Comments on: The process of becoming a professional translator

By: marika

marika — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:34:46 +0000

Hi, I am Italian but been living in the Uk for 3 years. I have a University degree in English and Spanish language and literature ( specialization in linguistics). I would be interested in becoming a translator but I do not know whether I need to study and specialize any further?

By: Leire

Leire — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 13:17:03 +0000

Today being bilingual is not enough to become a professional translator. You need experience and a chance to proof your skills.
Having the right tools to produce a good translation and somebody backing you up become essential as well.

By: Slivia

Slivia — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:55:56 +0000

Hi Maria, exactly what I said to Jessica. However, I see it as you have a great advantage and agencies will see that if you are bilingual as translations should away be carried out by native translators into their target language.

I suppose your language combinations would be English to Italian and English to Spanish. These languages are in great demand but be warned there is heavy competition as there are thousands of highly qualified native translators out there working with these combinations. I personally think you could have a career in translation. Good luck!

By: Maria Hulett

Maria Hulett — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:23:53 +0000

Hi, I’d like to know if I need to study to become a translator. I’m half Italian half Venezuelan, I’ve lived in the US and currently living in Denmark. Is Translation a career?

By: Silvia

Silvia — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 13:51:04 +0000

I have been reading on how experience is what you really need to get a shot in becoming a translator. My question know would be do you know of any schools that are recognize for their programs in translation?

Hi Jessica, I think it depends on a number of factors. You mention about schools offering recognised programs, I think these courses are of little help in obtaining a job. Sometimes they are good if you want to specialise in a certain area of translation like subtitling etc. You need Uni Certification to back you up, something with weight plus then experience.

If you don´t have experience, get your foot in the door of an agency by offering lower rates. Once you have proved yourself, you have a job for a long while.

BTW, Trados offers a program that comes with a training course followed by a certificate. Could be worth a look at. Let me know what country your in and I can point out some courses.

By: Jessica

Jessica — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:50:16 +0000

I have been reading on how experience is what you really need to get a shot in becoming a translator. My question know would be do you know of any schools that are recognize for their programs in translation?

By: Gemma

Gemma — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 13:49:50 +0000

Becoming a professional translation is a question of experience in the translation field. I don´t think you need to be qualified to do a good job.

By: Tony

Tony — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 09:18:23 +0000

For me becoming a professional translator or interpreter is just a matter of experience in the field. If you feel confident enough and have the right translation background behind you, that is all you need.

By: Javi

Javi — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:19:55 +0000

I am a “Professional Translator” and have had continuous work even though I have no formal translation qualifications. Experience and talent to translate are the two most important factors. As I studied Engineering and had knowledge of Spanish and English Language I became a specialist translator focusing on Engineering. I think translation agencies look for something special in CV’s as they receive thousands a day… at the moment even more due to the slow down. You have to stand out and get your foot in the door.

If and when I need to find work I always contact agencies and offer to do a short test along with my CV, this proves my talent. Invest a little of your time to prove you are best for the job. Of course, if you have the time to study a degree or a course on translation, better still. Good luck all.

By: Enrique

Enrique — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 15:04:20 +0000

You should always be honest about your CV and give references.
I personally think experience is the most important fact to take into account when choosing the best translator.
In Spanish translation agencies, as I see it, sworn translators come first.