- Name: Stephen Long
- Age: 24
- Current location: Paris, France
- Home town: Leeds, England
- Education: French, Spanish, Politics and Economics, Bath University
- Current position: Freelance Translator/Copywriter
- Sector / subsectors: Media and Communications, Translation, Copywriting
- Areas of expertise: English, French, Spanish Portuguese, Languages, Translation
- Country: France, UK
- Region: South America, Europe
- Sector: Communications, Translation
- Degree subject: Economics, Languages / linguistics, Political science
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Who are you and what do you do?
Meet Stephen Long.
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What was your career trajectory? How did you get to where you are?
Nothing helps you hone your French skills like dealing with angry people who've had their packages lost in the mail.
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What's an average week like for you?
Freelance is feast or famine; from 80 hour weeks, to 8 hour weeks filled with Netflix, coffee and beers.
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How do you find your freelance clients?
It can be tricky landing clients when you're starting out as a freelancer. Here are Steve's tips.
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You mentioned developing a specialty in translation. Is that common?
Every translator has a specialization. Steve's is high-end retail watch-making. (Way to be specific Steve!)
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You went the formal education route for learning languages with a university degree. Do you recommend that?
Steve says a formal degree helps him level the playing field with people who are fully bilingual.
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What's your best advice as far as networking goes?
The difference between using a Yours Sincerely, or a Kind Regards, in your email.
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What's your best advice for someone who is going to move to Paris?
The importance of dropping your resume off in person.
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Any tips for interviewing in France?
Keep it a bit formal.
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What are other streams and fields within your sector?
Don't limit yourself to the title of "translator."
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What are some of the challenges working internationally?
Apartment hunting in Paris.
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What are the best parts of living in France?
"Cultural nourishment."