How to Become a Successful Translator?
If you dream about becoming a translator who connects the people and builds the dialogue between different cultures, put your plans into effect. We've prepared a couple of tips for translators-to-be. From this article you will learn how to start on the right path and how to meet the qualifications. If you do this part, you'll find a job in the blink of an eye!
- Become more than fluent in your second language (another than your mother tongue). You have to know it inside and out and feel great both in casual conversations and formal dialogues. It is also useful to study your native language – instead of intrinsic knowledge gain an extrinsic one, so you could easily explain grammar and semantics verbally and understand how foreigners approach your speech.
- Choose the right major in college and find an area of expertise. Of course, you can go directly to a translation school but there are lots of different routes to choose. If you dream of translating at a bank, you should get a degree in finance. To translate medical stuff, get a biology degree. You need the vast knowledge in your area to be able to translate texts properly.
- Write as much as you can. Translator job isn't only about knowing two different languages – it is also about being a good writer. To sum up: study language, topic and writing. You may speak perfectly but still write under average – do not let this happen!
- Take interpreting and translation classes. Take into consideration not only literal meaning but also audience, context and culture. An educational background is absolutely essential when it comes to selling your skills to eventual employers. Start as soon as you can – the sooner you begin to translate (for instance in school), the faster you get experience and valuable recommendations.
- Visit the country of your second language. It is undeniably the best way to appreciate all the nuances and gain overall deeper understanding. You will be constantly surrounded by people who speak in this language and talk with them. Moreover, you will get to know regionalized terms and feel how all of this naturally works. Please note: the longer you stay in the foreign country, the better. To learn as much as it's possible, spend time with locals (not with other immigrants)!
- Become a volunteer. In today's world working for free is often concerned as a failure, but it actually is a great chance to get some experience. If you're a beginner, don't hesitate to practice as a volunteer – you'll make some connections and start your career in a smooth way. Ask in every place you may think of, if the organization could use your free help.
- Get certified and tested. One may say that certification isn't obligatory. The truth is, it will help you get a job eventually. Every employer looks at the candidate's background and finding such information might be really helpful. Try to get on the list available through organization's website – future clients may find you there on their own! Language proficiency test (like DLPT) also works well. Showing good results to prospective employers is always a perfect way to prove your skills.
