Interview with Alicia Serrano, linguist in QA
Alicia Serrano is a member of the Operations department and is part of the team who ensures the quality of the translations we submit to our clients. Clearly a key member of ATLS!
When did you join ATLS?
Since April 2019, when AABAM was taken over by AT. I had worked at AABAM since February 2018.
What exactly does your work consist of?
Each project is its own Little Red Riding Hood, which I take by the hand while we find the right path. This means respecting quality guidelines and avoiding falling into the wolf's jaws (with quality incidents)! Therefore, my main role is linguistic review: Using a variety of tools, I analyse each task with a clinical eye to detect any possible errors, ensuring that the projects meet quality standards as well as the needs of each client. In addition, the Quality Department is responsible for incidents relating to language: After thoroughly studying the reasons behind the complaint, the objective is to offer the client the best language service and advice and therefore ensure that they are fully satisfied. Another interesting aspect is the work we do to improve processes. We update them on a continual basis according to ATLS' requirements and also assess translators to ensure that our resources are reliable and of a high standard.
Which aspects of your work do you like most?
Learning new things every day in different areas. It's impossible to know everything, but thanks to my job, I am getting a little better at Trivial Pursuit every day!
What do you like the least?
Although I think this job is almost my perfect match, every relationship has to have its ups and downs. In my case, what I like the least are unjustified complaints. In the translation sector, it is very common to find professionals from other fields with subjective opinions regarding what they consider "good" or "bad" at a linguistic level. And from experience, I can confirm that familiarity with two languages does not a great translator make. Deciding whether a translation is correct involves many technical aspects, following parameters which allow us to make an objective assessment of the quality.
What would you like to highlight about working at ATLS?
The great sense of team spirit and my wonderful colleagues. Every day the sun shines when you enter the office, and the job feels less like work when you're surrounded by such wonderful people. We are all very aligned and this is obvious in professional and personal performance.
What is the most significant challenge you have had to face at ATLS?
I like to think of each day as a great challenge, as every day I learn something new from my work and from my colleagues, who are a great inspiration.
Tell us about yourself as a professional: What do you like most about the world of translation?
For me, translation is the art of constructing the different pillars through which the perfect structure is formed. I love playing with language, breaking old patterns and creating something new. A simple text in its original language can be transformed into something great and I've always thought that that is beautiful. We make magic with words.
Without meaning to be too nosey, can you tell us something interesting about yourself? Give us some insight into your personal life. What is your favourite thing to do in your free time?
Dancing and singing, I love to make life a stage and I am always the first to get up and dance! I also like to enjoy time with my friends, who add a lot of laughter and happiness to my life.
Quickfire questions
Alicia, do you remember what you wanted to be when you grew up? I wanted to be an actress and singer, or be involved around the scenes. This part of me is still present and I move in a whirl of drama and intensity every time I take the stage!
You are granted one wish to travel anywhere you want. Where would you go? Take me to Africa.
A book you couldn't do without? Compasses that search for lost smiles by Albert Espinosa
A dish you never get tired of. I wish I could choose but this body just loves everything! Puff, I just love eating.
Your favourite television series. Xena: Warrior Princess
A film that left an impression on you. Seven Pounds
I adore... seeing people smiling and happy.
I can't stand... lies and a lack of empathy.
