How to Become a Professional Translator?

Not every person who speaks two or more languages ​​can be a "translator". Because, besides knowing a foreign language well, being a translator requires specialization training, command of terminology, language and expression skills, etc. It is a profession that requires you to have many features at the same time. You become a good translator and make money online by translating.

In this part of our article, we will talk about what you can do to become a professional translator:

What should be done to become a professional translator?

1. Thoroughly study the source language

First, you should choose a foreign language and conduct a comprehensive study of that language.

Almost every living language is suitable for translation services, so when it comes to translation, it's okay to learn even the most extreme language you can think of. Of course, we cannot deny the fact that languages ​​that are widely used around the world are much richer in terms of translation studies. However, considering that most people know these common languages, the high rate of competition will not come as a surprise to anyone. In less common languages, there is a much lower demand for translation, but since the number of people you will compete with will decrease significantly, you can easily stand out from your competitors, moreover, you can easily access well-paid translation jobs that only a limited number of people can access.

Therefore, before making your source language selection, you should start by researching job options for that language.

How Does?

For example, you can review the available translator lists. Are you planning to head into a particular industry? How about researching which languages ​​are the most used in that sector? Is diplomatic or international correspondence in your field of interest? In that case, it would be in your best interest to have a command of one of the official languages ​​used by the United Nations (Arabic,Urdu, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish).

As soon as you have completed your language choice, you should strive to become fluent in that language. Getting your university education in the language in question, or studying or living in a country where this language is spoken, etc. The steps will help you achieve fluency in the language. This advanced language skill, which you can capture in the source language and even document when necessary, will take you beyond your dreams. The more education and experience you have in the source language, the greater the advantage you have.

Another way to improve or maintain your language skills is to take advantage of online platforms. Some platforms create a lot of real-world content such as movie trailers, music videos, news and inspiring talks and turn it into personalized language lessons. We recommend that you do your research.

2. Get specialized training

As we mentioned earlier, just because you speak or write a language perfectly does not mean that your translation skills will be equally excellent.

In order to be able to translate clearly and effectively, you usually need to take translation training in addition to language training. You can undertake extensive research on the translation science or translation and interpreting departments of universities, or you can try to attend small courses or seminars that will allow you to understand whether translation is a passion for you to follow.

3. Get a certificate

Becoming a certified translator is one of the easiest ways to demonstrate that you have the qualifications and skills to do the job.

ATA (American Translators Association) etc. The certificates of institutions are accepted worldwide. Thanks to such certificates, you can stay one step ahead of your competitors and add a global dimension to your business.

ATA issues certification in 24 languages, including Arabic, Chinese, German, Japanese and Spanish. However, getting this certificate is not easy. If you pass the exam, you will receive a special certificate in your name that you can use on your resume, website, business cards or any other promotional material.

In addition, industry-specific certifications are also available. For example, the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters offers a special “Certified Medical Interpreter Credential” to translators. Obtaining certifications specific to certain translation fields will show that you know a lot about the language in question, which will help you become a preferred translator.

Another thing to consider is that you get certificates specific to the field you want to translate – non-language related. For example, any legal certificate you will have will be enough to prove to employers that you understand the industry. In this way, you will become one of the favorite translators of the legal field. Similarly, being a certified nurse will enable you to take an active part in medical translation studies.

4. Identify a particular industry and learn terms specific to that industry

If you are sure that you are fluent in any foreign language, it is time to learn the terminology specific to the field you want to study. Because fluency in the language does not always mean that you can understand all industry-specific terms. Therefore, you should focus a little more on the concept of terminology.

For example, you can start by reviewing common terminology related to medicine, business, government correspondence, or education. There are several ways to do this.

You can take a course in your chosen field or search for different learning resources. Let's say you have an advanced level of English and you plan to use this knowledge in medical translations. You should search for a Medical English Course without wasting your time. You can take a self-paced online course or study “English for Health Professionals” etc. You can view the books.

If you are familiar with the source language terminology of your special interest, you can create a list of the equivalents of these important terms in your native language, and then work on this list of equivalent words.

If you want a more individualized study, you can look for a private tutor who can help you. Many language training centers offer in-person or online training to help meet the needs of individual clients, allowing you to expand your industry vocabulary to whatever you need.

5. Improve your computer skills

Translating also requires the use of certain computer programs. Because these programs make the translation process much faster and more efficient. Programs commonly used by professional translators include:

MemSource 

Wordfast 

MemoQ 

SDL Trados Studio

With a little internet research, you can find detailed information about the facilities or interfaces that these programs will offer you.

6. Focus on professional experience

The most brutal irony you can experience in translation, as in other career fields, is the requirement to be experienced to get a job - this fact makes you ask, " Well, how can I gain experience if no one gives me a job?" etc. It can leave you with an enigma.

However, the answer is simpler than you might think. Even if all the translation works you do for a short time or as a freelance are not financially satisfactory, they can bring you to a certain point in terms of experience. Moreover, each of them will be a plus element that will make your resume full. If you can tighten the belts a little at first and show a lot of patience, it is inevitable that you will reach the income level you want before long. Keep in mind that you can only achieve success with the experience you have gained, that is, with small steps.

You can gain your first experience in translation through job opportunities you will reach through your acquaintances or business contacts. Say what? Isn't it worth a try?

7. Do not settle for one foreign language

If you want to make yourself even more marketable or have a more successful career, expand your range of services. So try to increase the number of languages ​​you can translate.

Let's say you know Chinese well, moreover, you have reflected this skill in your Chinese-Turkish translations. But what if you add Spanish to this service?

Now you can also do Spanish-Turkish or Chinese-Spanish translation jobs, ultimately increasing your potential translation options and making yourself a much more employable translator.