Carole Couque

Why ISIT?

I’ve wanted to be a translator since I was very young. I chose ISIT for its courses in terminology. My dream is to work on a dictionary. I’m also very athletic, so I did several internships in the sports sector and was able to build a valuable list of contacts.

What did you do after graduating from ISIT?

After finishing ISIT in 2003, I realized there was a need for sports-specific translation, so in 2004 I created my own agency. Ten years later, ASEL Translation is still around! I collaborate with a network of about 100 freelance translators working in their native languages and specialized in two or three sports. I have many regular clients and most of my new contracts come through their recommendations, a sign that they trust my work. I also work in the tourism sector, which is often linked to sports, and shares some of the same clients.

Why did you start your own business?

At first, I wanted to start my own business so I could work with a variety of clients and languages outside of my own language combination. I also wanted to try out different roles: I’m first and foremost a translator, but I also have the opportunity to seek out and connect with clients and collaborators.

To run a company and keep doing it, you have to be fully committed to the task. You do not create a client base overnight and you have to work hard to build up a regular clientele. You also have to enjoy multi-tasking: I’m a translator, project manager, head of human resources, accountant, sales director…

What are the advantages of an ISIT education?

The opportunity to explore a wide variety of translation specialties and techniques, all the internships and professional encounters the school makes possible, and the high level of training in French.

What is your advice to candidates and future ISIT students?

If I had to recommend two things, I would say look for internships outside of your areas of expertise so that you do not miss out on an opportunity, and work hard to master your native language because learning to be a translator isn’t only about knowing foreign languages!