How to become a translator

There are several ways to prepare early for a career in translation:

• Read extensively in your second language(s)
• Pay attention to the news in your second language(s)
• Develop your writing, research, analysis, and public speaking skills
• Try translating short texts from one language to another
• Enroll in advanced foreign language classes
• Pay attention in all of your classes; this will help you develop a large vocabulary in a wide variety of topics
• Become computer savvy
• If possible, spend time in the country or countries of your second language(s); there is no better way to gain an appreciation for the nuances, idiosyncrasies, and regional terms of a language

Job seekers with an undergraduate degree typically have the upper hand when competing for positions in translation. Many universities offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Translation and in specialized translation from one specific language to another.

Bachelor's students in these programs are expected to gain mastery of both the written and oral components of a foreign language, and to apply that knowledge to translation.

Typically, students may also choose a second foreign language to learn during the course of their bachelor's degree education. Courses in translation degree programs commonly include:

• Advanced translation
• Linguistics
• Specialist texts
• Terminology
• Oral expressions
• Translation and media

Depending on their particular interests and career aspirations, students may choose to earn a translation degree or a bachelor’s in a second language or in the discipline in which they wish to provide translation services (for example: IT, economics, engineering).

At educational institutions which allow it, students may complete a double or dual major and thereby further increase their marketability.

There are no licensing requirements for translators. Voluntary certification, however, serves to verify skills and provide employers with proof of competency.

The American Translators’ Association (www.atanet.org) administers certification for many common languages. Translators can earn the Association’s Certified Translator (CT) designation by meeting specific education and work experience requirements, becoming a member of the ATA, and passing its certification examination.

The National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators and the International Medical Interpreters Association offer certifications as well. Some states have their own accreditation programs for translators and interpreters.

Taking language proficiency tests is another way that translators build their resumes and demonstrate to potential employers and clients that they are indeed fluent in their specific language. Among the most recognized tests is the Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) administered by the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (www.dliflc.edu).

The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (www.actfl.org) also offers many proficiency tests. Several tests offered by other countries can be found online, as well.

Most translators are contractors; not employees. Market yourself, gain experience, and build a portfolio by:

• Volunteering services to community and non-profit organizations; campus events; sporting events that have international participants, such as marathons
• Networking with fellow translators; seasoned professionals may need to outsource some of their work
• Entering into an internship or apprenticeship with a translation services firm
• Enrolling in job forums, such as www.ProZ.com | www.Verbalizeit.com | www.Gengo.com | www.TranslatorsCafe.com
• Considering direct mail marketing to translation agencies, asking to perform a test translation
• Starting a website or blog
• Having a niche; concentrating on a specific industry or subject matter (for example: mechanical engineering)
• Translating ‘to’ your native language; this is much easier than translating to a second language, especially in the early stages of your career
• Developing fluency in more than two languages

As you gain experience and seniority, consider expanding your field of expertise; but be careful not to expand too far.

For instance, if you specialize in translating medical reports on pregnancy, labor, and delivery, start learning the terminology of pediatric care. Slowly widen your expanse of knowledge and the scope of your work to related areas.