In this issue, Monica Machado, English into Portuguese Translator, is interviewed about her election to the Board of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI)

In this issue, Monica Machado, English into Portuguese Translator, is interviewed about her election to the Board of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI), in the UK. The election took place early this year and Monica will start her new role in May.

Interviewer – Congratulations for your election to the Board of ITI. What does this election mean to you?

MM – Thank you. I feel very honoured to be chosen by ITI members to represent them at this very high level in the Institute, and I look forward to the opportunity of sharing my translation expertise and experience with the Board for the promotion of the profession.

Interviewer – What does ITI mean to you?

MM – ITI is one of the most prominent organisations in the UK dedicated to promoting the translation and interpreting profession; it is highly regarded by translators, agencies and clients, and it is seen as a sign of quality and reliability. It is also highly regarded worldwide, being actively involved in raising the standards amongst translators and interpreters.

Interviewer – You were an Associate of ITI for 14 years and in 2014/15 you passed the membership examination, being a full member of the Institute since. Does this make a difference to you as a translator?

MM – To most of my direct clients who trust me based on their experience with my work, being member of ITI makes no difference. To agencies and other translators, being member of ITI means that I have met stringent requirements and passed a technical examination, where the assessors are qualified and experienced members of the Institute. This gives them a high level of quality assurance. To me personally, being a full member of ITI is a recognition for all the hard work I have put into my job over the years.

Interviewer – How can you help ITI and ITI members as a Board member?

MM – I have been a translator for 19 years. I have worked in-house in a large translation company based in the UK, have started my own business and specialise in niche markets. I work with both translation agencies and direct clients and have created a reputation of reliability and quality. I understand the difficulties of working in a profession that is not regulated, where rates are very decisive and quality is often overlooked in favour of short deadlines and price. Non-regulated here means that anyone who speaks languages can translate since not all clients (be it agencies or companies) demand the necessary qualifications. I am in a good position to advise colleagues that there are many clients who praise quality and are prepared to pay fair rates, and that there are agencies who value linguists and are prepared to educate their clients on translation. Above all, I hope I can take ITI and ITI members to potential client forums, to raise the profile of the translation and interpreting profession among direct clients, which are the ones who need us the most. I will also look forward to receive members’ comments and suggestions to make ITI and ITI members stronger and more visible in the market.