Hello! I’m Irena Ivanova
Come Explore
I’m thrilled you’re here. Please take a moment to explore my site, where you’ll find details on my background, experience, skills and more. To learn more or connect on an opportunity, don’t hesitate to reach out.
About
As an experienced English teacher, translator, interpreter and proofreader, my passion has continuously driven me to expand my knowledge, experience, and relationships. With a strong background and diverse skill set, I’m confident in the creative ideas and strong expertise I bring to the table. Keep exploring my site to learn more information about me, and I would love it if you reach out directly with any questions.
Professional Highlights
Some of the most fulfilling projects I have worked on
Translating Fiction
Understanding the plot, finding the right voice for the characters, being in tune with the nuances of the language: translating fiction is as creative a process as writing it. It does not simply require academic mastery of a language, it requires in-depth knowledge and understanding of the culture, history and emotions informing the writing, as well as enough creative and intellectual agility to transfer the former into the target language.
I have worked on a number of projects involving fiction, including poetry, however, my favourite thus far has been the screenplay for the Cannes-hopeful Once Upon a Time in Palestine, which is currently awaiting the start of production.
Interpreting for the United Nations
As an undergraduate student in Political Science, this has by far been the most socio-politically fascinating project I have had the pleasure of working on. The first two UN missions I accompanied were dispatched by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and they were visiting Bulgaria to look into the situation of Middle Eastern refugees in the country. The mission involved us travelling around the country to visit refugee sites, detention centres and prisons, and subsequently meeting with middle- to upper-level government officials.
Appearance on Live TV
Another exciting challenge was a major interpreting engagement which included a two-day full-time training seminar for the Floortime approach of working with autistic children, public lectures and, finally, an appearance and interpretation on live Bulgarian television. Although exhausted from the strenuous previous days, it was still one of the most satisfyingly challenging  highlights in my career.
My Experience
Background & Expertise
As a professional in my field, I’ve had the opportunity to hold a variety of roles in different companies throughout the years. Take a look below to learn more about my background and experience.
March 2019Â - Now
Deputy Chief Proofreader and Translator, EVS Translations
As acting manager of the Translations department, my functions include quality assurance through proofreading of every single translation, managing the department processes, cooperation with other departments and facilitating the professional development of the team members.
December 2016 - March 2019
Translator, Proofreader, Interpreter, EVS Translations
Furthering the skills and expertise acquired at my previous position as a translator, at EVS I expanded my skill set by mastering various dedicated translation tools such as CAT tools and specialised translation platforms owned by our company clients. This allowed me to elevate my performance while providing services for leading global conglomerates in the commercial sector.
September 2009 - November 2016
Translator and Interpreter, Intellect Translation Agency
I have vast experience in written translation, having worked on texts of various subjects ranging from literary works and texts on the topic of art to specialized texts and documents in fields such as biology, chemistry, nuclear waste, ecology, politics, finances and others. I have extensive experience in legal and medical documentation. I have also acted as coordinator on high-volume orders, where I have managed the work of multiple translators working on the project and have subsequently conducted all the editing of the different sections and the unification of terminology used.
In my work as an interpreter I have been engaged for legal events (most frequently at notaries), where I have had to interpret for one or both parties on legal matters. I have interpreted at business negotiations between Bulgarian businesses and high profile international companies seeking to make their debut on the Bulgarian market. I have also handled more challenging projects, such as week-long training seminars on high tech subjects (radio- and telecommunications). I have frequently been praised by my clients for my speed of interpreting, as well as my ability to authentically reproduce various accents (from both the UK and the USA).
October 2008 - September 2015
English Language Teacher, Intellect Language Centre
I mainly worked with adults, although I have quite some experience with children and adolescents as well. I have taught courses in general English of all levels ranging from Beginner to Proficiency (according to the Common European Framework of Reference) and I have extensive experience in coaching students of all ages for internationally recognized certification exams such as the FCE, CAE, CPE, IELTS and others.
I have also taught courses in Business English and Speaking courses and I have experience with various teaching systems.
During my work at Intellect, I actively participated in projects for corporate clients with their main target being the assessment of the level of language skills of corporate employees. This includes activities such as creating an assessment test with segments to evaluate all five general language skills (Reading, Writing, Use of English, Listening and Speaking), conducting the examination itself on location, as well as making a final assessment of the level according to the CEFR.
"Do not go where the path may lead. Instead, go where there is no path and leave a trail"