20 (or so) questions on how Faye (@Faye

This series of posts was inspired by Lifehacker’s How I Work series, which I’ve been reading for quite some time and thoroughly enjoy. It’s about time we discover how our colleagues work and get to know them a little better.

If you want to participate in this fun series, send us an email at info@linguagreca.com so we can send you the Word template where you can fill in your answers and your bio (incl. your site/blog/social media links) and then send it back to us as an attachment along with your photo (optional but preferred). If you don’t like any of the questions, just delete them and add your own. You can read the previous interviews here.

Location: Trikala/Athens
Desired location: Somewhere by the sea
Current work title: Project Manager, Translator, Conference Interpreter at Trikala Translation Centre and interpretit
Desired work title: Same as above
Languages you have studied or currently speak: Apart from my native Greek, I speak English and German. I have studied some Spanish and Russian but I cannot possibly say I speak them.
The project you’re most proud of: My degree in Conference Interpreting. I was already working as a translator for 5 years, when I decided to go back to the University and study Conference Interpreting. It is very difficult to manage your company and study at the same time, but it was one of the best decisions of my life.
Your current computer setup: Acer laptop, LG PC
Do you own a smartphone? Yes, an iPhone 4s
Favorite time of the day: In the evening, especially in spring and summer, when I can sit in my veranda and enjoy a glass of wine.
Favorite gadget (apart from computer & smartphone): Before buying the iPhone, as an interpreting student, I used to have my Sony voice recorder, always with me, ready to practice and then listen to my performance.
Next conference/event you’re planning to attend: The FIT World Conference in Berlin, in August
How many hours per day do you usually work: It depends. When I work in the booth, I cannot work more than 8-9 hours. When I work in the office, I sometimes have to work for 10 hours, but that is my limit.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? I am an introvert, who loves people very much. I am a great listener and I love small groups of intimate friends.
Are you an early-riser or a night-owl? Definitely an early riser. I am pretty much useless after 10 pm.
What do you listen to while you work? I listen to the news and instrumental music mostly.

And a few non-work related questions to get more personal.
Your babies or pets, incl. names and ages: No pets and no babies yet. My constant travelling makes it rather difficult.
Next city/country you want to visit: I have been dying to go to NY.
Favorite vacation place: Mt Pelion in Greece. Sometime, I hope to retire there and I shall be wearing old swimming suits and hats all day long and translate nothing but chick-lit.
Favorite book: The Buddenbrooks, by Thomas Mann. I am still trying to finish The Magic Mountain in German, though. (I have started it three times and haven’t managed to finish it not even one) My guilty pleasure reading is the “A song of ice and fire” book series by George R.R. Martin and chick-lit.
Favorite song: I love “Interlude” with Morrissey and Siouxsie
What are you currently reading? I have just finished “Katerina’s book” by the Greek writer Auguste Corteau. It is very moving.
Favorite hobby: Going to art exhibitions, eating ice-cream while reading a book.

Author bio

Faye Magkouti (@Faye_Mg) studied translation at the Department of Foreign Languages, Translation and Interpreting of the Ionian University, Corfu with specialization in legal and economic translation. She continued her studies and completed a second B.A. in Conference Interpreting. During her studies she has spent one year in Germany and in the U.K. Apart from her native Greek she speaks English and German. In 2006 she set up Trikala Translation Centre in her hometown (www.metafrasi-center.gr) and as of 2014 she is spending most of her time in Athens, after founding the conference interpreting and translation company, interpretit (www.interpretit.eu) with Maria Drosou and Valia Papakosta (her partners). She loves contemporary art and enjoys blogging, social media and is a team work enthusiast!