Musings from an overworked translator

A networking tale June 3, 2009

I just got a phone call from someone in Wisconsin looking for a state-certified translator recognized in Spain to translate some official documents for him. He asked if any of my NOTA members were a “traductor jurado” (sworn translator – thanks to @nj_linguist on Twitter for helping me with the term and its spelling). My first reaction was to tell him no and refer him to the ATA member directory, but then I realized the directory probably didn’t offer a search field for that. At that point I had a flash of brilliance (if I can call it that…). I suggested he contact my former mentor at Kent State and ask her for the names of some KSU graduates living in Spain – and specified one person who I think might best be able to help because he is active in the translation industry in Spain. I knew that from talking with Marian Greenfield several years ago, because she had told me he had said hello when she was invited to speak there.

Networking truly pays off. Maybe not for me in this case, but it feels good to know I was hopefully able to help him and at least point him in the right direction. When he called me he was getting pretty desperate. I hope my past connections – even if I haven’t spoken with them in 15 years – will be able to help him. It’s always a good idea to be able to refer colleagues who might be able to help even if you can’t. They might return the favor some day.