Claudia Kozeny-Pelling (DipTrans MCIL) is a German translator specialised in marketing translation, transcreation, and SEO content writing, mainlyfrom English to German but also from German to English. She especially loves supporting ethical and sustainable brands. We talked to her about some of the aspects of her career in the UK, the importance of associations, and she gave some advice for the new generation of professionals.

APTRAD: Tell us a little bit about yourself, how you started out in this career, and what made you choose it.

Not long after my Abitur, I emigrated to the UK to study and work in the late 90s. My professional background is in publishing, communication and research ethics management roles, mostly at the University of Oxford. In 2003, I also qualified as a translator (EN>DE) through the Chartered Institute of Linguists in my spare time.

Just before the pandemic, I left the University to start freelancing as a translator and content writer. I especially wanted to support ethical and sustainable businesses with my work. In 2022, I also gained a second CIOL translation diploma, this time from German to English.

I’ve always loved writing and using my language skills, as well as learning about social media marketing, so I chose a freelance career in digital marketing translation and bilingual SEO content writing.

APTRAD: How would you describe a “normal” day in your working life?

I’m not sure there’s a “normal” day! 🙂 I’d say it’s a mix of social media marketing, writing, and translating. In quiet periods, I make sure to update my website and catch up on CPD. I’m also trying to keep up with virtual networks, such as the weekly #ContentClubUK X/Twitter chat, free co-working sessions by Freelancer Magazine, or workshops offered by my local business support organisation, OxLEP.

APTRAD: Are you a member of any professional association/organisation? If you are, what made you join it? If not, why haven’t you joined yet?

I’m a member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (UK). I joined it to take advantage of its training sessions and to be able to advertise my services through its members’ database. Having qualified through the CIOL, it seemed the natural choice to join it as soon as I was able to do so.

I specialise in marketing translation, so I’m also an Affiliate Professional member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and a Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate.

As a qualified bilingual copywriter and SEO content writer, I joined ProCopywriters, a UK association of professional content and copywriters.

I haven’t yet joined any German translation associations. Most of my clients are UK-based and are more likely to find me through the CIOL.

APTRAD: From your experience, what makes a “good” professional in this area?

I think a “good” professional is someone who knows their strengths and won’t take on work that’s not suited to them or that undervalues them and their profession. They should love learning and developing their skills and don’t mind networking.

APTRAD: What do you like the most and what do you like the least about your work?

I love the freedom of choosing who I work with, as well as the flexibility of working remotely.

The peaks and troughs of freelancing can be challenging. I think language skills in general tend to be undervalued these days, and the rise of AI tools hasn’t helped. However, there is still a place for high-quality translators.

APTRAD: What advice would you give someone who wants to become a translator and/or interpreter?

I’d strongly recommend taking a reputable translation course and/or diploma before starting out. Also, prioritise regular CPD and networking. LinkedIn is a great place to find other translators, and the translation community there is generally very supportive. Just look for hashtags like “xl8” (for “translate”) or “l10n” (for “localisation”).

I’d also recommend niching down, so you work in subject areas that really interest you.

Finally, don’t forget to get business insurance.

APTRAD: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Whether it’s translating or writing, it’s not a good idea to rush. Take your time, understand your audience’s needs, and make sure you proofread your work. Ideally, give it a day or two – especially when it comes to creative marketing translation/ transcreation!

Thank you, Claudia, for answering our questions!

To know more about Claudia, you can follow her on LinkedIn, Instagram, X/Twitter and Facebook, or contact her via her website, https://translatedigitalmarketing.com.

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Biografia:

Claudia was born and raised in Germany but moved to the UK to study in 1997. She never left! Claudia gained her first CIOL translation diploma in 2003 (EN>DE) and her second in 2022 (DE>EN). After a career in publishing and communication roles at the University of Oxford, she started working as a freelance marketing translator and bilingual SEO content writer in 2020. Her one-woman company is called Translate Digital Marketing Ltd. She loves working with ethical and sustainable brands.