How I became a Conference Interpreter

How I became a conference interpreter was accidental, but a good happy accident. I had a call from my then journalist cousin saying her colleague had invited a Japanese designer for AUDI fashion week but when they went to pick him up at the airport, he could not speak a word of English. It turns out he had asked his friend to reply all of their emails and had not mentioned he could only speak Japanese. 

My cousin asked if I would be interested in helping them out for a week as they had already scheduled his brand presentation with Q&A session, they needed someone who can speak Japanese and knew about fashion. Since I had my own ethical fashion brand and could speak Japanese I was a perfect fit. By then it was four years after the launch of Etrican, the business had somewhat stabilised and I had flexibility in my schedule too so I decided to take it. After the event someone from PR had recommended, I should register at the local agency and the rest is history. 

It was always bugging me at the back of my mind that I was not formerly trained. At the same time there is a high demand for Japanese interpreters in Singapore as there are many business travellers and there is always a conference happening on this island somewhere and the delegates needed our services. And my Senpais (senior interpreters with more experience) were kind enough to offer some advice and tips, this was definitely OJT (on the job training) at its finest. 

Currently I have gained enough experience to do simultaneous interpreting in IT, digital, medical and international affairs.