Stevens ’03
Spending a semester in Chile 15 years ago changed Lauren Stevens ’03 life. The communication major (and Spanish minor) is living in Chile, translating one of the country’s luxury magazines from Spanish to English.
Q: What is your job title and how would you describe your job?
A: As translator for Chile Deluxe, I am given texts in Spanish and I’m in charge of translating and editing into English to appear in the quarterly luxury travel magazine.
The hardest part of my job is figuring out how to translate some concepts that are not common in both languages. The famous “lost in translation” issue is always a challenge.
Q: What do you love most about your job?
A: My favorite part is seeing the finished product: the magazine. Flipping through it and seeing my work published is a real thrill. Another fun part is getting to be the first to read about all the new hotels, offers, and tourist destinations in Chile.
Chile Deluxe, where Stevens works.
Q: Why did you decide to move to Chile?
A: I took part in the College’s semester abroad in Santiago, Chile in 2001. After I graduated, I spent a year working in the U.S. and then decided I wanted to go back to Chile. I already knew my way around the country and had some friends thanks to the study abroad semester.
GO: Learn more about the College’s study abroad program in Santiago, Chile.
I moved there without a job, but was able to teach English to adults and as my Spanish improved, I started translating small documents into English (mostly my student’s resumes). Little by little, I started translating marketing texts and reports for my students who worked for international companies and had to communicate often in English.
A friend from the College who studied abroad with me had also moved to Chile and offered to help me get into translating. From there, one thing led to another.
Q: What was the hardest part about moving abroad?
A: The hardest part was immersing myself and learning how to operate in a different country that has a totally different system and way of doing things. Things you do daily such as going to the grocery store, stopping by the bank, talking to a neighbor, or even ordering pizza can be a challenge at first! It takes some getting used to and in the end either you learn to always be prepared or you learn how to improvise really fast.
Q: What is your big career goal or dream?
A: I’d like to continue translating and possibly work for some international publications.
Q: How did your experience at the College prepare you for your career?
A: Studying abroad really changed my life as it was the first time I had ever actually “lived” in another country. It opened my eyes to a totally different culture and gave me a new view of the world.
For my line of work, I would definitely say that the English and writing composition classes at the College really helped me improve my research and communication skills. Of course, Spanish classes and Latin culture and history courses were useful, too.
EXPLORE: Check out the College’s communication major.
Q: What advice would you offer current students?
A: Do what you love and don’t worry about the money. That will eventually come, but it takes time. Meanwhile, let your enthusiasm for what you do show and people will take note. Later they will call on you when a good opportunity presents itself.
