20 (or so) questions on how Silvia (@sb

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, email us at info@linguagreca.com for the Word template where you can fill in your answers & bio (incl. site/blog/social media) 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. Check out the previous interviews here.

Location: Treviso (Italy), my hometown.
Desired location: Treviso, London and the Cyclades (let’s say four months in each place, every year!).
Current work title: Freelance translator, copywriter and language trainer.
Desired work title: Wouldn’t change my current job for the world.
Languages you have studied or currently speak: I studied English, Spanish and French at university level. I also briefly took up Greek, German and Arabic, but with very poor results.
The project you’re most proud of: I feel particularly proud every time I have the chance to translate articles about new scientific research and discoveries. I recently worked on a text about a new treatment against depression, which could offer relief to thousands of patients.
Your current computer setup: A powerful HP notebook connected to an external Samsung display. I also recently bought a super-thin 13” ASUS laptop for travelling.
Do you own a smartphone? Yes, a Samsung Galaxy.
Favorite time of the day: Early morning, when I’m most productive.
Favorite gadget (apart from computer & smartphone): iPod Nano. I’m a big podcast lover and I take it with me everywhere.
Next conference/event you’re planning to attend: The next IAPTI conference in Bordeaux. I have also signed up for a workshop by the Italian Association of Translators and Interpreters, focusing on business networks for freelance translators.
How many hours per day do you usually work: Generally it’s 7 or 8 hours from 8.30 till 17 or 18.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? A combination of the two. I’m naturally quite shy, but I believe I am good at cultivating friendships and creating professional networks.
Are you an early-riser or a night-owl? Definitely an early riser. Late evenings or nights aren’t my thing as I completely lose focus after a certain time.
What do you listen to while you work? Nothing in particular. When I start translating, I forget about everything around me and my mind just switches to silent mode.

And a few non-work related questions to get more personal.
Your babies or pets, incl. names and ages: No babies, no pets, one living-in partner!
Next city/country you want to visit: Thailand and St Petersburg have been on my dream list for several years.
Favorite vacation place: The Cyclades. My desktop background is a picture of a beach in Naxos.
Favorite book: Saturday, by Ian McEwan.
Favorite song: Best of You, by Foo Fighters.
What are you currently reading? Americanah, by C.N. Adichie.

Author bio

Silvia Baldi: I am an Italian translator working from English, French and Spanish and I specialise in marketing, tourism and science. I hold a degree in Conference Interpreting from SSLMIT in Trieste. After living in London for two years, where I gained experience in media and international recruitment, I relocated to Italy in 2009. In addition to translation, I provide copywriting, editing and training services to SMEs, international institutions and publishing houses. You can find out more on my website, or come and say hello on my Facebook, Twitter and Google+ pages.