Translation students. What do you need to know? Becoming a translator isn’t easy. But nothing worth doing. Is ever worth doing. It takes more than just language skill. No matter your experience. Many students graduate each year in language related fields. With hopes to take the industry by storm. Only to be hit by reality. Of being a translator. So what does a prospective translator need to know?
1. Competitiveness
Whether you’re a freelancer. Or an employee. You’ll face steep competition. Many linguists don’t realise the level of competition. For in-demand languages. Such as Spanish. French. German. Italian. Or Polish. The competition is more.
Linguists working with these languages. Often compete on a number of factors. Not just price. And accuracy. But in-depth knowledge. Experience. And turnaround times. Due to this. Translation students need to prepare for such competition. It’s essential that translation students create relationships with clients and agencies for long term work.
2.Difficult start after graduation
It’s difficult to start. But it’s worth it. It’s difficult to become well known. And make a name for yourself. Agencies won’t trust those without references. Before an agency puts their trust in you. You’ll need to prove yourself. In both sector knowledge and linguistic skill.
3. Responsiveness is King
As a translator. Agencies will want to keep in touch. You need to respond quickly. In less than 10 minutes. As a general rule. It can really make a difference. How much work you will get. More or less? Responsiveness is essential. Work is given out on a first come. First serve basis.
4. Prepare to be busy
You thought being a translation student was bad. As a translator. Prepare to twice as hard. And twice as much. Clients and agencies will flood you with work. So be prepared. However, the more work you can do. Within the deadlines. The higher chance you’ll have of receiving future work. However some translators will talk about the feeling of being overwhelmed. Which happens often.
5. Love what you do
You need to have the drive to get up in a morning. You have to love to what you do. Or you’ll lose clients. Although the rewards are great. The challenges can take their toll. Making you question yourself. This is why only people who love what they do. Succeed. And make it long term.
How long will it take me to go from translation student to professional translator?
Going from translation student to translator. Is a jump. There’s no doubt about that. It can take anywhere from 3 months to a year. Try out volunteering. Contact TedTalks and a few other organisations. And ask them if you can help. As a volunteer. If you are willing. Try working for an agency. Contact them. And ask. Work for free the first few jobs. Build up a portfolio. And a clientele. This will help you get future clients. Obviously, this will depend on how much you are willing to work. The more. The better.
Does Raptor Translation offer this?
Yes. Raptor Translations is looking to help young translation students make a name for themselves. Contact our HR team with the subject line. Translation student new translator. Our HR team will help you get to known. Feel free to use us as a reference for future work. We will be able to point you and give you tips. To better yourself. All with the aim of helping you become a professional translator.
As always if you are a translator. Consider working with us. We are always looking for translators. Regardless of experience. We will get back to you. And we hope to establish a long term relationship. That’s mutually beneficial.