Who am I

My name is Helena, and I would like to talk to you about my assets…

I am a Fleming who lived in Brussels for 8 years, in a mostly French-speaking context. I also lived in Wallonia for a while. This means I fully understand Belgium’s multiple cultural identities.

I also spent a lot of time in Spanish-speaking countries. I have a perfect command of Spanish.

In 2003, I obtained a Master’s degree in translation, magna cum laude, from Hogeschool Gent.

I am a through and through perfectionist, and that is necessary when you work with languages. I work efficiently and precisely. I am a quick learner. I have a knack for administration and small print.

Although translation had always been part of my past professional experiences, I finally decided in 2010 to become a self-employed translator and interpreter. This choice continues bringing me satisfaction and challenges. I can be 100% involved in what I am passionate about and good at.

Due to my experience in different sectors, I not only know how businesses operate, but I also have a clear insight into the non-profit and development fields. These experiences made me understand different corporate cultures, and I learnt to work under high pressure. This is a great asset in my current job.

Education

• 1993-1999: Latin & modern languages
• 1999-2003: Master's degree in Translation French-Spanish, option interpretation, magna cum laude, Hogeschool Gent (ex-Mercator). Master's thesis translation of literary works Spanish-Dutch
• 2001-2002: Erasmus exchange, Roman Philology, University of Seville
• 2003-2004: Advanced Master Conflict and Development Studies, cum laude, University of Ghent
• 2015:          Self-study of Portuguese, followed by a private Portuguese course for advanced level 'Learn Portuguese in Brazil', in Brazil
• 2020-2021: Certified community interpreter training, Flemish government’s agency for integration and insertion, Brussels & Ghent

Professional Experience

• 2004: Assistant teacher of Dutch, Department of Translation, Hogeschool Gent
• 2005: Translator/interpreter French-Dutch, FBZ -FSE van de Elektriciens, Brussels
• 2005-2006: Customer Relations, Monster.be, Ghent
• 2006-2008: Project Assistant, King Baudouin Foundation, Brussels
• 2009: Staff member strategic communication, Department International Bridgebuilding Avina, Buenos Aires
• 2009: Staff member communication and organisation, 'de Verenigde Verenigingen', Brussels
• 2010-now: Self-employed translator, copywriter and proofreader, consecutive community interpreter