Paul John Sparkes
Education 1996 – 2000 University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
BA European Studies Modules in Dutch, German and European modern history
Topics including translation, advanced writing and reading
1995 – 1996 Lowestoft College, Suffolk, United Kingdom
‘A’-levels
Psychology and Sociology
1990 – 1995 Bungay High School, Suffolk, United Kingdom
‘A’-levels 9 ‘O’ levels Communications English and Media
KEY SKILLS
Computer skills
Windows : 9X/NT
MS Office :Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
Adobe : Acrobat
Translation software : TRADOS
Languages
English : Mother tongue
Dutch : Excellent
German : Basic
WORK EXPERIENCE
February 2003 – present
Bright Spark Media Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Writing press releases, proofreading, translating for several clients in a variety of industries
Writing in Dutch and English
Translating Dutch to English
May 2006 – February 2010
KPMG, Amstelveen, The Netherlands
Working as a Dutch-English translator
Translating a variety of texts (memo, letter, financial statements)
Highly-skilled proof-reader
Outstanding e-mail and phone contact with clients
Dutch/English language position
May 2003 – April 2004
Bentley Systems, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Working as a Customer Service Representative
Daily tasks included sales, marketing, contact with clients
Writing and proof-reading contracts
Dutch/English language position
January 2002 – May 2003
Jansen Venneboer Call Centre, Haarlem, The Netherlands
Telephone sales for Dutch clients in the chemical industry
Generated new business for company through marketing
Gained experience with ICT
Worked with deadlines in demanding sales situations, meeting targets as required
Dutch language position
August 2001 – January 2002
Progression UK Artists Agency
Working as Marketing and Sales Manager
Meeting new clients and developing customer contacts
Responsible for setting up contracts, updating website, liaising with new clients and attending industry shows in the UK and Europe
WRITING AWARDS
1999 Distinction Dutch Dissertation “Dutch Tolerance?”
1998 WH Smith Award for Creative writing |