CEO

What do you do at Global textware?

In 2012 I joined Global textware. A real family business, as I work in the company with my father and brother. I started to help out with the financials while I was studying for my Bachelor degree in accounting. When I finished in 2018 my side job grew to a fulltime job where I started to assist with sales activities. Then in 2020 after finishing my degree in business administration the initiated the transition to CEO. As CEO I’m learning all the trades of the business, and I’m starting to get more involved in the day-to-day affairs as well as the strategic side of the business.

What do you like about your work?

In the last couple of years I was able to use my knowledge I gained from my studies to help grow the company. What I like most is the interaction with my colleagues, but also with all the great people I’ve met so far in the industry at events. The last thing I think is important in a job is the chance to learn and grow as a person. This is something I’ve been able to do at Global textware since I first started.

What do you like to do on weekends?

I like to spend most of my free time with friends, play some videogames or sometimes have a beer and relax. Aside from all the fun and games, I try to train in the gym for at least three times a week to stay healthy. A few years back I also started with baseball, as I really missed the teambuilding and fun you have with a team.

Founder

What do you do at Global textware?
“In 1997, I started Global textware as a translation company specializing in software and IT that grew into an all-round and complete translation agency. I am now concentrating mainly on contacts with the outside world, such as clients, international relations and universities.”

What do you like about your work?
“Although running a business is a new challenge every day, I also know how to take advantage of the pleasures of entrepreneurship. Especially travelling to various congresses and conferences all over the world is not exactly an unpleasant side effect of my daily work. Nevertheless, I also enjoy the daily business at the office: working with different people on beautiful projects for satisfied customers.”

What do you like to do on weekends?
“In addition to the active existence of an entrepreneur, I am a qualified triathlon coach and regularly participate in triathlons and marathons myself.”

Vendor Manager What do you do at Global textware? “Since 2018, I have been working at Global textware as a Vendor Manager, which makes me the first point of contact for new and existing freelancers, among other things. Furthermore, in this position I am involved in recruiting and selecting new suppliers, relationship management and quality control of our services.” What do you like about your work? “The biggest challenge of my work is to find the right people for our projects within the set deadlines. The gratitude I get back from freelancers who, thanks to my support, can do their job well, gives me a lot of energy.” What do you like to do on weekends? “In my spare time I like to travel with my family and do yoga and running. Aside from that, I love to cook.”

Project Manager

What do you do at Global textware?
“Being a Project Manager is probably not the first thing people think of when they hear I studied to be a Facility Manager, but the match is better than you’d think. I’ve always had an interest in project-based work/planning and organizing. During my studies, I worked at an organization within the Hanze University in Groningen, which offered help to students with the Dutch and English spelling, grammar and reporting skills. As Project Manager, I have the opportunity to carry out project-based work with a focus on language. For me, this is a challenge I like to accept daily.”

What do you like about your work?
“I gain a lot of satisfaction from working in a team and successfully meeting deadlines together. What I like most about this company is the togetherness. Me and my co-workers may be busy but we’re never too busy to help each other. We aim to provide quality together and good vibes contribute to that.”

What do you like to do on weekends?
“When I was studying, I did a Minor in applied Psychology and I still like to delve into the books and teaching material of it. I encounter these matters on a daily basis and it’s fascinating to use this knowledge. In addition to that, I’m currently learning Spanish and I like to play video games with my boyfriend. I used to dance at a high level (hiphop), but nowadays I practice kickboxing. I like to read English books (mainly true crime) and try to eat out with friends as much as possible.”

Project Manager

What do you do at Global textware?
“As a Project Manager, I manage large complex projects and answer complex questions from both clients and translators.”

What do you like about your work?
“What I like most about the work of a Project Manager is the variety of work and the contact with clients and translators.”

What do you like to do on weekends?
“In my spare time, I prefer to go out with my two children: have fun together after a busy week at work.”

Assistent Project Manager

What is your job at Global textware?

“As an assistant project manager, I provide support to the other project managers in the process of scheduling and delivering translation tasks. In other words, I help with scheduling the linguists, processing and incorporating feedback, contacting the client, etc.”

What do you like about your work?

“I really enjoy working as a project manager, specifically because the work varies so much. You not only work on scheduling and distributing jobs, but also communicate regularly with clients as well as linguists. My current degree program, Communication & Influence, lines up well with these tasks. Of course, it’s also really great to work in the translation industry, because I would like to pursue a master’s degree in the field too.”

“To top it all off, it’s also nice to work with such wonderful colleagues.”

What do you like to do during the weekend?

“In my free time, I often go for walks, especially through the Noorderplantsoen, because it’s so close! I also read a lot, try to keep my Spanish in decent shape, and learn new languages.”

Assistent Project Manager

What is your job at Global textware?

“I primarily help the other project managers with their work. Which means I send e-mails, work with CAT tools, and look for the right freelance translators for various jobs.”

What do you like about your work?

“I really like working with different CAT tools. I’m actually really glad that I can take part in the translation industry, because I am currently working on my master’s in translation. And of course, I think it’s fantastic that I get to work with the really wonderful people at Global textware!”

What do you like to do during the weekend?

“I do freelance translation work, I love playing games with my partner, and I often go for walks around the city. A long stroll in Noorderplantsoen with a cup of coffee is always a great time.”

Assistent Project Manager

What is your job at Global textware?

“In my position, I provide support to the other project managers for translation projects, from the moment they arrive to the moment they are delivered. This process includes selecting the right linguists, communicating with clients, processing and incorporating feedback, and occasionally performing minor linguistic tasks.”

What do you like about your work?

“This job requires several different skills, which are very valuable in my opinion. Organization and communication can be utilized almost anywhere, which is why I really enjoy the fact that I’m seeing myself improve in these areas. It’s also beneficial that this job is a perfect match with my degree programs and, in turn, my interests. Before I started this job, I studied European Languages and Cultures, a program that focused on language. And I’m currently working on Writing, Editing and Mediating, which primarily involves editing and publishing text. However, what I like best about this job is that the supportive nature of my position allows me to “follow” my colleagues around and learn everything there is to know about the field from them directly.”

What do you like to do during the weekend?

“In my free time, I really enjoy a long walk. I also like to take a look around at secondhand shops for new additions to my home. I like to watch a film once a day, from Disney classics to modern thrillers. It’s wonderful to visit family every once in a while too, so that I can play games with my brother while the cat sits in my lap. “

Project Manager

What is your job at Global textware?

“I started at Global textware as a translation intern. During the internship, I learned what it is like to work at a translation agency and how much the work itself can vary. I currently work as a project manager and handle multiple projects for several clients.”

What do you like about your work?

“Getting bored is never an option, because there’s always something to do here. Not to mention that my colleagues are really great and there’s a lot that I can learn from them.”

What do you like to do during the weekend?

“I developed an addiction to the Sims 4 during the first lockdown. I also enjoy watching videos and films on platforms like YouTube and Netflix and like visiting my friends. One of my more active hobbies is going for walks, often for Pokémon Go purposes.”

Translator

What do you do at Global textware?
“At Global textware I work as a Translator and Proofreader of translations from English to Dutch. In this job, I get to see texts in a variety of subjects.”

What do you like about your work?
“Some translations have to stay very close to the source text, while others have to deviate completely from the source text. The last variant is the biggest challenge but therefore also the most fun to do. In addition, I have also become all too familiar with the strict deadlines that are a standard occurence in this industry. It is a challenge to maintain a high level of quality in such cases.”

What do you like to do on weekends?
“Working with language and playing with language are hobbies of mine anyway. I also like drumming and playing darts in my spare time. I also like to watch films and I like to attend all home matches of our football team FC Groningen”

Project manager

What do you do at Global textware?
“As an intern at Global textware, I discovered how much fun it is to work at a translation agency. That’s why I started working as a translator at Global textware after my studies and now work as a project manager.”

What do you like about your work?
“Every day is a fun challenge to get all the pieces of the puzzle in place. Besides, there are nice colleagues I can learn a lot from.”

What do you like to do on weekends?
“In my spare time I enjoy dancing (jazz and modern ballet), reading and watching movies and series.”

Project Manager

What do you do at Global textware?
“I am mainly involved in managing projects, but occasionally I also do linguistic tasks such as translating and proofreading.”

What do you like about your work?
“The many different things that come along in a day. Each project is different and the subjects of the translation are also very different from each other. That’s also the challenge of my job.”

What do you like to do on weekends?
“I prefer to spend my free time swimming, reading or going to the movies with friends.”

Content Manager

What do you do at Global textware?
“As a Content Manager, I manage Global textware’s website and write texts for various media, such as the corporate website, marketing materials and internal communications.”

What do you like about your work?
“I really like to delve into a subject and write a clear and catchy text about it. That’s quite a challenge: it is not just writing a text aimlessly, you have to find the right words and tone.”

What do you like to do on weekends?
“My favorite pastimes at the weekend are reading, listening to music and watching sports on TV. Every now and then I like putting on my own running shoes and go on a run.”

IT Specialist

What do you do at Global textware?
“After studying to be an application developer, I joined Global textware as an IT Specialist. Because of my experience with web development, PHP, Javascript, HTML and CSS, I at Global textware can make a good contribution to the development of our intranet and extranet”

What do you like about your work?
“By working on long-term projects, such as improvements to the intranet and extranet, while solving current problems, the work is always different and challenging”

What do you like to do on weekends?
“I like exploring websites like Wikipedia to accrue more knowledge and inspiration. I also love gaming and writing short science fiction and fantasy stories.”

Project Manager

What do you do at Global textware?
“I have mainly specialized in projects in the field of Life Sciences, but I also do other projects, from IT and Marketing to technical projects.”

What do you like about your work?
“You have to be quick on your feet, think ahead and keep a close eye on all the different factors. It makes me very happy when we receive enthusiastic feedback from customers about our translations and the cooperation.”

What do you like to do on weekends?
“In my spare time, I try to spend as much time as possible with my partner and three children. I also love listening to music, dancing, gardening and reading fashion and interior design blogs and science fiction books.”

Translator

What do you do at Global textware?
“I’ve been working at Global textware as a translator for quite some time now. I specialize in manuals and software for e.g. antivirus products and printers.”

What do you like about your work?
“I enjoy working with a team on a project and achieving the best possible translation. In doing so, it is a challenge to deliver the best product within the set frameworks.”

What do you like to do on weekends?
“I prefer to spend my free time with my husband and daughters. I also do reading, watching series, walking, cycling, cooking and baking and I like doing crafts with my daughters.”

Office Manager

What do you do at Global textware?
“I make sure that all the ‘peripheral issues’ are taken care of, so that the other employees can do their job well. Additionally, using my can-do attitude, I take care of the administrative matters and part of the HRM cases.”

What do you like about your work?
“What I like most about working at Global textware is how free you are in choosing how you fill your position. As long as it is balanced and carried out correctly and on time. That is our demand for quality: deliver good work and meet the agreed deadline.”

What do you like to do on weekends?
“On the weekend I love to watch the athletic performances of my husband and children on the football field. I also regularly schedule in a wellness day to recharge and get through the (sometimes exciting) weeks fit and happy.”

Translator

What do you do at Global textware?
“I’m a translator of mainly technical texts. In addition to translating, I look for technical solutions and answer all kinds of questions from colleagues”

What do you like about your work?
“I pride myself on being able to make difficult decisions that have positive effect in the long run.”

What do you like to do on weekends?
“In my spare time I like to play the guitar, draw, watch

Translator

Judith studied English Language and Literature and Medieval Studies and now works as a translator at Global textware. She translates texts and proofreads the work of colleagues and freelancers. What Judith likes about her work is the variety and the collaboration between colleagues. “Mutual discussions allow you to improve together.”

According to Judith, each individual text has its challenges; not just the translation itself, but having to allow for the client’s wishes and instructions. “Some texts must be translated quite literally, while for another text you have to let go of the source and be more liberal in your work. It continues to be a challenge to find the right balance so that everyone is eventually satisfied with the end result.”

She is proud of her work on long-term software localization projects, where it helps if you have a broad general background.

Outside her work at Global textware, Judith likes to watch movies, read, play video games and do fun things with friends. Her favorite genres are science fiction and fantasy.

Translator

What do you do at Global textware?
“I’ve been working at Global textware for “centuries”. As a translator, I enjoy working on marketing and gaming projects and I also have some telecom projects under my care.”

What do you like about your work?
“I see it as a challenge to present the complex and varied subjects we face in a language that’s easy to understand.”

What do you like to do on weekends?
“In my spare time, I like to play soccer, watch sports and movies and play games. And have the occasional nice German wheat beer with friends.”

Translator 

What do you do at Global textware?
“At Global textware, I am involved in translation and proofreading, as well as supervising translation trainees.”

What do you like about your work?
“Every type of text has a different challenge: software needs to be translated clearly and unambiguously, Help documentation needs to be clear but not patronizing, and marketing texts need to be recruiting and have the right tone.”

What do you like to do on weekends?
“When I’m not at work, I like to read, cook, watch detectives and costume series and dance tango.”