habit that relates to anything I do is doing everything right (I like order in everything). When work gets hectic, it’s paramount to time each project appropriately and stay on task.
Learn both languages inside out. It’s the best job I can have. I would’ve studied a third language much earlier in my life.
I’ve seen an increase in work as the years have gone by, so it seems that as globalization becomes more prominent, so does the need for language services.
5. What were the translation projects that you learned from the most, even if they were difficult?
6. Any challenges on the horizon for you? Or that you want to take on?
Learning a new language and perhaps expand my translation capabilities to a third language.
Related Post: Meet Day Translations Top Translators in Our Anniversary Feature – Part 3
Life at Day Translations
What about working for Day Translations? What kind of lifestyle does a top translator have at one of the leaders in the language industry? Let’s see what Ramiro’s thoughts are.
7. What projects have you worked on that have been particularly interesting?
Environment-related projects since that’s one of my academic fields.I don’t work with one specific field. On the fields I work with, my university degrees certainly gave me a different kind of knowledge.
8. What work environment brings out the best in you?
Quiet with nobody around.
9. What is important in your personal or professional life?
Punctuality, quality and fun. I’m a vegetarian.
10. How long have you been with Day Translations, and how has it affected your life?
About seven years. It’s been of great help/assistance in my professional career since it has helped me become a better translator. The best part is the freedom to work from home (or anywhere in the world). It has allowed me to travel (and still work) without being restricted to “vacations earned” or “getting permission from my employer”.
Thank you for your insights, Ramiro! Anyone considering the freestyle life of an English to Spanish translator will surely be encouraged by his perspective. We hope you’re enjoying getting to know the faces behind Day Translations. Without our top translators, we could never have reached out 10-year birthday. A very big thank you to all of them!