Susan Higgins is a French-English interpreter and translator, specialising in sustainability topics such as retrofitting, recycling and sustainable transport.
Who are you? Please introduce yourself
Originally from Glasgow, I spent most of my 20s in France and am now back in Central Scotland, where I live with my husband and two teenage daughters (although one recently moved out to university).
I’ve been a freelance interpreter and translator since 2019. People often say that translating is a lonely job, but I’m very lucky to have lots of opportunities to meet up with other linguists in person. The ITI’s Scottish Network organises four official events per year and, of course, members can meet up unofficially whenever we feel like it! I try to go along to Edinburgh’s regular ProZ pow-wows and LocLunches whenever I’m free. And I’m also part of the Glasgow Translators’ Co-working Club, which is a lovely, supportive group of peers. On line, I’m a member of several ITI networks: SHEA (Sustainability, Horticulture, the Environment and Agriculture), IDC (International Development & Cooperation), IDN (Interpreters’ Development Network), and I’ve recently joined the French Network’s committee as Membership Coordinator.
Do you translate, interpret, or both? What are your areas of specialism?
I started out my freelancing career by passing the DPSI (Diploma in Public Service Interpreting). Although I was offered a few PSI assignments, the majority of my work was in translation. Then, during COVID, I was offered more remote simultaneous interpreting assignments. For the last couple of years, I’ve made a deliberate effort to move from translation to interpreting, first by passing the MSc in Interpreting and Translating at Heriot-Watt University to give me a conference interpreting qualification, and then by joining the Edinburgh and London Interpreters’ Practice Groups to grow my network and ensure regular practice.
While I get a lot of satisfaction from finding the mot juste for a translation, and moral fulfilment from public service interpreting, I love the buzz of simultaneous interpreting. It’s as close as I’ll ever get to giving a live performance!
In terms of specialisations, my business background gives me an advantage in corporate settings, and I’m interested in sustainability, with experience in Corporate Social Responsibility, retrofitting, recycling, and sustainable transport. I’m also a qualified Green Business Champion.
Why did you decide to get into translation or interpreting?
My subject choices in high school included French, German and Latin and my favourite languages teacher told me that, if I didn’t want to be a teacher, I should combine my languages with something useful, like business studies! So I studied Marketing and Languages at university and then spent several years in France, living for a year or two each in Montmorillon (86), Angers (49), Cambrai (62) and Douai (59). By the time I returned to the UK, I was living, thinking and dreaming in French!
Back in Scotland I worked in a European Order Management Department, looking after French customers, and then got promoted away from a French-speaking role into Project Management and Process Re-engineering. When my children came along, I stopped work to be a stay-at-home mum for a few years. So I didn’t become an interpreter/translator until after my children were born. Once my younger daughter started school, I was looking for flexible hours in a role where I could use my language skills, so interpreting and translating ticked all the boxes.
What’s your favourite type of project?
Can I pick two?! Firstly, I enjoy conference interpreting assignments when the presentations are available in advance, I have a pleasant booth partner, good sound quality and clear speakers! I also enjoy in-person business interpreting for delegations. For example, about a year ago, I had a 3-day assignment with representatives from French housing associations who were visiting Glasgow University and a number of local housing associations to exchange knowledge on sustainability in the housing sector. As the organiser said to me, “Ce que vous faites, ce côté relationnel, il n’y a rien de plus humain.”
What do you do outside of translation or interpreting?
I enjoy walking, dancing and socialising with family and friends. As a parent of teenagers, I am finding that I have more time to myself than I used to. My goals for the next couple of years are to participate in the annual ScotNet walking weekend and to walk the West Highland Way.
