Lilt Labs | Bridging Translation Research and Practice

Translator Community Spotlight: Theresa Waldhäusl

Written by Drew Evans | March, 23, 2021

Here at Lilt, we’re focused on providing the highest quality translations possible, and that requires a large professional network of translators.

We've spent years building a community of experienced and quality translators, and we're excited to showcase the incredible individuals helping to lead the charge. Much like our Employee Spotlight series, we're sharing the backgrounds of the talented professionals in our community in our newest series, the Translator Spotlight Series. 

This week, we’re happy to introduce Theresa Waldhäusl, a professional translator in Lilt's widespread translator network. We sat down with her to learn more about her background, how she got started in translation, and her favorite things to do outside of work.

 
What languages do you speak or have you studied?

German, English, and Mandarin.

 

How and why did you become a translator?

Translating allows you to play different roles each day, especially if you specialize in several fields. One day you might feel like a lawyer, the next day like a marketing expert or a software engineer. You can gain insight into various areas, which is what I love about translating. Studying at MIIS prepared me well for this job.

 

Do you like to listen to music while you work? If so, what kind?

Depends on my mood! If I do feel like music in the background, I enjoy happy classical music. Sometimes I prefer not to listen to anything because my thoughts are already loud enough.

 

What led you to join Lilt's translator community?

A dear colleague who worked at Lilt turned to me when she needed a German translator, and I have had the pleasure of working with Lilt ever since.

 

What does your day to day look like?

Currently: translating/interpreting, food, coffee, cat, piano, family.

In a normal world: traveling, translating from a different country each month.

 

What do you like to do outside of work? How do you maintain a good work/life balance?

Does anyone know the VR game Beat Saber? I am currently obsessed with it. You slash cubes that are flying towards you to the beat and rhythm of any song you like. It makes you feel like a ninja/conductor/drummer. It gets you moving and relaxes your brain, perfect after a long day of translating.

 

What's one fact or skill that you've learned recently?

I recently read that we are still breathing in air molecules from Julius Caesar’s last breath… whaaat!

 

What's the best career advice you've ever received?

Do what you love. Life is too short to spend the majority of your time doing something you don't enjoy.

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Keep an eye out for our upcoming posts in both our Translator and Employee Spotlight posts! We'll continue to highlight people from across the company and our wonderful translator community.

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