Curious about the people behind the emails and phone calls? Ever wondered what it takes to pursue a career in the translation industry? In our Meet the Team series, we introduce you to the Business Language Services (BLS) team, giving you a closer look at their roles and how they contribute to the success of the team.
We kick off our Meet the Team series with our Senior Project Manager, Louise.
- Can you introduce yourself and describe your current role?
Hi! I’m Louise, Senior Project Manager at BLS/Dixon. I lead our project management team and handle a range of tasks – from juggling translation requests to making sure our workflows run like clockwork. It’s a bit of everything, and no two days are the same (which I love!).
- What languages do you work with and how have you developed proficiency in them?
I mainly translate from French and Italian into English, but I also studied Spanish so sometimes translate that, too. My love for languages started young – my mum was a languages teacher, so you could say it runs in the family! I went on to study translation at university, which helped me sharpen both the practical and theoretical sides of the craft.
- What was your background before this role, and how did it prepare you for your current position?
I studied French and Italian at university, followed by a Master’s in Translation at Cardiff University which just so happens to be around the corner from our office! It gave me a great mix of academic insight and real-world practice – perfect prep for stepping into a role that blends language, logistics and people skills.
- Were there any specific experiences (e.g., study abroad or previous jobs) that helped prepare you for this role?
While I didn’t spend a year abroad during my studies, that didn’t stop me from earning my degree and Master’s and I made the most of travel and hands-on learning where I could. Plus, my background in hospitality gave me strong customer service skills – super useful in a people-focused role like this.
- Can you walk us through a typical day at BLS?
First things first: emails and scheduling. I help assign tasks between the team, manage incoming requests and plan out the day ahead. Being organised is key! After that, it varies – some days I have my head deep in translation, others are packed with proofreading or project coordination. It definitely keeps things interesting.
- What’s the best part of your job?
The impact. Whether we’re helping companies reach new audiences or supporting individuals with visa applications, it’s rewarding to know that our work really makes a difference.
- What are some of the biggest challenges you face in the industry?
Machine Translation and AI are rapidly changing the landscape. It’s a challenge – but also an exciting opportunity. These tools aren’t here to replace us, but to reshape how we work and open up new possibilities in the field.
- What advice would you give to someone considering a role like yours? Are there any particular skills that are essential for a successful career in translation?
Be curious, be proactive and never stop learning. Translation is a fast-moving industry, so keeping an open mind and staying adaptable will take you far. Oh, and a good to-do list never hurts either!
To find out more about the BLS team, visit https://businesslanguageservices.co.uk/meet-the-team/.
Interested in working with us? Visit https://businesslanguageservices.co.uk/work-for-us/.
