I studied German and Spanish, and later interpreting and translating, in my home city of Bradford before setting off for Bonn, Germany in 2007, where I initially planned to spend two years. However, I ended up liking the place and the people quite a lot, so stayed on until 2012. And I probably should mention that I was working as an in-house translator at a large German company, not backpacking, during those five years! That being said, I did do a bit of travelling, one of my favourite destinations being Dresden, where a friend and I did a half-marathon followed (not immediately, of course!) by some sightseeing.

I returned to Bradford in 2012 and have been working as a freelance translator (German to English and some Spanish to English) ever since, specialising in telecommunications and international development.  When not at the keyboard, you might find me at church, out running with other crazy Bradfordians, playing music or watching films (including German and Spanish ones – I am a language geek after all). I also look for any excuse to get across to Germany when I can, whether for work, to meet friends or to watch football. I’m long overdue a trip to Spain, but my options there are more limited. I’m working on it, though!

This will be my first ITI conference. I’m really looking forward to networking with other translators and to seeing what I can learn from the different events. I’m also pleased that the conference is being held up north and near the great city of Newcastle – what’s not to love about the place that gave us Byker Grove and Alan Shearer?!