It takes practice, skill and patience to become a translator.It is a fast-growing field that offers many opportunities to learn new things and work with many different types of people.You are the link between communication and how people can learn from each other.
Step 1: Become familiar with another language.
It's sort of an understatement.You need to know another language inside and out, from formal dialogue to casual conversations, to incomprehensible terms about a variety of topics.It's a good idea to study your own language.Most people don't know how to explain to you how their mother tongue works.If you want to understand how foreigners approach your language, you need to know more about it.
Step 2: Pick a major that will give you an area of expertise.
It is possible to get a Bachelor's of Translation if you go to a translation school.Do you want to translate at a bank?You should get a degree in finance.Do you work at a hospital?You can get a biology degree.The right knowledge base can help you understand what it is you will beTranslating to be able to do it well.You need to work on your writing skills as well.A lot of people think that being a translator means you know two languages.To be a successful translator, you have to be also a good writer.You should study up on your writing as well as your language of choice.You can speak the language, but not write it well.
Step 3: Take translation and interpreting classes.
A good translator makes tiny changes to the text they are working with to make it as good as they can be, taking into account audience, culture, and context.If you live near a college, take classes in translation or interpreting.Selling your skills to future employers will be helped by your educational background.Looking for opportunities to perform translation or interpreting work on campus while you are in school.It's important to start early so you can get experience and get recommendations later on.
Step 4: You can go to that country if you can.
The best way to get an appreciation for a language is to visit a country where it is an official language.You will get a true feel for how the language works when you see how people talk and learn regionalized terms.The longer you stay in that country, the better your second language will be.Make sure you spend your time with locals.
Step 5: Take volunteer opportunities.
It is likely that you will have to do work for free when you are just starting out.Turn to community organizations, hospitals, and sporting events that have international participants and see if you can translate for them.It's necessary to start out in this career.Chances are you know someone who works in an industry that deals with many different types of people.Ask them if they could use some help.Why would you be turned down?
Step 6: You should get certified.
It will be easier to get a job if you have certification.Employers look at your background and see that you have the skills to do the job.Potential clients can find you on the website of the organization that you go through.The American Translator's Association has certification programs for translators.If you want to become a judicial or medical translator, there are organizations that offer specialized certifications.Check to see if your state or area has an accreditation program for interpreters.
Step 7: Get tested.
The Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) can be used to show potential clients that you are proficient in your language.Showing your test results to prospective employers is a quick way for them to assess your skills and see that you will be good for the job.The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages offers many tests.There are many tests online offered by other countries.
Step 8: You have to sign up for job forums.
There are job postings on websites like Proz and Translators cafe that can help you get started in your career.Generally, the ones that cost money are more lucrative in the end.If you take a test on Verbalizeit or Gengo, they assess your skills, and you are put into a pool of translators that clients come to for work.You should try these sites once you have your resume set.
Step 9: You should get an internship.
Most interpreters and translators get their experience through paid or unpaid internships.You may be hired as a full-time employee at the end of the internship.It is possible for inexperienced interpreters to work with more experienced interpreters.If you're interested in speaking, ask any potential employer if they have a shadowing program.
Step 10: You should market yourself.
Most translators are not employees.Taking work as it comes and goes is how you'll work on a project here.You need to market yourself everywhere.Even if it's just a few hours, who knows where the next job will be?Law firms, police stations, hospitals, government agencies, and language agencies are some of the best places to start.If you have some recommendations under your belt and you charge decent rates, this will be easy.
Step 11: There is a niche.
If you know the language and the topic, you should concentrate on one niche.If you know all the hospital terminology, you will be more prepared for the challenge.You will be able to spot content mistakes when they appear.In industries with a high demand for language services, such as court or medical interpreting, it's easier for a translator to find work.It's wise to have a niche in one of these areas.
Step 12: Direct mailing is something to consider.
Good translators are always in demand.Ask for a test translation of your name, contact details, languages and rates.The longer your letter is, the less likely it is that people will read it.
Step 13: You should keep your rates competitive.
As you gain more experience, you can charge more and more.Your rates should be similar to those that match your experience.You should charge a reasonable price for the times.When the economy wasn't doing so well, many translators saw a decrease in the prices they could charge.Make sure your rates are in line with the times and industry.
Step 14: Get the right software.
Computer Aided Translation tools are a must for every translator or interpreter.If you plan on working on any projects, it is a good idea to install the free Open Source CAT tool OmegaT.Many sources prefer to work with the TMt produced by Trados, which is expensive.If you can, upgrade your software to make it easier to do your job.
Step 15: Don't translate your native language.
It is much easier to translate to your native language from your second language.It is likely that you will have to do a bit of research in your native tongue in order to get some of the information you need for each work.It is doubly important to know the ins and outs of your own language.It is easy to translate a topic you know like the back of your hand.
Step 16: Stick to what you know.
Let's say a company contacts you and wants you to translate a piece on farming machinery used in the American Midwest of the late 1800s or work on something related to the freezing of human oocytes.You have to make sure every word is correct in order to complete work that is going to be the one you keep putting off.Stick to what you know.It will make you feel better about your work.Try to expand your field of expertise, but don't go too far.Do you do medical reports on labor and delivery?Start working on articles about children's care.Slowly increase your knowledge to support more related endeavors.You can spread out from there.