How to Become a Professional Translator in 2021?

It’s no secret that the world is in dire need of translators. Language barriers are constantly creating problems for people all over the world, whether it be one country trying to communicate with another or an individual who doesn’t speak their native language trying to make sense of a document. 

Translation agencies are constantly on the lookout for more qualified translators though, so what are you waiting for?

Do you want to become a professional translator? Would you like to know the best way to set yourself up for success? If so, then this blog post is perfect for you. Here are some tips and tricks on how to become a professional translator.

It sounds simple enough, but it’s not. If you just speak a foreign language, go out there and start translating without any formal training or certification, chances are that your translations will be less than stellar. This blog post will give you the tools and knowledge to translate like a pro!

What does a translator do?

Translators are the unsung heroes of the international community. They are much more than just people who translate languages. Every day they work tirelessly to ensure that information is communicated clearly and without confusion, whether it be through written or spoken word. 

They frequently translate items into their mother tongue from a foreign language in which they are fluent.

Translators are not the same as interpreters. Interpreters work with the spoken word, whereas translators deal with the written word. 

They work in various fields, including law enforcement, the medical field, the military, and even marketing. What do they all have in common? They understand that language is a complex system with many layers of meaning. 

The best translators are those who can take this complexity into account when working on their translations to ensure that both parties involved will be able to properly communicate effectively.  This blog post will explore what it takes to become a translator and how you can get started today!

Translators can use their knowledge of 2 or more languages they know fluently as well as the culture behind it. This allows them to translate documents from one language into another while maintaining meaning and tone. 

Step #1: Get the necessary training

Do I need a translation degree to work as a translator?

Although a B.A. or higher in translation or related qualification such as the Diploma in Translation (DipTrans) provides you credibility and gives you an edge in this highly competitive sector, it is not required.

To work as a professional translation, you’ll need the following skills:

• At least one foreign language fluent (near-native) knowledge plus your mother tongue (source language)
• A thorough understanding of the culture of the target language country, which is usually achieved from living and working there for a long time.
• Excellent writing skills in both languages.
• An academic degree in the source language or another subject that can lead to a specialized subject area is preferred.
• A keen eye for detail and an insatiable curiosity!

What can I do to improve my language abilities?

Any translator must have excellent written mother tongue skills.

Reading, reading, reading is one of the most effective strategies to develop. For example, in your target language, and in your mother tongue, subscribe to high-quality magazines, journals, and newspapers.

Look for general or genre-specific writing skills classes, such as technical writing, copywriting, or legal drafting.

Become an expert in grammar and punctuation! A professional translator working in English must know how to use commas, semi-colons, and colons, as well as what takes an apostrophe and what doesn’t.

For advice and uniformity in your work, use a style guide. Many translators use prominent newspapers and publications’ style guidelines, such as The Economist or the EC Style Guide.

These are just a few examples; experienced translators continue to improve their source language and mother tongue skills in a variety of ways throughout their careers.

Step #2: Choose a specialization

Becoming a translator is an excellent career choice. But before you can become one, it’s essential to first choose what type of specialization you would like to pursue. 

When it comes to the translation industry, there are many different options for people who want to pursue a career in this field. 

Translators can work on a wide range of subject matters, including legal, technical, and financial documents, as well as marketing and advertising materials and product manuals. Literary translators work with literature, while subtitlers work with dialogue in movies, television shows, and video games. You have the option of specializing in a field that interests you.

You might be wondering, “Why should I choose a specialization to become a professional translator?” Well, that’s an excellent question. Let me tell you why! 

It is much more difficult to find work when unless you are qualified or trained in one or more subject matters.

Specializing in a specific field can be an advantageous route because you will have more work opportunities. However, if you would like to work as a translator but don’t know which specialization might suit you best, we’re here to help!

Translators are often asking “what’s the best specialization?” The answer is subjective because every area of expertise requires different skill sets that may complement other areas you want to focus on. For example, if you wanted to specialize in English literature translation then you would need a strong grasp of grammar rules and linguistic features such as idioms and colloquialisms. If I also wanted to become an art historian.

Step #3 Find an employer or freelance work

Translators are in high demand today, but there are still many people who don’t know where to find translation work. 

First, let’s talk about freelancing. Freelancers typically work on an hourly rate or per word basis for clients who need their services on an as-needed basis, rather than full-time work with one employer. 

The first thing you should do is create your own website that has your portfolio of previous translations and design it so that potential clients can see the quality of your work right away. Next, start networking with other translators by joining online forums like Proz (which was created for this very purpose) and LinkedIn groups related to translation services.

Next, search for job postings that match your skillset on websites like Indeed or LinkedIn. The last step is applying for positions by sending an email with your resume attached asking if they have any openings available for someone with your qualifications! Good luck finding.

Step #4: Keep up-to-date with the latest industry developments

Did you know that there are many new developments in the translation industry? I bet you didn’t!  Wondering what they are? Well, just read on and find out.

When you’re working in the translation industry, there’s always something new to learn. New technologies and skills are emerging all the time that will help take your career to the next level. If you want an edge on your competition, it pays to stay up-to-date with what’s happening in this fast-paced field.

It’s like the cloud got tired of holding all our data and spilled it out onto the internet. Now we can access translation industry news, software updates, and job postings at anytime from anywhere. What a time to be alive!