We spoke with translators who regularly collaborate with our agency to offer an inside look at the profession.
Below are the answers of Daria Ostroverkhova and Nadezhda Dubyshkina to the same questions — two perspectives that come together to form a fuller picture of the profession.
How did you come to the profession of translation? Was it a conscious choice or a coincidence?
Daria: It was a conscious choice. Back in school, I realized that I enjoyed English — I wanted to understand song lyrics and watch movies in the original. So when it came time to choose a university, I already knew my path. In my final year, I started working as a project manager at a translation agency and began taking on translation assignments myself.Nadezhda: My interest started in childhood, but I made a conscious decision in the 7th grade. I began studying with a tutor and surrounded myself with English — it became part of my everyday life.Which languages and fields do you work with now?
Daria: I work with English, mainly doing written translation. I’m currently freelancing and specialize in technical and medical documentation.Nadezhda: I do both written and interpreting work from English, Ukrainian, and German. Russian is my native language.What were your first assignments like?
Daria: They were standard documents — certificates, powers of attorney. As for interpreting, my first memorable experience was a seminar with foreign specialists at the Government of the Omsk Region.Nadezhda: I started at a translation agency on my professor’s recommendation. At first, I worked on template documents, and later I was entrusted with more complex texts — that’s how I gained a practical understanding of the profession.What education or training helped you in your career?
Daria: I studied at Dostoevsky Omsk State University and obtained an additional qualification as a translator. But I improved my skills the most through working at a translation agency.Nadezhda: I have a specialized degree — a Master’s in Translation Studies. The university gave me a strong foundation, which I continue to develop on my own.In your opinion, what is missing from traditional translator training?
Daria: It’s crucial to constantly practice the language. Without it, skills quickly fade.Nadezhda: In addition to university programs, conferences, workshops, and participation in the professional community are very important.Which skills (besides language proficiency) have been key in your work?
Daria: Computer skills, knowledge of specialized software and CAT tools (Trados, SmartCAT), time management, discipline, and perseverance.Nadezhda: Improvisation, stress resilience, flexibility of thinking, and public speaking skills — especially for interpreting.Which assignments have been the most challenging or memorable?
Daria: The most memorable ones were interpreting at wedding ceremonies. These are very emotional moments that you experience along with the participants.Nadezhda: The most challenging was consecutive interpreting with a speaker who had a very strong accent. At first, it didn’t even sound like English, but after a few minutes I managed to adapt.Where should a beginner start in translation?
Daria: Get a full-time position at a translation agency.Nadezhda: Start while still studying: look for internships, send out your CV, build a portfolio, and try different areas.One piece of advice you would give yourself at the beginning of your journey.
Daria: Worry less about difficult situations — they are inevitable when working with people.Nadezhda: Start learning another language earlier and not give up on Japanese.Translators’ stories are rarely the same, but they share a common rhythm: an interest in language, consistent practice, and gradual experience building. Some enter the profession through university, others through recommendations, but in most cases, the starting point is a translation agency — where theory meets real-world tasks.
If you are just considering a career in this field, there is already a clear direction: start practicing as early as possible, explore different areas, and don’t be afraid of challenging tasks — they are what turn language knowledge into a profession.
We would like to thank the translators for taking part in this interview!
We work regularly with Lingvista and we definitely recommend it!
