Ms Ruining Ma is a Certified Translator Chinese <> English and Certified Interpreter Mandarin and English
When I was a child, I realised that language holds a special kind of magic. Those who speak multiple languages seem like magicians who can bridge worlds and bring people closer together. Growing up in China, I was fortunate to study English from an early age, which set me on a path that would shape my education and ultimately, my career as a translator and interpreter.
At a foreign language school, I was required to learn a third language in addition to Mandarin and English. I chose Japanese—a decision I have never regretted. It opened a door to a culture I deeply admire and gave me an early sense of the joy of stepping into another world through language.
Later, I pursued a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature at Beijing Language and Culture University. The university’s diverse and international atmosphere encouraged language exchange, and I built friendships with peers from all over the world. During this time, I also spent a year in Dublin, Ireland, where I experienced the thrill—and the challenge—of living in an English-speaking country. The progress I made there gave me confidence and inspired me to take my studies further. With my family’s support, I enrolled in the Master of Chinese Translation and Interpreting program at the University of Queensland, a NAATI-endorsed course that provided me with rigorous professional training.
2017 was a turning point: I graduated, gained NAATI certification, and moved to Canberra. The transition was not easy. For three months, I struggled to find work, and many told me it would be impossible to make a living as a freelance interpreter there. But I believed opportunities would come to those who were prepared. After sending out countless CVs and taking on an internship, I finally received my first interpreting assignment at the ACT Magistrates Court. That moment remains unforgettable.
From then on, my career in Australia grew steadily. I worked in courts, tribunals, hospitals, universities, and government departments, and even took simultaneous interpreting assignments on topics ranging from livestock to wine. I also taught English–Chinese translation at diploma level, sharing my skills with the next generation. What kept me motivated was not only the professional challenge, but also the sense of contribution—helping members of the Mandarin-speaking community in Australia overcome barriers and feel supported.
The pandemic in 2020 brought new challenges, as face-to-face assignments were cancelled and my husband was unable to return to Australia due to travel restrictions. After a short pause, I embraced remote interpreting, Zoom conferences, and transcription projects. It was a reminder that flexibility and resilience are essential in this profession.
After several rewarding years in Australia, I eventually returned to China. But thanks to my NAATI credential, my professional journey did not pause. Today, I continue to work as a NAATI translator and interpreter, collaborating with agencies and clients across borders. Whether on-site in China or online with international partners, I am proud that my certification allows me to maintain strong ties with the global T&I community.
What I value most about being an interpreter is the constant element of surprise: you never know what your next assignment will bring, and every job is an opportunity to learn. As the saying goes, if you stop practicing, your clients will notice. For me, ongoing growth and adaptation are not just professional requirements—they are part of the joy of this lifelong journey.
My goal now is to keep sharpening my skills, embrace new technologies, and contribute to the visibility of NAATI-certified professionals worldwide. This career has taken me from Beijing to Dublin, from courtrooms in Canberra to online platforms that connect continents. And wherever I am, I know that with language, I can keep bridging cultures and building understanding.