A day in the life: Vicky Jahnke

Next up is Vicky Jahnke, our German correspondent… Vicky has done some great translation and German proofreading work for us in the last year, and we’re looking forward to her visit in two weeks’ time!

 

What’s your name?

Vicky Jahnke

Where are you from?

Germany, Hannover

What do you do?

I study Sinology, and work at the Leipzig trade fair in the sales department.

How are you involved with evidencebased.education?

Stu and Jack (evidencebased.education’s Directors) invited me to do some English-German translation work for a website for a German University.

How did you get into this job?

Jack and I met while studying in China, doing our semester overseas. I still remember that night we first met in No. 5 canteen, enjoying our noodle soup and becoming friends. I think it was a kind of amicable “love at first sight” – we had a lot to talk about and we both knew we could learn a lot from each other. I don’t know why, but there are a few moments in a lifetime where you just meet someone and know: this person is never ever gonna leave your life EVER again! I am happy to say, my intuition did not disappoint me. Speaking English, German and Chinese (and also a little bit of Spanish and Dutch), we had a lot of weird and awkward conversations in 5 languages (sometimes all in one sentence) and kept in touch after we came back home. I started to work on my own business, VJ Editorial, back in Germany where I did some proofreading, working with applications and translations – that’s how it began and how our collaboration came about.

What motivates you when things get tough?

To be honest: myself. I am pretty happy with who I am, knowing exactly what I want and where I want to see myself in 5-10 years. I am very lucky to have a beautiful family supporting me in the background and I am grateful for all the opportunities I have, and have already had. When things get tough I try to focus a bit harder than usual and remind myself about what it will be good for.

How would your colleagues describe you?

Talkative, trustworthy, energetic, outgoing, supportive and reliable. And – since I am German, of course: efficient!

When you’re not working, how do you switch off?

I really enjoy strolling through nature or spending my time at the gym lifting some heavy iron!

 

If you could change one thing in your career, what would it be?

Nothing. The lessons I’ve learned helped form the person I am today.

 

 

Quick-fire round:

Up with the larks, or burning the midnight oil?

Earlier than the larks!

Relaxing beach break or activity holiday?

Activity break, for sure.

Tea or coffee?

Neither.

City or country?

Both.

Board game or movie?

Board game.

What song would be the soundtrack to your life?

Don’t worry be happy!

And finally, tell us one interesting fact about yourself.

Many people would never guess that I am actually pretty shy!